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, sometimes fortnightly , 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 vulnerable.
Just call me initially to discuss which method suits you most.
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. (Discounts on packages)
- Face to Face counselling £45.00.
- FaceTime counselling £45.00.
- Couples £65.00per session
Q. How do I pay?
A. Payments can be via Bank Transfer, cash or card payments. 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, so please call me for an informal chat. 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 fully accredited 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.
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, couples and marriage guidance counselling
* 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
* Problems in relationships, couples and marriage guidance counselling
* 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. 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.
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. Do you take sides in couples or marriage counselling?
A. Absolutely not, it is not a blame game, the object is to let each other be heard, to listen to each other, overcome issues and problems together and work towards creating a better and happier relationship together. For me the values and ethics remain the same: confidentiality, a code of ethics and a focus on the clients and their needs.
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.
Q. How do I claim through my health insurance?
A. Simply provide me with your policy number and I will contact them directly. Appointments are arranged directly with me.
Q. What age of people do you work with?
A. I work with a very wide variety of age groups, mainly from the age of 14 upwards. Please feel free contact me if you are concerned about a young persons mental health.
