FAQ

1. How does counselling or psychotherapy work?

Counselling gives the person the opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings in a supportive and confidential relationship. Often, this is the first time the person has spoken about what most deeply troubles them. This in itself often provides great relief. Exploration at greater depth can provide the opportunity for healing, freeing the person from the past. Greater self-understanding and self-acceptance can develop leading to better choices in the future.

2. Why do people come for counselling or psychotherapy?

People come for many different reasons but generally do so because something is not working in their lives. They may feel stuck or feel that they can't go on and wish to talk in confidence with someone. Sometimes people come because they are in crisis as something has happened that has turned life upside down. Others come to talk things out, to get greater clarity if they are struggling with a decision. Sometimes people come because they want to understand themselves and what is happening in their lives.

3. What happens at a therapy session?

Generally, the sessions involve you and your therapist exploring what is creating difficulty for you in your life.  You choose what and how much you would like to say.  The conversations are confidential and the two of you meet in a room by yourselves. The therapist is there to support you and help you reach clarity and understanding and a way through your difficulties.  Normally sessions are one hour in length.  

4. How much does it cost?

There is a set fee for each session and this is discussed and agreed when you call to make an appointment. A small number of places are available at a reduced fee for those who cannot afford the full fee.

5. How often do you need to come?

The ideal is that you meet with your therapist once a week. This helps the continuity of the work and allows time in between the sessions to integrate and build on the material covered. If a person needs additional support, extra sessions are usually offered. 

6. How many sessions are needed?

This varies, as each person is an individual with a unique experience. It can vary from a few weeks to several months or even longer. Most people find the changes they experience in their life deepen with the length of time they spend in therapy.  However, it is always the person's choice about whether they wish to continue and how long they wish to spend in therapy. This is something that is considered and discussed with the therapist.

7. Will I always feel like this?

People often ask this when they come first. My experience is that when clients work through the feelings that bring them to counselling, these feelings recede.  

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Agnew Counselling and Psychotherapy,
Brenda Agnew, Counsellor and Psychotherapist,
Address: Clontarf Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3.
Call: 01-4452139, 086-0661030.
Email: brenda@agnewcounselling.com