What happens in a 'taster session?
Taking the first step to seek counselling can often be difficult and so finding the right counsellor for you is important. I offer a FREE 30 minute 'taster' session so can find out about counselling and to get to know me as a counsellor. Together we can look at what you would like to achieve through counselling. The taster session is completely confidential.
What happens in a counselling session?
Counselling sessions are generally 50 minutes, but this can be flexible depending on your needs. I incorporate various counselling styles, to make the sessions fit your needs. For clients who have difficulty in talking about their issues and expressing themselves, I offer some creative therapies as well as talk therapies. I am also able to offer Mindfulness therapy.
Will I have to lie on a couch?
There are many different ways of counselling, but I usually ask clients to sit on the sofa to talk about their concerns.
How frequently will I need counselling?
Every client has different needs and it is not always easy to predict how many sessions are needed. I am able to offer short-term and long-term counselling and in your first session we will look at your needs and agree a time frame. Initially a 6 weekly session agreement is usual.
Short-term counselling - focusses on the presenting issue. After the first 6 weeks we will review your situation and depending on your circumstances and needs, you can decide whether you wish to continue with further counselling sessions. You may decide that you would like to change to fortnightly sessions.
Long-term or Open-ended counselling - Long-standing emotional difficulties may require more than a short-term counselling. I am happy to work through complex issues over a longer period. We will regularly review your situation and decide how to move forward.
In both short-term and long-term counselling you will feel empowered and ready for counselling to end.
Short-term counselling - focusses on the presenting issue. After the first 6 weeks we will review your situation and depending on your circumstances and needs, you can decide whether you wish to continue with further counselling sessions. You may decide that you would like to change to fortnightly sessions.
Long-term or Open-ended counselling - Long-standing emotional difficulties may require more than a short-term counselling. I am happy to work through complex issues over a longer period. We will regularly review your situation and decide how to move forward.
In both short-term and long-term counselling you will feel empowered and ready for counselling to end.
Will my counselling be totally confidential?
Counselling is completely confidential and I will not discuss the contents of our sessions outside the counselling room.
There are a few exceptions to this: I am required by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy guidelines to break confidentiality in certain circumstances of risk to self or others. In such instances I would discuss this with you. I also attend regular counselling supervision in order to ensure that you receive the best possible therapeutic service. When I present cases to my supervisor the information is treated as confidential.
I am registered with the ICO and fulfil the requirements of GDPR 2018.
There are a few exceptions to this: I am required by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy guidelines to break confidentiality in certain circumstances of risk to self or others. In such instances I would discuss this with you. I also attend regular counselling supervision in order to ensure that you receive the best possible therapeutic service. When I present cases to my supervisor the information is treated as confidential.
I am registered with the ICO and fulfil the requirements of GDPR 2018.
How am I kept safe?
I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The BACP register has been accredited by the Department of Health, administered by an independent body and accountable to Parliament. I work within the BACP professional guidelines for counselling and psychotherapy. BACP membership is renewed annually and requires that I am fully insured and that I undertake regular training and professional development. This professional body protects you as a client and provides you with peace of mind that I am fully registered and insured to practice. You can see my qualifications here
What if I am late or need to cancel?
If you are late for your appointment, I am happy to continue but it will be a shorter session, as it will finish at the usual time
If you cancel a session with less than 48 hours of your appointment time you will be liable for the full fee.
If you cancel a session with less than 48 hours of your appointment time you will be liable for the full fee.
There is no such thing as a silly question.
If there is something that you are unsure about please let me know. I have listed some of the most frequently asked questions but if your concern is not there, then please email me or give me a call and I will do my best to answer your query