Desnee Cunnane

Counsellor and Psychotherapist

FAQ's

How long do sessions last?A session is 50 minutes long and begins at the time booked.
Sessions are arranged on a weekly basis, at the same time and at the same place.

What happens if I am unsure about whether I want to proceed with counselling or therapy? Our first session together is an assessment, to allow you to describe the issue you would like to explore, to allow me to discover something of your personal history and for both of us to see if we can work together. Sometimes a check-up with your GP is a good idea to see if a problem, such as depression or anxiety, has an underlying medical cause.
You are under no obligation to continue beyond a first appointment, although the usual fee will be charged for it.
If we do agree to work together, I will offer you an informal contract, which explains the timings of sessions and what happens in the event of cancellations or missed sessions.

What actually happens in the course of a session?In the sessions you would be exploring your own unique experience and I would be providing a safe non judgemental space to support you with ideas, challenges and opportunities to make changes. It is difficult to be more specific than that, because so much depends on the issues you bring and the goals we set for our work together. Therapy can sometimes be painful and feel like hard work but, in my experience, people feel it has been worthwhile when they notice improvements in their day-to-day life and a greater sense of well-being.

What happens if I have to cancel an appointment?
If you are unable to make an appointment for any reason please inform me in good time and it may be possible to reschedule. An appointment missed or cancelled with less than 48 hours notice would be charged in full. You will not be charged for sessions if I am away or forced to cancel.

How does counselling draw to a close?If a set number of counselling sessions have been agreed, the contract comes to an end when they are completed. Sessions may be extended by mutual agreement. Notice of four weeks should normally be given before ending therapy, so that we can review our work together and make an appropriate ending.

Is Telephone Counselling for me?
Counselling by telephone makes the service available to those who might not otherwise be able to have access to it. There may be various reasons why you would consider telephone counselling. You may have mobility problems, work shifts, find face to face work too difficult, live in an isolated area or have a busy lifestyle. Please consider how comfortable you generally feel talking on the phone. It may be an option worth considering. Ideally sessions are weekly; and at the same time each week. However there can be some flexibility. You phone me at a pre-arranged time for a 50 minute session.

The number you call for counselling sessions is a landline in Norfolk. (The mobile contact number is for enquiries only.)

Useful Websites
I have selected some websites that I hope you may find helpful:

I hope some of these contacts are of use to you, but as I am sure you are aware, I cannot take responsibility for the contents of these websites