Rachel Flemons

I work with a range of clients, some having short term 6-8 sessions. Others have sessions over a number of years & the remainder have something in between. 

If the issue you are struggling with has been something you have been trying to ignore for a number of years, it may take a little time to unpack it all. However, we review progress regularly & clients make the decision regarding the point at which it is time to stop. 

This means I regularly have space available for new clients, although evenings and weekends tend to have a waiting list. 

Attending counselling does not mean you are "mental" merely that there is something going on for you, for which you would benefit from some time and space in which to process what is happening.

I work  with families, couples, adults and children in the way which suits them most beneficially. My only aim is to build a therapeutic relationship so that you have a safe space to explore what is happening or has happened in your life. As well as working with adults using a combination of counselling therapies, I have a specialism in working with children; individuals with special educational needs or those on the autistic spectrum;  where beneficial I also introduce working creatively.

I chose Churchill Square as the location in which to base my office because there is no reception to sign in at, this allows my clients anonymity when attending appointments.

It is wheelchair friendly with a parking space for the disabled and a ramp to the door. The office is on the ground floor and has plenty of space. There is also a toilet for those clients with disabilities who need it.

With Covid-19 in mind, to keep clients safe I ensure I keep the window open when clients are with me. If ever needed again, I have the ability to check client's temperatures and have hand sanitiser for them to use if the Covid rate is raised in the locality. The chairs have at least 2 metres between them and the arms of the chairs plus any items used during the session are wiped down between each client.

Clients tell me that the counselling room feels like somewhere they can relax. It is quiet, calm and a space where you are free to take the mask off and be the authentic you.

Our first session is an assessment session. This gives me a chance to find out what your circumstances are and for us to talk about what you are hoping to achieve by attending counselling; as well as to ensure that I have the skills required to assist you.

The assessment session is as much about you assessing me, as me assessing you. Whilst I would never expect you to be pouring your heart out in the first session, I think it is possible to gauge quite quickly whether you believe we could build a good working relationship and vice versa. Change can only occur properly, if there is a trust built up over the sessions, so that clients feel safe talking about their innermost feelings. Sometimes things clients have never openly admitted to others or possibly even themselves, in the correct environment are discussed. 

At the end of the assessment session clients can leave and have a few days to decide whether or not they would like to start counselling with me. This gives them the time to talk about it with trusted family and friends should they want to prior to starting therapy.