FAQ
How does counselling work?
Counselling works on the principle of regular contact which is usually weekly.
Sessions generally take place at the same time each week and last around 50 minutes for individuals or 60 minutes for couples.
What happens at the first meeting?
Our first meeting is a mutually beneficial session which gives me the opportunity to consider whether I am an appropriate counsellor to help you and allows you the chance to get a feel for whether you are comfortable enough to work with me. I will probably ask more questions than usual in this session to enable me to understand your situation as fully as possible.
This session can take up to an hour and a half and there is no obligation to commit to regular counselling at this stage.
If we decide to work together we will agree a mutually convenient time to meet for ongoing counselling.
If either of us decides that I am not the appropriate counsellor for you I can try and help you find someone who might be better suited to your needs.
What hours do you work?
Appointments are available between 8 am and 8.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Saturday mornings may be negotiable.
Where are you based?
All therapy sessions are currently being offered on line or by phone./p>
What are your fees?
| price per session | session duration | ||
| Individual counselling | daytime £75 before 9 / after 5 / weekends £ 80 |
50 minutes | |
| Couple counselling | £105 | 60 minutes |
Payment may be made in cash or by cheque at the beginning of the session or by BACS transfer on the day before your session.
I want counselling to be accessible and I offer a percentage of my places at low cost for those in financial need. I am very willing to discuss the possibility of one of these places at the initial consultation. Please do ask.
How long will I need to come for counselling?
It is very difficult to predict how a course of counselling will progress.
Sometimes people choose to come for short contracts of 6 – 12 sessions to address a specific problem. In this case we will agree a focus for the work when we meet for the first time.
Some people want to explore their feelings in greater depth and this is a very individual process. Many come for between six and eighteen months and a few for several years.
However if we work together we will regularly take time to reflect on how counselling is meeting your needs and whether you want to continue, so you need never fear that you are tied into an endless contract.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Once we agree a regular time to work together I will not offer this time to anybody else and it is for this reason that client cancellations are charged.
Cancellations made 48 hours prior to the appointment or more are charged at half the usual fee. Those made closer to the appointment are subject to the full fee.
Whenever possible I will try to offer an alternative time.
Charges are not made when I am unavailable.
Is the work confidential?
Yes our work is confidential and will be held with the greatest respect. All work takes place within the ethical framework of the BACP.
Exceptions to the confidential boundary apply in the following circumstances:
- If you give me cause for concern that you may harm yourself I will make every effort to work with you to ensure you are safe and this may include involving other professionals.
- If you give me cause to believe that you may inflict serious harm on another person I will need to involve the appropriate authorities.
- If you disclose some information which contravenes the current anti terrorism legislation I will be required to inform the appropriate authorities.
- If I am subpoenaed by a court of law.
What next?
The first step is to make contact with me. We can have a conversation about your needs and decide if an initial consultation might be useful.
