Who's behind Headlines Wellbeing?
My name is Paul Cromie and I am an integrative counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society,
I'm based in Northern Ireland and I'm involved in private counselling work and with a counselling agency.
I've also been a radio broadcaster and journalist. I worked for over ten years at Northern Ireland's main commercial television station as a daily news journalist and at a major commercial radio station as a news broadcaster and producer.
I have also worked at one of Northern Ireland's main colleges. My role involved helping students take their first steps into broadcasting and journalism and managing a radio station.
What can I expect when I go for my first session?
I know you may be anxious about attending the first session - it is a brave thing to do and I hope you give yourself credit for taking the first step. During the first session, I will go over a counselling contract with you, which should only take a few minutes. From then, our conversation will begin and you can share your story.
What type of therapy do you do?
Integrative therapy with a big emphasis on person-centred therapy.
What does that mean?
You lead the agenda of our sessions. I will not give you a plan or lead you in the direction I want to take. I promise that each session will be guided by what you want to talk about on that day.
How do I know you are a 'proper' counsellor?
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. Counsellors can only be members of these organisations if they have completed accredited qualifications at institutions which are allowed to deliver the courses. As a member of both organisations, I abide by their ethical standards.
Are things kept confidential?
On the whole, yes. Confidentiality is a crucial part in developing a good counselling relationship with you. As you would expect, not everything can be kept between you and me. If there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else, you would expect me to seek help. Breaking confidentiality does not happen often and wherever possible, it is done with your consent. Only those who need to know will be informed about the issue - such as your GP or other appropriate services.
How long are the sessions?
50 minutes. However, your first session may be close to 60 minutes (because of the things I mentioned that I need to go over with you).
What if I need to cancel a session?
Just get in touch as soon as you can. However, if the cancellation has been within 24 hours of our scheduled time, I will have to ask you to pay for the session as the slot could have been used by someone else.
Online and face-to-face sessions
Online therapy is a convenient way to begin your counselling process. There are no worries about parking or hanging around in waiting rooms! All being well, you will do your counselling sessions in a quiet and private place at home, safe in the knowledge that your sessions will still be guided by ethical principles that would normally be adhered to in face-to-face sessions.
Meeting in person is ideal, if it is convenient for you and I can arrange to meet you in premises in the North Down area.
Student discount
Your budget can be tight when you are studying at university or college but that should not prevent you from getting the support you would like. I am happy to offer discounted prices for students (18+) studying any course. If you are currently enrolled on a level 2, 3 or 4 counselling course, the discounted rates also apply to you.
Get in touch
Sending a message does not mean you are committed to starting sessions with me. When you get in touch, I will reply to you within 24 hours with my availability and pricing details.
Just be aware:
- I can provide counselling to anyone aged 18 or over.
- For insurance purposes, I can only offer counselling to United Kingdom residents.
- I do not provide couples counselling.
