I believe that given the right conditions, everyone can become better version of themselves. Hence, I offer you the comfort of talking in a safe environment where you can express your needs and emotions and where you will be encouraged to work through your struggles. I believe in emotional support based on active listening, empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard. Together, we can discover ways to overcome difficulties and make everyday life much more enjoyable! 

Here are some details which will answer most of your questions about the counselling service and what should be expected while working with me. 

• I mainly use Person-Centered (Rogerian) approach to counselling. To learn more, please read the short description of the approach provided by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy at the following link. If you still have questions about the method you can always approach me via email or during our introductory session. 
• I may also provide skills training and problem-solving techniques that suit your needs.

First session:

• I will begin our first session by introducing myself and answering any questions you might have about the service. Next, you will be asked to introduce yourself and disclose the reason you decided to seek help. 
• In our first session, we will set short and long-term goals for our collaboration and start the process of finding ways how we can successfully achieve them. 
• You are encouraged to be open and sincere during the sessions and use your usual communication language. 

During the process:

• It is normal to experience unpleasant emotions while reflecting on your ongoing struggles or discussing personal matters during the sessions. Don’t be afraid of it! It is part of the healing process. 
• In order for me to understand you better I might ask some clarifying questions. Please know that it is your right to refuse to answer any of them. 
• Usually, I meet with my clients once a week for 50 minutes. Of course, this can be adjusted according to your specific needs.
• You are also free to terminate the process at any point without having to justify yourself. In this case, a refund of your remaining sessions will be provided.
• Counselling is a collaborative process. The progress you make is highly dependent on your investment.
• Please be aware, that it is not allowed to record the sessions unless it has been agreed upon in advance by both sides. 

Confidentiality: 

• Your identity and all the personal information you provide at all times are kept private and confidential. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:
  1. I may discuss the content of our sessions with my supervisor while keeping your identity anonymous.
  2. In any case, when I believe you are of imminent physical threat to yourself or others I might be forced to break the confidentiality agreement.
  3. If I have a legal responsibility to disclose information It is my duty to provide all the information necessary to the authorities.

Referral: 

• My main goal is to help you. If you are in need of a different kind of service, I will provide referrals to other professional sources. This is not a rejection, it is an attempt to find a service that can benefit you the most.  

Cancelations and Rescheduling: 

• You may only cancel or reschedule your appointment the latest 24 hours before your scheduled session free of charge. You should notify me directly and ask for a rescheduling.
• Cancellations later than 24 hours before and/or non-arrivals count as a lost session which will be charged. Of course, I keep emergencies into consideration!
• Each session lasts for 50 minutes, and in case you are late I can not guarantee that the session will be prolonged.

Long term commitment:

• I mostly work with my clients for long-term. There are multiple reasons behind this decision. Firstly, healing takes willingness to engage in a long-term process of exploring your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. So, it is important to establish commitment on both sides for a specific amount of time. Secondly, we can set short and long-term goals after which I can better accompany your journey toward the desired outcomes. Also, during our meeting, we can open certain topics that might require further elaboration. By making sure we meet again, I can guarantee that you are not left in a vulnerable emotional state and get all the support I have to offer. 

Working online:

• During the meeting, you should ensure that you are in a comfortable and quiet environment and prepare the proper technological equipment which you need for a video call.
•  The call can take place either on MS Teams or on Google Meet depending on your personal preference. 

Booking:

• You can book your first session by contacting me via email.
• You can send an email at any time of the day. I will get back to you as soon as I can.  Please be mindful of my working hours while initiating a call.