counselling information
Counselling: what happens during your therapeutic process?
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Once you decide that you would like to go ahead with counselling you can
choose to have your session online or in person (in Twickenham, Greater London).
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Initially you will be asked to fill out a few
simple forms about yourself and a counselling
contract will be explained to you - this lays out
what you can expect from the sessions in
terms of ethical standards for example, and a
few things about how long the session lasts,
contact between sessions and so on.
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A session lasts 50 minutes plus 10 minutes for organising appointments, and other admin-type issues.
It is recommended that you attend at least six sessions to get the most from these sessions (NHS guidelines) but obviously you ​​​​can choose what you need. Many people seek long term support while others may just want a few sessions to 'offload'.
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My main mode of counselling is based on Gestalt therapy (humanistic),
incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and CBT-E (CBT techniques specifically focused on eating). These methods work well alongside each other, because the 'here and now' nature of Gestalt therapy allows people to explore more deeply their 'story' and their needs; the Cognitive Behavioural element enables the client to actively continue working on their process in between sessions.
I am a professionally trained therapist and life coach, a member of the BACP, and is a Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders (NCFED); she is also a non-clinical affiliate member of BOMMS (British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society). She has worked as a youth counsellor, and for Women's Aid, as well as with voluntary agencies, schools and universities, and employer assistance programmes.
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Comments from previous clients:
"Rachel made me feel immediately comfortable and able to offload without being judged. It was such a relief and helped me to be more able to stand up for myself at work".
"This was my first time with counselling and I am so pleased I did it. I can now see what I need to do with my future - thank you Rachel!"
"You're a great listener - loved the creative stuff too, when I needed it. Thanks for everything".
phone: 07905 356114
email: rachelbaylisuk@gmail.com
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This is your time to be heard and supported in a non-judgmental and empathic environment. You can feel safe to explore your feelings and thoughts, helping you to find awareness and clarity, addressing issues you need to talk about without fear of rejection.
I work with clients who need help with a variety of symptoms including anxiety, depression, general life stresses, bereavement, and low self-worth. Your 'voice' will be the most important focus in the room, and gradually, as the process develops, psychotherapeutic exercises can be introduced - you, the client, will always have the right to not do these of course. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) may be introduced which is a part of your process which can also be done in between sessions, enabling many clients to be more pro-active with their own day to day thought processes.
I also offer "Parallel counselling": we walk alongside each other while you the client can talk. Many people find it easier to talk more openly in this way. A venue will be agreed between us.
