Linda Brandon Psychotherapy, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

What I offer

As the counsellor / client relationship is a special kind of relationship, the services I offer are designed to provide you with support to help you explore your experiences in relation to the problems of day to day living. I am fully trained to listen carefully to your problems and to support you while you find your own solutions. I will also maintain a sensible regard for your beliefs and values and work in ways to promote your personal autonomy.

I feel therapy will give you an opportunity to explore your past in order to gain insight into what is preventing you from leading a satisfying life and become the person you are capable of being.

Confidentiality is of primary concern to me. As such any information given by you such as name, address and any descriptions of your life and circumstances which might make you identifiable by others will be kept confidential by me. Confidentiality is a central and integral part of the counselling process and is assured to each client. My aim is to provide a comprehensive and skilled counselling and psychotherapy service, committed to the highest degree of integrity, confidentiality, ethical practice and care for clients. This will ensure that any individual attending counselling can freely discuss the most sensitive of issues in a protective and caring environment, safe in the knowledge that his or her identity and issues will not be divulged.

Client records and all documentation in relation to clients are coded using a reference number so that their identity remains confidential. No information written or verbal will be disclosed to a third party without the client's written permission.

Limits to Confidentiality

In exceptional circumstances counsellors may need to break confidentiality if they believe there is a real intent of serious harm or danger to a person under 18 years old, their client or another individual. Such circumstances may pertain to issues relating to sexual abuse, rape, self-harm, suicidal ideation or criminal activity. In as far as is possible, in such cases, a full explanation will be given regarding the necessary procedures that may need to be taken.

Please note I do not provide reports for court purposes or to resolve medical or legal disputes.

Psychotherapy Counselling Appointments

In general appointments will be on a weekly basis at a fixed time. To get the full benefit from counselling it is important that you attend regularly. The sessions are individual one to one and last 50 minutes.

Some of the issues I can help you work with:

• Anxiety
  
• Anger
  
• Bereavement - loss, separation & relationship break-downs
  
• Childhood issues
  
• Depression
  
• Dependency
  
• Despair
  
• Emotional crisis
  
• Feelings around trust & jealousy
  
• Gender issues
  
• Post natal depression
  
• Self esteem
  
• Suicide issues

The First Counselling Meeting

Before your first meeting with a counsellor you may feel anxious and uncertain. This is perfectly normal. Also you may have some questions about what happens in a session.

Sometimes you might feel uncertain to why you need to see a counsellor at all, or are doing it because someone else has asked you to go. Perhaps you feel your situation is hopeless or impossible, or you might doubt anyone in the world could help. These feelings are completely normal at this stage.

On our first meeting please feel free to ask questions or queries regarding any issues around counselling / psychotherapy, or about my qualifications. Write them down before you come so you will not forget what they are. I will try and answer your questions and if I can't I will be happy to address them at our next meeting.

The first meeting may be about gathering information, learning about what you should expect from counselling / psychotherapy.

Remember, I am here to help not to judge so never be afraid to say how you feel or what you are thinking.