Frequently Asked Questions about Counselling

Person Centred Counselling

Person Centred Counselling is one of the most well-known and popular types of Counselling. Developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940’s 1950’s, there is an emphasis on the relationship between the client and counsellor. The client remains the centre of this relationship and is in charge of what happens in each session.  This is a very effective way for the client to talk about what is important to them and to determine the right way forward for him or herself. The aim is for the client to realize their potential and to trust and understand their own inner voice about what is right for them and how they would like their lives to be.

How does Person-Centred Counselling work?

As a Person-Centred Counsellor, I hope to create and offer an environment that is non-judgmental, honest, open and safe for people to discuss whatever their issues are. It is very important that the client feels secure, that it is a confidential environment and that they are able to bring what ever they want to the session and will feel that they are being respected and accepted.

Who is Person Centred Counselling suitable for?

I am tempted to say everyone.  I think it is suitable for a wide range of clients and a wide range of issues. The spirit of Person Centred Counselling is to build trust and a helpful and supportive relationship, which offers the freedom to express emotions and talk about difficult issues with no pressure or judgment. There is no ‘technique’ other than providing an open and honest space to talk. I hope that Counselling is seen as something that is for everyone. There are often points in our life when talking to someone professionally might be helpful. It can be a very empowering experience and a proactive choice for people.

What issues / problems are suited to person-centred counselling?

A wide range of issues; anxiety, stress, depression, grief, relationship issues, transitions in life, addictions, anger issues, career decisions, fertility. However I don’t know that you always need a specific issue. It could just be that you don’t feel life is quite how you want it to be and that there may be reasons that are worth looking at as a way to find solutions.

How many sessions will I have?

That is entirely up to you. There is no fixed amount. We might agree an initial number, say six, when you first come and then we can review this after these are completed or at any point. Sometimes knowing that you have an amount of sessions can help provide the space for you to explore, what you have come to resolve, without pressure. Sometimes people might find that there are further issues to look at or sometimes they may feel that for the time being they have got what they wanted from the sessions they have had.

How do I find out more information or book an initial session?

For further information or to book an initial session, you can contact Francesca directly and confidentially on francesca.therapies@gmail or 0141 423 4136

My thoughts on being a Counsellor - part 1

I trained as a Person Centred Counsellor at Strathclyde University. My aim for my work as a Counsellor is to make Counselling as approachable as possible for everyone. I really do believe that Counselling is simply a place to talk and to be listened to by someone who has total regard for what you are saying and feeling.

I think it can be a very profound experience. It is also a very alive and interesting experience, to be finding out and exploring your own emotional landscape. It is an opportunity for you to think about yourself and how your life is and how you would like it to be. I think it is very true that people ultimately have the answers themselves. My role is to be alongside people in that process. Counselling should also provide a very safe environment. As a client, it is important that you come to things at your own pace and in a way that suits you. There is never an intention to push anyone into feelings or bring up things that they are not ready to experience. It is not a process that can be forced or rushed, it can take time to work back through experiences and to find the route of a feeling or a self-belief that we wish to change. And I hope that what I offer is the space and professionalism to facilitate that. 

Acupressure: Spleen 3 - A point to massage during late summer

Acupressure Point for Late Summer.

Spleen 3 - I've been using acupressure on this this point all week between 9-11 am, which is its peak time. I really think it clears the head and allows for creative and productive thinking. It can help clear some of the stagnation that builds up when the Spleen channel is low in energy, where we find it hard to get going and feel like things are going round and round in our heads without being resolved. It may also help harmonise the digestion and help clear symptoms, such as aching joints, muzzy heads, feelings of heaviness and lethargy, sinus problems, digestive issues, all which might be troubling people after all of the rain this summer


Picture from: Acupuncture.com

Some information about Acupuncture and Assisted Conception

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

Natural Health For Fertility

Acupuncture Support During IVF/ICSI/IUI

Acupuncture may help:

Improve ovarian function

Regulate hormones

Increase blood flow to the uterus and increase thickness of the uterine lining

Relax and decrease stress

Lessen the side effects of drugs used

Strengthen the immune system

Improve semen quality

Help support pregnancy

Acupuncture is available with Francesca Howell who is a qualified, experienced acupuncturist and full member of the British Acupuncture Council.

