MADELEINE WILLETT COUNSELLING
WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
The concept of counselling can be daunting for some and you can never really know what it’s like until you’ve experienced it yourself. There’s lots of different theories and technical definitions to explore but the best way I like to describe the feeling of counselling is like doing a jigsaw puzzle. It might feel as though all the pieces of your life – your thoughts and experiences – are haphazard, confusing, or don't make sense. It can feel pretty messy. Talking it all through, with someone who can listen without judgement or bias, allows us to turn the puzzle pieces over one by one. Taking it piece by piece can help break down what you’re thinking and feeling and allows you to understand more about what’s happening for you. Only with that understanding, can you start to make changes or gain acceptance for your situation. Seeing the pieces fit together with clarity is always a special moment for my clients and something I always feel very honoured to witness.
ABOUT ME
Hi! My name is Madeleine and I’ve been working as a qualified counsellor and registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) since 2011. I trained in integrative counselling with a focus on person centred therapy which means my approach focuses on you as the client with compassion, empathy and with no judgement. I offer a completely safe space for you to speak honestly and openly about any issues you’re experiencing. I then bring in other theories or ideas to align with your needs if and when required. But the focus is always on you. You are the expert on you, I'm there to facilitate and walk with you as we explore your experiences together.
I’ve worked with clients with a range of issues and experiences, including stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, grief and loss, relationship difficulties and addiction. I find there’s rarely one singular issue that clients present with as life is more complex than that. Whether it’s a troubling life-event, a challenging feeling or purely self-care, one of my strengths is to listen and accept you for whoever you are and hopefully we can work through your experiences together.
THE COUNSELLING PROCESS
The first step can often feel like a giant leap so I think it’s important to know what the process looks like when you access counselling.
GETTING IN CONTACT
First of all, you can contact me by phone or email and I’ll always endeavour to respond within 24hrs, but more often it’ll be sooner than that.
Tel: 0794 1220513
Email: madeleine.willett@gmail.com
I’m happy to have a short conversation on the phone or online free of charge to discuss the potential of working together and answer any initial questions you may have. We can then set up an initial assessment to get to know each other a little more and see what it might be like working together.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Our first meeting can be face to face or online, and we’ll go through a few questions to get to know each other. I’ll share a little more about how you and I could work together, the type of counselling I offer, and I’d hope to gain more insight into what brings you to counselling and what you hope to achieve. Together we’ll talk about the best way forward and arrange regular sessions if that’s how we decide to proceed. There is no obligation to continue after this initial assessment.
ONGOING SESSIONS
If we agree to go forward following the initial assessment, we’ll set up weekly, 50 minute counselling sessions. We’ll aim to meet on the same day and time each week for consistency. Weekly sessions tend to work best as they give enough space to process in between times, but are regular enough to gain momentum and really make the most of the time we have together.
ONLINE OR FACE TO FACE
It’s completely up to you! I offer face to face sessions in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire/North Bristol, or we can arrange sessions online using Zoom. Back when I was training to be a counsellor, I thought face to face was the only option for creating a genuine personal connection, but recent times have shown this is no longer the case. Online counselling has flourished since the pandemic and has proven to be just as effective and a worthy alternative to face to face if that’s more convenient to you.
One thing that is important is the environment around you. If you do choose online counselling, make sure it’s at a time when you can be alone in a comfortable space, uninterrupted. That’s a given with face to face sessions but just as important to uphold with online sessions.
USING ZOOM
Zoom is the most common tool for counselling as it offers the most confidential and secure service and is easy to use. If you’re not familiar with Zoom, here’s an overview of what that process looks like:
I’ll provide you with a link, normally via email, to access our session at the date and time we’ve agreed.
It’s best to test this link in advance to make sure you’re happy accessing the session on your chosen device (it works on laptop, tablets, phones etc). You may be asked to install or download Zoom if you haven’t used it before.
Once you’ve accessed the call, you’ll enter the online ‘waiting room’ where I’ll admit you to the call at the specified time.
FEES
Initial assessment: £35 (online or face to face)
Counselling sessions: £50 (online or face to face)
I ask for sessions to be paid for in advance via bank transfer. Any session cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will still be charged for.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND SUPERVISION
The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is an organisation committed to developing the highest standards of proficiency and ethical practice within the counselling professions. Being a BACP member means I share their values and that same commitment to professional standards. Part of my commitment to counselling involves attending regular supervision sessions where I share my experience of counselling with a trained supervising counsellor. No personal details of my clients are ever shared here, the objective is only to explore my approach to counselling and ensure I am offering the best support I can. I’m also committed to undertake continued professional development to extend my knowledge and understanding of counselling practice. You can never know too much!
