Counselling FAQs

  • Counselling (also referred to as therapy) means the use of a safe space where clients can come and share their thoughts and feelings about any kind of emotional or mental struggle that you are suffering with.  The opportunity to discuss things without judgement with a trained and objective person can help give perspective and relief to the client and help them refocus their thoughts for a more positive outlook.

  • Some clients find that 6-8 sessions is enough to move on from a specific issue.  However some clients become long term clients and find the benefit of counselling something that they integrate into their life for longer.  This is something that we will discuss during our first session.

  • A session lasts for 1 hour.

  • Sessions take place in my small but cosy office in Consett Innovation Centre, Office 15a.  I also offer sessions online via zoom.

  • A counselling session is 1 hour for you to share anything that is troubling you.  Sessions are informal and are guided by the client's needs.  We sit and chat and I am led by the topics that you wish to unload.  Sometimes work can include handouts and explanations of theories, but this is also client led and my decision to share theories with you is based on your personal goals for the session.

  • Sessions are £45 per hour, payable in advance by bank transfer.  But if your financial situation is a barrier to reaching out then please contact me to discuss this.  Don't struggle alone.

  • I am an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society.  My profile can be found here: https://ncps.com/counsellors/ncs21-00428

    My qualifications include:

    Princes Trust Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

    Chrysalis Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory

    Chrysalis Level 3 Diploma in Hypnotherapy

    Princes Trust Level 5 Certificate in working with children and young people

    Chrysalis Certificate Introduction to Neuro Linguistic Programming.

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

— George Bernard-Shaw

Hypnotherapy FAQs

  • Solution Focused Hypnotherapy means that I won't look back at the past and pick over painful memories to ascertain why you may be having difficulties.

    Instead, I concentrate on the positive aspects of your life and personality in order to create a favourable climate where you can move forward towards long-lasting change. It is a collaborative process and so we will work together to help change happen.

  • Hypnotherapy is nothing like the interventions you see in stage shows and on the TV, that is for entertainment NOT therapy. There are no swinging watches here! Trance refers to a focused state of mind in which the client is relaxed, but not asleep.

    I will help you achieve this through guided progressive muscle relaxation. We all go into trance several times a day without being aware of it – sometimes referred to as auto-pilot. You might have experienced this while watching TV, running, or driving a familiar route. Although you have been in trance, you know that you would have been able to react appropriately if something urgently needed your attention, and the same applies to hypnotherapy.

  • Generally yes, except for those people who lack the capacity to engage the imagination sufficiently to achieve trance. Some people with epilepsy can experience fits which disrupt the trance but they can regain it quite quickly.

    Everyone has the capacity to be hypnotised but it is a process in which the client has to collaborate.

  • The deep relaxation achieved during trance allows the subconscious mind to be more receptive to suggestions. These suggestions can be made to produce beneficial changes in behaviour and to tap into the person’s true potential.

    The therapist is the facilitator, suggesting positive thoughts to quieten down negative thoughts or to remove mental blocks.

  • Absolutely not. You cannot be made to do or say anything you do not want to do and you are completely in control at all times. The client is always safe and relaxed and cannot get stuck in trance.

    If suggestions are made that are not beneficial, you still have the choice to ignore them. If you were to feel uncomfortable or threatened, then you would become consciously aware and wake up.

  • In our first session together I would spend some time asking you questions about the positive changes you would like to make and to ensure I have all the information I need to tailor a hypnotic screed to you personally in time for your second session. We will discuss how the brain works and ensure that you feel ready to begin treatment.

    If there is time a short hypnotherapy taster will be carried out. This would begin with progressive muscle relaxation to facilitate a peaceful and relaxed trance before you hear some short suggestions pertinent to the changes you wish to make.

    With the remainder of our time together I would ask for feedback and ensure you are comfortable to continue treatment.

    All sessions will be 50-60 mins and would begin with a short chat, followed by a tailored hypnotherapy session and end with some time for feedback. Most clients benefit from between 4 and 6 sessions.

  • “When I first came to counselling I didn’t know what to expect, I had no previous experience with counselling and I found myself quite shy and reserved. After only a couple of sessions with Sophie I started to open up to her and the trust I felt with her was unexpected, I never thought I could be so open and honest with a complete stranger.”

  • “Sophie helped me understand myself more than I ever felt like I have before in my life. I truly can't thank her enough for the difference she has made to my life since losing my father.”

  • “She really helped pull my life back around and I really don't know where is be now if it wasn't for these sessions. I'm so much happier now coming out the other side of them, in what feels like a short year my life has completely turned around and changed for the better and I can't thank Sophie enough for that.”