Prices:

First visit £45 (up to 90 mins) Return visit £40 ( up to 60 mins)

Treatment Packages & Special Offers:

Booking in advance: £105 (3 sessions)

Initial Treatment

This is a preparation period and can start up to 3 months before treatment. We will discuss lifestyle, nutrition, and your wellbeing as well as focusing on any specific issues such as high FSH levels, low AMH, painful or irregular periods. Acupuncture can be helpful for both men and women. This period can really help prepare for and support the body during any fertility treatment

During IVF/ICSI/IUI

During the periods of ‘down regulating’ and ‘Stimulation’ Acupuncture can help with any effects of the drugs used. We aim treatment at supporting the body, regulating hormones, decreasing stress and increasing blood flow. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) advocates using acupuncture at this point in the IVF treatment to support the 'Qi' (energy) of the body in order to optimize the follicle growth and/or endometrial thickness as well as relax the patient so that the egg collection is as easy as possible.

Acupuncture can be helpful at different stages of treatment some examples of which are below, you can choose which might be of benefit to you.

Post Egg Collection

This treatment will take place just after egg collection. This treatment aims to aid post-operative recuperation and reduce internal swelling and abdominal bloating. TCM theory states that at this point the Qi of the body is devoted to repairing itself. We aim to aid this healing process in order that there is more Qi available to implant the embryo when the time comes.

Pre Embryo Transfer

This treatment is aimed at helping to dilate the cervical opening in order to more easily transfer the embryo into the uterus, It is also calming and relaxing preparation ahead of the procedure.

Post Embryo Transfer

This treatment occurs after transfer of the embryo back into the uterus. This session is designed primarily to relax the patient and from a TCM point of view, encourage the embryo to secure itself inside the body by using acupuncture points which ensure that the Qi of the body flows in an upward direction.

Implantation Treatment

This treatment is done 4 - 7 days after transfer, around the time that an embryo would naturally implant in the uterus. Our treatment encourages blood flow in uterus to be as thick as possible, and enhances the energy of the body which, when strong, supports implantation and subsequent pregnancy. It is also used to relax and support the patient emotionally.

Pregnancy

Additional acupuncture treatments to support pregnancy and tackle symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue or anxiety are also available

We were talking about these acupuncture points in our talk this week. They are points you can easily massage. They are on the Kidney Channel. They access the deep reserves of our Kidney energy and are good for adrenal fatigue, anxiety, worry or feeling depleted both physically and mentally. They can be spiritually both nourishing and uplifting. They also help open the chest and improve the Lung energy, so are helpful for any type of breathing difficulty.

Wall Photos

Ok, let's see if this works. This is my first blog. I am currently working on my website, which has been sadly neglected for the past year as I have been finishing my Post Graduate Counselling Diploma and that has pretty much taken up all of my time for a while. So revisiting my website is a strange thing. It feels a bit cobwebby and like there is a lot of spring cleaning and updating to do. I am newly qualified as a counsellor and somehow I need to incorporate that into the site. Also my work as an acupuncturist has changed since I was last here. And some of my headings need adjusting. I now work in Napiers off Byres Road, so I have added my contact details there to my bookings page. I am there very much as part of the Natural Fertility Centre which is very exciting. I am still at Woodland Herbs, although have changed my hours around a bit. My work there with Anna Hill has become an important part of what I do there and we are working on various projects such as the Natural Pregnancy in Glasgow website and also on Naturally for Women which is our own thing and is really a heading for working together which has evolved very organically and continues to be very rewarding. And I am growing my practice on the Southside of Glasgow. So, all contact details and prices are now up to date and I have added a combined back massage and acupuncture treatment to the list as this is something that I already do with some clients. That feel enough for now. I'm going to press 'publish post' and see what happens ........