What's covered
DEPRESSION
ANXIETY
BEREAVEMENT
SELF-ESTEEM
ANGER
TRANSGENDER
BODY IMAGE
RELATIONSHIPS
FEAR
The list of reasons for why people come to counselling is endless. It can be one thing or many things. But together we can work towards finding you relief from what's troubling you, allowing you to move forward.
FAQs
HOW DOES COUNSELLING WORK?
Most commonly, we will see each other once a week. When you are in therapy, you do a lot of processing outside the counselling room. Seeing each other weekly means I can help keep you safe and grounded if anything has arisen for you since our last session. Later on, we may change to fortnightly or monthly sessions if that is right for you.
I don’t tend to give homework or work with CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) although elements of this may come into our sessions. We will work together mainly as a talking therapy and the power of this can be extraordinary.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE IT?
Counselling may not be an easy ride. It can be painful, it can make you sad, it can make you angry. All these feelings are valid and welcome in the therapy room and I’m not afraid to be in them with you. If you feel this isn’t the right time for you to be in therapy, that’s completely your decision. I would likely suggest a final session together but would never insist you ‘stick with it’. My counselling is about autonomy - you are in charge.
IS IT ALL CONFIDENTIAL?
I am a registered member of the BACP and adhere to their ethical code of practice. You can read more about it here. In a nutshell, everything that we talk about stays in the therapy room. Exceptions to confidentiality include, but are not limited to, if you, a child or vulnerable adult are in danger of being hurt or if you are a danger to others.
HOW MUCH IS IT?
A session is £45 and lasts for 50 minutes. The fee is payable at the end of each session by cash or bank transfer. You can also block book sessions in advance if you would rather not pay each time. If you need to cancel, I will need at least 24 hours notice or the fee will still be payable.
I also offer a brief telephone introductory call prior to booking a first session.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
There’s no fixed term. Many clients have six to twelve sessions and feel they make enough progress to end counselling. Some clients may have multiple complex traumas which can take longer to untangle and work through. We will tend to review after a couple of sessions and then every six after that. Sometimes counselling can be stop start and you may come back after a break to work through something different.
CAN I BRING MY FRIEND/PARENT/PARTNER/CHILD?
No. This is individual counselling and our relationship is important. Another person in the room changes the dynamic entirely. If you have a babe in arms, get in touch anyway and we may be able to work something out.
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
I work out of two therapeutic spaces in Suffolk: a quiet cabin in Eyke and Albany Villa in Melton. I also work in some Woodbridge (and surrounding area) schools.
OK, LETS DO THIS - WHAT NEXT?
First thing is to get in touch via the contact page or email ellie@rockhoppercounselling.co.uk and we can book you in for a quick telephone call or a first session. I will get back to you as soon as I can but I try not to leave you waiting more than a couple of hours.
Child Counselling
Can I book my child in for counselling?
Yes, I see children and adolescents in either of the settings; Eyke or Melton. The initial assessment would be with you and your child; every session after that would be with your child only.
Where possible, I also work with children in their school, although this is subject to arrangement. If you would like to discuss the possibility of me working with your child at their school, please get in touch. I am always looking for different schools to work with.
The counselling contract is with the parent, guardian or carer and this covers everything such as length of sessions, payment, cancellations, confidentiality and boundaries. As the young person is my client, we design our own contract together in a language that is appropriate for them. I will always respect the confidentiality and right to autonomy for the young person.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and, within a school environment, my safeguarding duties fall under the school’s guidelines. Otherwise, standard safeguarding principles apply in line with government guidelines.
Counselling for children is a bit different to working with adults, depending on the age of the child. Much of our work is around play and metaphor, a common way for children to process their feelings.
Sessions are £45 for a 50 minute therapy session.