FAQs & Fees

What is the first step?

I offer a free half hour introductory phone or zoom call to talk about what you are looking for support with, how I may be able to help you and to answer any questions you may have.

What happens in the first session?

We will spend some time exploring further what brings you to therapy, your hopes and expectations. I will ask you about your life so far, medical history and anything else you would like to share about yourself. It’s also an opportunity for you to find out more about me and how I work. We will talk through the working agreement that sets out information such as confidentiality and practicalities.

What happens next?

If we decide to work together the commitment is for weekly one hour sessions at a mutually agreed time and day.

How many sessions will I need?

I offer both short and long term therapy. Everyone is unique and it is a collaborative process, we will regularly review our work together, tailoring the therapy to suit you and your needs.

How do you decide if you can help me?

Sometimes it can take a little longer than one session for us to establish the therapeutic relationship and the first three sessions give us the opportunity to see how we work together. If I think I am not the right therapist for you we can discuss this and I can usually offer a referral to an alternative therapist if you want me to.

What happens if I don’t want to work with you?

It’s really important that you feel safe, comfortable and confident with whichever therapist you choose to work with. If you decide that I am not the right therapist for you that is absolutely fine and I respect your decision. If we continue working together after the first three sessions we will discuss time frames for when the time comes to end therapy. This is an important part of our work together because we all have different ways of managing and coping with endings and making space to explore this can often lead to more valuable insights. Preparing for the ending of therapy ensures you are ready and our work together comes to a natural close.

Are the sessions confidential?

Everything we talk about remains between us. Any notes or personal information remains securely locked away.

A requirement of the BACP and UKCP registrations is that all counsellors attend regular supervision with a qualified supervisor. The purpose of supervision is to ensure that I am working to the highest standards and supporting you effectively and appropriately. Your identity is never revealed in supervision, the focus will be on my work rather than what you are bringing. The only time I may have to break confidence would be if I became aware that you are a threat to yourself or to someone else’s safety and I would discuss this with you before taking action.

Fees

I charge an hourly fee and I offer an affordable scale of rates depending on circumstances, please contact me to discuss.