COUNSELLING
My name is Rhona Gough and I am a Person-Centred counsellor providing both short and long-term therapy from my consultant room to adults and young people. I offer counselling face-to-face when COVID regulations permit and by telephone and online using Zoom and Skype, which enable those at a geographic distance to connect with me.
I work as a counsellor within the University of Aberdeen Counselling Service and in addition I regularly present psycho-educational workshops on a range of mental health issues to students and staff members. My previous experience includes working with adults presenting with a range of issues within the primary care sector, based in a hospital & medical centre settings, and with young people within secondary school.
I work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, coming to me with a diverse range of problems. As a fully-qualified counsellor I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and abide by their code of ethics.
"People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner. I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds." (Carl R. Rogers, A Way of Being)
Making the decision to see a counsellor is a big step however I hope you find it a positive one. Please scroll down to find out if counselling could be helpful for you.
SUPERVISION
As a supervisor I have experience of working with counsellors-in-training; counsellors working with adults; and counsellors working with young people with a range of issues.
In supervision I work towards creating a relationship where there is support, challenge, respect and dialogue where we can learn and discover together.
We will have the opportunity to reflect together on your client's process, your process and the counselling process. In addition time may be taken to explore your own development-personal and professional.
I am predominantly person-centred in my approach and work mostly with person-centred and integrative supervisees.
"When two people come together in a wholly genuine, open and engaged way, we can say that they are both fully present." (Mearns & Cooper,2005 37)
HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP?
Life can bring loss, change and many challenges, and it is understandable that at times we might look for support in facing them. As a counsellor my role is to provide a safe confidential space to help you on your journey of self-discovery; to enable you to examine your life and make new, meaningful choices within it.
My approach to therapy is integrative. I use Person Centred, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This is a non-judgmental way of working, where I am committed to create the right conditions to help you increase your self-awareness; to move towards and reach your fullest potential.
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
- Feelings of stress or anxiety
- Addictions
- Panic attacks
- Relationship problems
- Grief, loss or bereavement
- Ongoing suffering
- Gender Based Violence
- Problems with Addiction
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Questions and doubts relating to faith
- Abuse
- Depression
- Problems with confidence or low self-esteem
- Anger management
- Issues relating to sexuality
- Difficulties at work or in retirement
- Problems with family or school life
- Transitions
- Existential issues
- Uncertainty relating to the future
LOCATION, FEES & AVAILABILITY
I work from a private room located in Cults, where clients can arrange to meet with me. I also offer sessions via Zoom and Telephone if this fits better with peoples lifestyles.
Sessions for counselling last 50 mins, and for supervision last 60 mins.
Fees available on request.
SPEAK IN CONFIDENCE
Counselling takes place in a safe space, where we can meet, and I will listen with sensitivity and empathy and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.
A PROBLEM SHARED...
Trouble with a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings or depression, many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to manage. Counselling gives us a set of tools we can use to help gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems, and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.
MAKE BETTER, HEALTHIER NEW CHOICES
Working together I will aim to help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem; something that can be discussed and hopefully resolved within a limited number of sessions. Over a certain number of weeks the understanding of the problem improves and a way forward becomes clear. Therapy often describes work that goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial life issues and problems having a deeper effect on the client’s life. Therapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.
Which option is most suitable depends on you and the difficulties you are facing. In some cases counselling works well as an ongoing, longer-term option, or therapy can manage to resolve an issue in just a few sessions.
How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues you are facing. For some people a couple of sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, and they feel ready to move forward; other problems may require more of an open-ended approach.
Before we begin any work we will agree on the number of sessions we’ll undertake, and at the end of that number review our progress. As long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.
My aim is to offer a first appointment within 1-2 weeks. Then we would arrange a set number of counselling sessions to take place, that is convenient for you and where I have availability. How quickly these sessions can begin will depend on the availability.
Most of what is shared within counselling stays confidential, however there are some exceptions to this rule and we can discuss these when we first meet.
CONTACT ME
Please contact me by email or telephone if you would like to arrange a first appointment and/or if you have any questions you would like to ask. This will enable us to discuss what you wish to gain from counselling and whether I am the right counsellor for you.
I endeavour to answer enquiries within 24 hours. Please be assured that all calls and emails are only accessed and responded to by myself. I use secure phone and email services.
Tel: 07896977000
Email: rhonag1@hotmail.com
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.