Counselling Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions. More information about our service can be found on our Counselling page.

FAQ Index

• Who is counselling suitable for?
• I would like a psychic reading or healing. Is your service right for me?
• Can I discuss someone else who has a problem?
• Can you find me a local therapist or support group?
• Is your counselling/therapy helpful?
• How do we communicate?
• Can we communicate interactively?
• What issues do you work with or specialise in?
• What types of intervention or counselling do you use?
• Do you counsel people of varying sexuality and different or unconventional religious beliefs?
• How do I pay for therapy with you?
• What if I miss a therapy session with you?
• What if I want to end therapy?
• How secure and confidential is face to face counselling/therapy with you?
• Your background and qualifications?
• I want to complete the FREE Confidential Application Form?

Who is face to face counseling/therapy suitable for?

• It is suitable for people in crisis who need immediate professional help face-to-face.
• It is suitable for people with depression.
• It is suitable for mental health problems.
• It is suitable for people who have suffered trauma.

I would like a psychic reading or healing. Is your service right for me?

My face to face counselling does not offer a psychic reading service.

This is a paid service offering counselling and therapeutic support.

Often the best answers for you can come from within the self or by accessing your own intuitive resources or higher wisdom, and face to face counselling is one form of guided self-exploration. This is not a `quick fix` solution, but a journey of self-discovery which will take its own time.

Can I discuss someone else who has a problem?

Yes. However my face to face counselling/support is not suitable for ‘counselling by proxy’. I can only communicate directly with the would-be or actual client and their perspective.

Can you find me a local therapist or support group?

Yes. If a counselling/therapeutic relationship is developed, and you wish to transfer to local therapy later on, I will do my best to help you find a suitable resource, e.g. a therapy organisation, support group for you if appropriate.

Is your counselling/therapy helpful?

Face to Face Counselling/therapy can be an adequate method of helping someone work through some of their feelings and thoughts and encourage and develop change for them. It can be effective in helping you take control of your life in a productive way.

It is widely accepted that writing can be used therapeutically. Keeping a journal or dream diary, and undertaking various written exercises or homework, are sometimes used in therapy. The very act of writing can help you organise your thoughts, develop focus and clarify your feelings for some people.

How do we communicate?

Counselling and therapy involves a face-to-face encounter.

Can we communicate interactively?

No.

What issues do you work with or specialise in?

Counselling/therapy and support may be helpful for a wide range of problems and issues. While I am a general practioner my special interests include the following:

• Stress
• Redundancy, job loss, retirement (Counselling on psychological and emotional issues and preparing for career change. I do not provide financial counselling or find people work.)
• Identity crises
• Depression
• Bereavement and Loss
• Workplace bullying
• Anxiety
• Help and development in the use of affirmations
• Working with dreams and inner experiences
• Relationship problems
• Career development (Life Purpose)
• Problems of a spiritual, transpersonal or metaphysical nature

If your specific problem or issue is not listed above, you are still welcome to contact me.

What types of intervention or counselling do you use?

My counselling is both eclectic, holistic and flexible and can also be an adjunct to general medical care. Initially I will usually be concerned with establishing that both you and I share some common understanding and rapport, clarifying the issues involved, helping to reduce any confusion. Above all, my counselling/therapy is a form of listening, talking and communicating with me and me responding to what you say in ways that allow you to reflect upon your experience, understanding yourself better, beginning to take charge of your own self-healing process, and becoming open and willing to positive change.

Do you counsel people of varying sexuality or different or unconventional religious beliefs?

Yes. I have experience counselling clients from all religious backgrounds and persuasions and some people with no belief in spirituality or `higher belief` at all. I also see and work with people with differing sexual orientation and this is not a problem/issue for me.

I always respect a person’s beliefs and work within or alongside them.

How do I pay for therapy with you?

The first contact is free where I get back to you and let you know if I think I can help you. In order to proceed once I feel I can help you, I will ask you to pre-book a session by sending me a remittance of $100 New Zealand dollars. If you wish to make an appointment please complete the Confidential Form and send to the Rev. Deborah Leys, P.O.Box 78-080, Grey Lynn Auckland 1030, New Zealand.

What if I miss a therapy session with you?

I require that you let me know at-least one week before that you will not be able to attend. If you do not do so then you will are expected to pay for the session you missed.

What if I want to end therapy?

You have the right to end therapy at any time. Our therapeutic relationship, like other relationships, can have a beginning, middle phase, and end. It is obviously best to discuss the ending and the feelings that arise with me, but inevitably, some clients will wish to stop abruptly.

How secure and confidential is Face to Face Counselling/therapy with you?

As a therapist, I have an obligation to keep communications confidential. It is generally recognised that there is a limit to this confidentiality: Therapists may be obliged to breach confidentiality if you reveal anything indicating that you are involved in harming yourself or someone else - especially a child - so that the appropriate authorities can be informed. Every Counselor who is a member of the Counselling Association is required to be receiving Supervision. Issues are however anonymously discussed. To review my Confidential policy click here

Your background and qualifications

I am a professional therapist and hold a certificate in Psychotherapy and an Applied Certificate in Counselling and have also studied a certain amount of theory concerning human development and behaviour. I am also an enrolled Nurse. I have practised therapy for 11 years and have undergone my own personal therapy.

I want to complete the FREE Confidential Form

If wish to have face to face counselling/therapy from Rev Deborah Leys fill out the Confidential Form and either print it out and post it to P.O.Box 78-080, Grey Lynn Auckland 1030, New Zealand or simply email it through. Deborah will study your information carefully and will indicate whether she might be able to help you by aiming to reply to you within 24-48 hours. Do NOT make payment until you hear from her.