Q. What happens in my first counselling session?

A. The first session is a chance to meet up and see if you feel I am the right counsellor for you. Do you feel that we could work together? It is important that you feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. It is a time to ask questions about any concerns you may have. It is perfectly fine to speak to several counsellors before you make your choice. 

Q Is counselling confidential?

​A. Yes, within the therapeutic room all that is said remains confidential. There are certain disclosures where confidentiality would need to be broken, for example if I believed that you were an immediate risk to yourself or someone else, including a child, or you have or are going to commit an act of terrorism, or have or are about to commit a criminal offence. This can be discussed when we meet if you have any concerns.

Q. How often will we meet?

A. Sessions are usually weekly, normally a the same time of the week, this can be discussed at our first meeting.

Q. How can someone outside our relationship help us during couples counselling?

A. Sometimes having a neutral third party can offer an insight into what is happening in your relationship. This gives both parties an opportunity to be heard in a safe, neutral space.

Q. Do we have to meet face to face, do you offer online therapy?

A. Certainly, your counselling requirements come first. I also offer on-line WhatsApp and FaceTime counselling, this works out well for people who are time pressured or those who prefer not to go out, especially if it leaves them feeling anxious and vulnarable.
Just call me initially to discuss which method suits you most.

Q. How many sessions will I need?

A. This is really individual, it may be enough to have up to six sessions but it is possible you may need longer term support. We can talk about how many counselling sessions you might need at the first session or at any point once we have started. You are always free to leave at any time.

Q. What is the fee?

A. I offer several options and try to be flexible to try to fit in with peoples lifestyles and availability.
The standard fee at my own counselling room in Gnosall is £40.00 per session
The fee for evenings and weekends is £55.00 per session with limited availability
I also offer home or work place visits, although this is at my discretion there has to be a private room and my personal safety has to be taken into consideration, the fee for this can be discussed depending on location.

Q. How do I pay?

A. Payments can be via Bank Transfer or cash. You will always be provided with a receipt. I am sorry but I am unable to accept cheques.

How long is a session?

A. A session is usually 50 minutes and we start and finish on time, this means if you arrive late you can still make use of the rest of the session but we will still finish on time.

Q. Are you the right counsellor for me?

A. It is extremely important that you feel at home with your counsellor, therefore I offer the first session/chat at no cost so you can decide. Hopefully you will feel we can work together, but if you don't that is also okay, you are never obligated to continue if you don't feel I'm quite right for you. After all this is about you not me.

Q. What is the BACP Ethical Framework?

A. I am registered and work to the standards of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions (2018). www.bacp.co.uk
Every reputable fully qualified counsellor makes use of supervision with a qualified supervisor who are themselves a therapist. It is one of the pre-requisites of the BACP code of ethics. Supervision is where I discuss my clinical work to ensure I offer the best possible support to my clients.

Q. How will I feel when in Therapy?

A. It is normal and expected when working though something difficult or painful to feel worse before you feel better. It is important we work at a pace you can manage. I am used to working with people's feelings at a very emotional stage in their lives it's okay to cry or express your feelings. You are always in control of what you bring to therapy and it is my job to support you through difficult periods. These feelings are perfectly normal and the support and benefits of counselling can help you overcome many issues.

Q. What sorts of things do people seek therapy for?

A. ​   * Depression
        * Problems in relationships.
        * Questions about sexual identity.
        * Interested in learning more about and improving myself.
        * Problems around supporting children.
        * Life just does not seem as worthwhile anymore.
        * Sharing a secret which has never been shared.
        * Confusion about the future or life path.
        * Lack of confidence.
        * Loss of identity after becoming a parent, or after retirement.
​        * Bereavement and Loss
        * Discrimination and racism
​        * Menopause

Q. Do you offer home or work visits?

​A. I do offer home or work place visits, although this is at my discretion there has to be a private room and my personal safety has to be taken into consideration, the fee for this can be discussed depending on location.
It is at my discretion whether I feel I may be able to offer this service.

Q. What do I do now?

A. It is entirely up to you, I would welcome the opportunity to speak to you. I realise it can be difficult to pick up that phone in the first place, but feel free to call me for an initial informal chat and see if you feel this could be right for you. 
Please bear in mind I work in  person centered professional manner and am not a big impersonal company, I may be in a session with a client and obviously won't pick up the phone mid session, please leave a message I will always call you back at the first opportunity.

Q. Are you fully insured?

A. Yes, I hold all relevant full professional insurance policies as required by law. You are more than welcome to see copies of these if you wish.

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