FAQs | Claire Connell Counselling Hove & Brighton

Question 1

How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me?

Accepted Answer

Qualifications and experience matter, but feeling comfortable with your counsellor is also important. The initial conversation and first session give you an opportunity to get a sense of how I work. There is no pressure to continue if it does not feel right for you.

Question 2

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

There is no set number of sessions because everyone comes to counselling for different reasons. I offer both short-term work and long-term therapy. We can continue for as long as it feels helpful.

Question 3

How often will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are usually held weekly at a regular agreed time. A consistent weekly rhythm helps create a safe and containing space. Sessions are usually 50 minutes. Longer sessions can be arranged where helpful, depending on your individual needs.

Question 4

What is Person-Centred, Gestalt & Existential Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Person-centred therapy is rooted in empathy, acceptance and the belief that you have the capacity for growth and change.

Question 5

What can a counsellor or therapist help with?

Accepted Answer

Counselling can help with a wide range of emotional difficulties, mental health challenges and life experiences, including, but not limited to, anxiety, abuse, stress, depression, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, overthinking, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, suicidal ideation, self-harm, loneliness and feelings of being overwhelmed.

Question 6

Where do you offer counselling?

Accepted Answer

I see clients at my practice in Brighton & Hove (BN3 & BN1) and online.

Question 7

Is counselling confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is an important part of counselling. I will explain how confidentiality works before we begin, including the circumstances in which I may need to share information because of concerns about safety, safeguarding or legal obligations.

Question 8

How do you keep up to date with professional development?

Accepted Answer

Alongside my BACP core counselling training, I undertake ongoing professional development to deepen my knowledge and continue developing the way I work. My additional learning has included bereavement and grief, trauma, neurodiversity, attachment and relationships, addiction, suicide prevention, creative therapeutic work, parts work and mental health.

Question 9

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel or rearrange a session, we can talk about this in our first session. I understand that unexpected things happen and will try to be flexible where I can.

Frequently Asked Questions