Oakes Counselling

Where do you hold your sessions?

I currently hold sessions in Kent Road, Old Town, Swindon.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes, I do offer online counselling sessions using any platform that best suits your situation.
Please contact me for further details.

Do you offer outdoor sessions such as walk and talk therapy?

Yes, if you'd prefer to be outdoors during your sessions then I can offer walk and talk therapy in a convenient location for us both.

There are many beautiful walking locations within the SN1, SN3 and SN4 postcode areas for us to choose from.

If a more accessible outdoor counselling session is required with less or no walking then we can discuss alternative options.

How long is each counselling session?

Sessions are booked in advance and last for 45 - 55 minutes.

One session per week, at the same time, is the most common, and recommended, format.
However, I do see a number of clients on a fortnightly basis if that suits you better.

It can sometimes be advisable for some people to have more than one session a week depending on the severity of your symptoms.

How long will we work together?

The length of time someone spends in counselling depends on the types and complexities of issues that are being experienced.

I offer both short-term (6-8 weeks) and long-term counselling but the decision as to how long we might work together will always be at your discretion.

We will collaboratively review your counselling experience and progress frequently but I aim to provide you with the autonomy and confidence to decide on the total number of sessions.

How much will it cost?

Sessions are £65 payable via cash or BACS and payment can be made after the completion of a session.

I do offer concessions for students, keyworkers, trainees and those on low incomes.

Please do discuss your financial circumstances with me.

What is Psychotherapeutic Counselling?

You may be familiar with the terms therapy, counselling, and psychotherapy; these are interchangeable words that, at a basic level, mean the same thing - a talking therapy service offered by a qualified professional.

Psychotherapeutic counselling is similar but distinguishable through a greater emphasis on the in-depth therapeutic relationship.

The relationship is the main factor in our work together.

What is integrative counselling?

The field of counselling has been researched extensively over the last century and certain theories have been born and developed as a result.

Three such theories are Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Person-centred and Transactional Analysis and my counselling approach is based on an integration of these theories.

Do you offer Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?

I'm not a CBT trained counsellor but I can work with you to bring awareness to some of your cognitive processes which may be leading to certain behaviours being undertaken.

This is something we can discuss in further detail if required.

How do I find the right counsellor?

It is important that you feel comfortable and trusting with the counsellor you choose to work with. I am aware that this is not always an easy process and for some it can take more time, effort, and sometimes more cost to find the right counsellor.

Counselling can be life changing for many and so the investment in finding the right counsellor is worth the effort.

I will speak openly with you about our working relationship and together we can decide whether I am the right counsellor for you.

If we both feel that a different counsellor might suit you better then I can assist you in finding another.