FAQS
A Self Session is a unique 90-minute therapy session that combines traditional counselling methods and techniques with an immersive sensory experiences, helping to elevate overall well-being.
The space allows you to cocoon yourself in a safe, non-judgemental environment where you can use the time to explore what is going on for you, regulate your mind and body, and talk through problematic behaviours, somatic responses, relationships, work or life stresses, painful experiences, beliefs, feelings and emotions with a fully qualified integrative therapeutic counsellor.
If you associate with one of the following statements, then this service may be for you:
You have things that you want to get off your chest without fear of judgement or bias
You have a difficult decision to make and want to talk it through with someone impartial, without the influence of friends and family
You are a student concerned about starting university, keeping up with studies or making life choices after graduation.
You’re not sure if you really ‘need’ counselling, but something doesn’t feel right
You would like to focus on the 'solution' rather than the problem. Using solution-focused therapy (SFBT) sometimes called 'brief therapy', at the Self Sessions, we will encourage you to build on your strengths, rather than dwell on your problems or the limitations you feel. We will work with you to envision a desirable future and then map out the short-term goals necessary to achieve your longer term vision.
You would like time for you, time to be calm, relax, regulate and explore mindfulness techniques
You will get 90 minutes of counselling time to talk and reflect whilst getting insight and support from a qualified counsellor.
How does it differ to regular counselling?
There is no expectation that you will have any further sessions. In view of this we will discuss at the start of the session what you want to achieve in the allocated time available, this will help us stay focused and keep to your agenda.
Please note, we cannot guarantee full resolve of your issues within a single session. Whilst it is not obligatory, you may book in for further therapy sessions if you wish, which could look like a block of traditional therapy sessions or occasional Self Sessions.
Please note, a Self Session is not suitable for crisis or suicidal clients.
We offer a choice of sensory tools that you can select at the time of booking, which will be added to your session and offered during your session.
These include:
A choice of specially selected aromatherapy oils (diffuser), or candles that aid certain issues, such as anxiety, low mood
Fluffy Blanket Weighted Blanket
Heated Eye Mask (to aid relaxation during regulation exercises) Healing Crystals Squashmallow Cuddle Soft Toy
Zero Gravity Bean Bag (Moon pod)
A choice of binaural beats and sound waves to aid your presenting issue e.g. anxiety / focus / calm
Please note, you may also choose to have no sensory tools, the choice is yours, as it is your Self Session.
Single session therapy is where the therapist and client meet with the purpose of helping the client deal with a pressing issue in that session, while understanding that more help is available if needed through short term or long term therapy thereafter.
Research shows that when SST is offered promptly, over 50% of clients do not require further help from that point.
If after your Self Session you decide that you would like to continue with further therapy, you can choose to book another Self Session or get in touch to discuss our traditional therapy sessions (50 minutes).
(Subject to the therapists' availability)
We carefully choose the aromatherapy oils based around their therapeutic properties. Here are some of the oils we use and why:
lavender - relaxes instantly both mind and body
clary sage - lifts mood
cinnamon - makes you feel refreshed
orange - reduces stress
lemon - improves mood
apple - controls anxiety
peppermint - wakes up your mind and enhances focus
frankincense - helps battle anxiety and gives great stress relief
sandalwood - relaxes and calms body and mind
vanilla - increases happiness levels, uplifts your mood and stimulates feelings of relaxation and joy
Cancellation Policy:
At The Self Session, we understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to cancel or reschedule your therapy session. However, to ensure that we can accommodate all of our clients and maintain our schedule, we have a cancellation policy in place.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we require at least 48 hours' notice. If you provide us with less than 24 hours' notice, we will have to charge you the full session fee. We understand that emergencies can happen, and we will do our best to work with you if you have extenuating circumstances. Please note that if you are running late for your appointment, we will still need to end the session at the scheduled time to be fair to our other clients. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we will assume you are not coming and will have to charge you the full session fee.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with our cancellation policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Q: Should I inform The Self Session of any allergies before my therapy session?
A: Yes, please let us know about any allergies prior to the session. We use aromatherapy oils, lotions, candles, and incense, so it is important for us to be aware of any allergies that you may have. Your safety and well-being are our top priority, and we want to ensure that you have the best possible experience with us. Please inform us of any allergies during the booking process or at least 24 hours before your scheduled session. Thank you for your cooperation.
Outdoor counselling is good for those who may feel a little anxious or claustrophobic in the environment of a one-on-one session in a room - the potential intensity of eye contact is removed for those who find it an uncomfortable part of therapeutic work.
When we move our bodies and shift our environment, we can think differently about aspects of our lives that have before seemed immovable. Being outdoors is a physically more relaxing experience for our bodies and, therefore, our minds are freer to open up.
Working therapeutically outdoors can help with feelings of being “stuck”, as we are moving forwards in the sessions physically and the sense of looking forwards to the changes that clients want from therapy.
Being outside releases endorphins and is generally mood-enhancing, can support weight loss, lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, speeds up digestion, and improves heart health.
Walking together side by side also means a sense of equality and union in the partnership between client and counsellor, along with the often hugely valuable silences in therapy that are much easier to bear for many people.
