Awareness - FAQs

"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination."

Carl Rogers

FAQs

I trust that the answers below to my most frequently-asked questions will cover any issues you may have but if not then please click here to get in touch.

To expand each answer you need to just click on the question of your choice. +
1. Who am I? +
My name is Ray Tonge. I am a fully accredited, Humanistic and integrative psychotherapist, group facilitator, lecturer and supervisor working in Rathmines in Co Dublin. I have over 13 years experience working in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. I run a number of experiential personal development courses, workshops and groups, and also lecture on the topic of counselling and psychotherapy. While there are various approaches to psychotherapy, I believe what the most successful therapies have in common is the quality of the relationship and mutual respect and trust between client and therapist.
2. What are my qualifications? +
I have a BSc. in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Middlesex University. I am fully accredited with IAHIP (Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy) ICP (Irish Council of Psychotherapy) and IACP (Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) and strictly adhere to their standards and code of ethics. I also have a diploma in counselling and psychotherapy supervision. I have certificates in relevant issues relating to counselling, addiction, suicide-related issues, and a post-graduate certificate in bioenergetics and integrative bodywork. My approach is "integrative" which means I draw on a background of a number of therapeutic approaches, Person-centred, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, bodywork and Bioenergetics.
3. How does counselling or psychotherapy work? +
Counselling gives you the opportunity to explore what you are experiencing in a supportive and confidential relationship. Often, this is the first time the person has spoken about what’s happened or even begin to put language on it. This is often the most difficult step but can be very healing. Psychotherapy is exploration at greater depth, bring insights from the unconscious to the conscious. This can provide the opportunity for greater self-understanding and self-acceptance, leading to better choices in the future.
4. Why do people come for counselling or psychotherapy? +
People come for many different reasons but generally, it is because something is not working in their lives. They may feel stuck or feel that they can't go on and wish to talk in confidence with someone. Sometimes people come because they are in crisis as something has happened that has turned life upside down. Others come to talk things out, to get greater clarity if they are struggling with a decision. Sometimes people come because they want to understand themselves and what is happening in their lives.
5. What happens at a therapy session? +
In the initial session, you and I will try to understand what the difficulties are which bring you into therapy and to discuss what it is you are hoping to achieve through the therapy. A contract is agreed between both of us, about times, fees, confidentiality and any questions you may have for me regarding how I work can be asked. I will be happy to address any questions that you bring. You choose what and how much you would like to say. The conversations are confidential between the two of us, and we meet in a room by ourselves. I am there to support you and help you reach clarity and understanding and a way through your difficulties. After the initial session, the sessions are normally 50 minutes in length.
6. How much does it cost? +
After the free initial consultation session. The fee then is set at €70 for each session. A small number of places are available at a reduced fee of €35 for those who are unwaged or having financial difficulties. I take cash, cheque, debit card, visa and MasterCard.
7. How often do you need to come? +
Once a week is the usual length of time between sessions. This helps the continuity of the therapy and allows time in between the sessions to integrate and build on the material covered. A longer time lapse between sessions can break this continuity and the process may take longer. If a person needs additional support, extra sessions can be offered.
8. How many sessions are needed? +
This varies, from person to person. I usually ask for a commitment of 6 to 10 session at the start, providing that you are comfortable with me after the 1st session. The therapy can continue for a few weeks to several months or even longer. Most people find they gain a deeper understanding of themselves with the length of time they spend in therapy. However, it is always your choice how long you wish to spend in therapy.
9. Will this help me? +
Yes – if you want to find a deeper and clearer understanding of your experiences and problems. Often the choices needed to bring about change are hidden in feelings, inner turmoil or worry. My experience is that when a person works through these feeling, change is brought about.