FAQs
Is counselling for me?
Counselling will help if you are finding it difficult to cope or have something in your life that you would like to work through. Together we can make a plan for how we think counselling can work for you.
If you are unsure, you can book a trial session, or you may prefer to chat over the phone before you commit to counselling.
Taking a look at the client testimonials on this site may move you to take the next step and contact me.
What about confidentiality?
What we talk about in our sessions stays between us, apart from:
I do discuss my work with a supervisor, but all client information is anonymised.
I am obliged to disclose information if I am ordered to by a court of law or where your own or someone else's safety is seriously at risk; we can talk about this more when we first meet.
What happens if I need help or support between sessions?
Please bring any questions or queries to your next session for us to look at together as part of our work.
However if you need immediate help please contact your GP or one of the services listed below by phone or website.
Samaritans
Phone: 116 123
Shout
Shout is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help.
Text SHOUT to 85258
PAPYRUS
PAPYRUS offer crisis support, practical advice and information to young people.
Phone: 0800 068 41 41
Alcoholics Anonymous
What does it cost and how do I pay?
Each counselling session is 50 minutes and the standard fee is £70 per session. Fees are paid by bank transfer in advance, or by cash at your session. A concessionary rate may be offered to full-time students and those in training. Please contact me for further information about fees.
Specialist addiction therapy sessions may cost up to £95 per session, due to the extra specific addiction support provided.
Rates for professional supervision are available on request.
I have a limited number of low-cost counselling slots for people experiencing financial hardship for which there is usually a waitlist. Please contact me to discuss this further.
How many sessions will I have?
If you have a set budget or timeframe, you may choose to work in a time-limited way and set in advance the number of sessions you wish to have. Some people know from the start that they want to work on an open-ended basis, but if you're unsure, having 6 or so sessions then reviewing the work is a good place to start.
Individual counselling usually takes place once a week at the same time and day. This structure is widely believed to be the most effective.
What happens when I want to stop counselling?
It's always better to have a planned, rather than abrupt, ending. Endings are known to have an impact on our emotional wellbeing and experiencing a good ending to your counselling will be a significant piece of work in itself. Depending on how many sessions you have had, I would suggest that we allow ourselves 4-6 weeks to conclude and review our work.
What if I can’t attend an appointment?
Please let me know at our next session if you will need to miss a week. The time and day of your sessions will be reserved for you each week, therefore, if you can’t attend your session you will still need to pay the weekly fee. Occasionally it may be possible to rearrange your next session, if I have availability, by texting or emailing me.
If you are running late please text me your approx time of arrival although, unfortunately, I can’t extend your session beyond your usual end time.
If you are late or unable to attend in the event of a serious accident, emergency, or other similar situation outside your control, please deal with your situation first and notify me when you can.