Counselling, Psychotherapy and Group Therapy

I will provide my bank details so that you can pay straight into my bank account. This allows anyone to make payments into my account for telephone counselling or any other services that you may require. You can also by arrangement send me a cheque made payable to New Focus Therapy. If you require telephone counselling and do not have a land line, then I am happy to provide you with my telephone number for you to ring me for the appointment.
Online counselling is not suitable if you are experiencing an enduring mental health illness or are experiencing acute distress. If you feel you are in crisis or are in danger of harming yourself then is it imperative that you contact the emergency services for help or go to your nearest A&E department. Please see the Zoom Counselling UK Emergency Contacts resource list for crisis support. However, there are particular circumstances in which as therapists we can break confidentiality, and this comes under the code of ethical guidelines for counsellors. A need for breaking confidentiality focuses on keeping you as the client and others safe from harm.

While therapist’s licenses still limit where they can practice, teletherapy expands the pool of potential providers. This convenience makes therapy more feasible for those with busy schedules. Parents can do sessions during naps and employees can have sessions on breaks.
But let’s not underestimate the power of telephone counselling. It may be a good idea to create a bit of time immediately before your session as a kind of ‘virtual commute’ – as if you were travelling to the appointment, making a space in between the counselling and the rest of the day. Similarly, when the session is over, it could be worthwhile just taking a quiet moment before resuming your day. Your therapist will leave you a contact number or email address, in case you need to cancel a session. For all our clients your therapist is only available during your appointed counselling session. The most important thing in all counselling is to form a relationship with your counsellor where you can feel heard and understood.
Below I have provided a brief overview of the challenges and benefits for both Telephone or Zoom counselling, to aid in your decision for which is better suited to your needs. I have  also provided Counselling and Therapy for couples for over 25 years working with all types of relationship issues. Therapy is a dynamic process enabling individuals, families and couples to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely.

In addition, all of our therapists go through rigorous screening and on-boarding processes, meaning that you really are receiving the best care from the right people. Online therapy means you can receive support in a place where you feel comfortable and at ease. Being able to sit in your living room with your favourite hot drink, in comfortable clothes, perhaps with a blanket or a pet by your side, can create a peaceful and relaxing setting, which can be therapeutic in itself. This can also make it easier  for you to open up about what you’re going through. With evening and weekend appointments available, you can get the help you need without impacting work, childcare or other weekday-based priorities.
That’s this first, initial response, where our feelings seem to shut down and we deny what’s happened. This is actually our brain trying to protect us from having a massive hit of emotion in one go. Traditionally, therapists have used the ‘5 Stages of Grief’ approach (the Kübler-Ross model); however, as a solution-focused counsellor and hypnotherapist, I prefer the ‘7 Stages of Grief’ model. I naturally gravitate towards an approach that looks towards a positive future; and this model places more emphasis on the upward turn after those initial, painful emotions. You will need to use a laptop, computer, or tablet if possible. (You may need to make sure that your device’s microphone and camera are working).

Events, relationships and circumstances in life can be difficult for numerous reasons. Sometimes these can feel insurmountable and cause us to lose our sense of hope. Thinking about having counselling is a major and sometimes daunting first step but is a brave move forward.
Our professional therapy and counselling is available remotely/online to ensure it is accessible, flexible and convenient and you can get support anytime, anywhere. Our sessions – however they are carried out – will offer you a safe space to talk about your thoughts and feelings without judgment. While social distancing is recommended due to the Coronavirus/Covid 19, all counselling sessions will take place via Whatsapp, Skype, Zoom or over the telephone. Our areas of counselling expertise includes depression, anxiety, work-related stress, bereavement and relationship difficulties. We offer counselling for adults and young people (16-18 year olds).