A. There is an extensive evidence base for the use of counselling as a means to overcoming emotional distress and improving wellbeing. A private, respectful and honest exploration of your experiences, worries, relationships, patterns and hopes can deepen self awareness and provide perspective. Therapy gives a moment to pause, reflect, express and examine what may be holding us back from being how we wish to be in the world.
Q. Are the sessions confidential?
A. Yes. The contract agreed upon at the beginning of therapy lays out the rare circumstances in which confidentiality would be suspended, namely where there is risk of harm to you or someone else. I will always endeavour to discuss this with a client beforehand.
As an integral part of being a responsible and reflective therapist, I discuss aspects of my practice with my supervisor. However I do not provide identifiable details when discussing my work.
Q. How many sessions will I need?
A. If you prefer, we can agree a number of sessions at the onset and work within that timeframe. Or you may prefer for the number of sessions remains open-ended. It’s also possible to have a number of sessions in mind and then review at a certain point, for example after 10 sessions. Ultimately the client decides how many sessions they feel is appropriate, but I find it works best for the decision to be collaborative.
Q. What happens in the initial chat?
A. We will agree a suitable time for us to have a phone discussion and I will ask you to give me a brief idea of what’s brought you to counselling at this time. There’s no pressure to go into detail and I won’t ask you lots of personal questions. A phone call will give us both a sense of whether we can work with the other. I will elaborate on how I work if appropriate.
Q. What are therapy sessions like?
A. Until you’ve experienced being a client in a counselling session, it can be difficult to imagine. Generally speaking, we sit together and focus on what you choose to bring to the session that day. As the client, you will usually speak more than the therapist, though not always. There is no pressure or expectation to speak about certain subjects, or avoid others. The theoretical approach to therapy can dictate some of the features of a session, such as the use of questionnaires, role play, breathing practices or homework tasks. At the core of therapy is a trusting, genuine relationship existing within supportive boundaries.
Q. What if I cancel or miss a session?
A. When emergencies prevent you attending a scheduled session, I hope to be able to reschedule booked appointments where possible. In these circumstances, as much notice as possible is appreciated. Missed sessions or short notice cancellations (less than 48 hours) will normally be charged at the agreed fee.
In the unlikely event that I needed to cancel a session at short notice, you would of course not be charged.
Q. Can I arrange a session for someone else, either as a gift or to encourage them to get help?
A. Therapy is most effective when clients enter freely and willingly. It’s therefore important for anyone who I might work with to initiate contact themselves.
I can offer a ‘gift voucher’ if you would like to pay for someone to receive a session or block of sessions, which they can then contact me to arrange. Please get in touch for further details.
Q. Who oversees your practice?
A. I am an accredited registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means my training qualification was approved by the regulatory body, and I abide by their professional code of ethics. I attend regular supervision with an experienced supervisor, not only as a condition of my registration but to further develop my competence as a counsellor. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office(ICO).
Q. What does ‘integrative’ therapy mean?
A. Simply put, an integrative therapist ‘integrates’ elements of different theories on the premise that different clients benefit from different approaches at different times. For me, this means using elements of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Existential, Person-centred, Transpersonal and Solution focused therapies. For a more detailed description of this way of working, see the Counselling Directory page on Integrative Counselling.
