Counselling with Pamela Roper

Frequently Asked Questions

Who comes for counselling?

I see individuals, over 18.


How often does counselling take place?

It can be arranged weekly or twice weekly and each session lasts for 50 minutes.


How long does it take?

The period of counselling may be from six weeks to a number of years.
Initially two sessions are arranged for us to meet, decide whether a period of therapy is required and if it would be helpful. Times, dates and fees for future sessions are then agreed between us.


What do therapists do?

They diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, behavioural problems and relationship difficulties.

Can you give me an idea of your charges?

Payments are discussed in the initial meeting, agreed with you and reviewed annually.
My fees are £45, but there are reduced fees for sessions on Friday mornings.
In principle you will be expected to pay for missed or cancelled sessions except for those cancelled by me. This enables me to maintain your regular appointment time for the duration of your counsellling. However in practice I do allow some flexibility with this.


What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist?

A psychiatrist may or may not be trained in 'talking treatments',therefore a psychiatrist may prefer to use medication. A psychotherapist would only use 'talking treatments'.


Would you ever break the confidentiality of the counselling sessions?

I will only move outside that confidentiality in extreme circumstances, where either you or another human being is at risk of being hurt or killed.


Will I have to lie on a couch during my counselling?

No, that method was associated with Freud and that is not how I practice.


How can I find a counsellor in another area?

Contact the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy at 1 Regent Place, Rugby, Warwick CV21 2PJ. They keep a register of all the counsellors in the UK and will let you know counsellors and supervisors for your area.


What if I get upset during my sessions?

Counselling is a place of allowing, and certainly tears sometimes come as a result of sharing your experiences. It is also a place to express your anger and other feelings that you may have unknowingly suppressed, but the counsellor will not judge you whatever happens during your session.


I am scared of what may come up from my past, and how I will deal with it.

The idea of counselling is that you have a shared journey. If what happened in the past is not affecting you now, then there is no need to take it out and examine it. If there are things going on in your life now,then you may want to examine your life from past events in a safe place with someone who you trust. Very often just taking them out and looking at that those locked-away feelings is enough to enable you to move on.