Frequently Asked Questions
I am an integrative counsellor so use different modalities intertwined to best suit each client. I am based within Person Centered Therapy which focuses on the talking aspect of talking therapy, giving the client the safe time and space to explore their emotions and gain perspective.
No, I do not tend to set homework tasks. I may offer suggestions of activities or exercises if they come up naturally in the counselling session but would leave it entirely to the client whether they wish to try it or not and whether they even let me know if they’ve tried it or not.
The sessions are 50 minutes long, this is what is called a ‘counselling hour’. I recommend you taking the full hour out of schedule to commit to the counselling – this gives you 10 minutes after the session to get a drink/snack and come back to real life post session.
This is up to you. Conventionally it is one session per week and usually at the same time and day each week. However, I know with busy schedules and trying to balance work/home life this is not always possible. I have flexibility to offer different counselling slots each week based on your needs and my availability. I have also experienced clients opting for one session per two weeks. We will discuss scheduling in our contracting ensuring that it fits well with your commitments and mine.
No, we can schedule a 15 minute call prior to contracting for the sessions to ensure that we are matched and I fit your expectations. This call is free and does not mean you have committed to me as your counsellor. I recommend you have a few calls with a few counsellors to find the best fit for you and your needs.
Yes, I am a fully qualified counsellor, I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I am fully insured. When choosing your counsellor, please ensure that they are registered with a professional body such as BACP or NCP or similar, ‘counsellor’ is not a protected job title so anyone may call themselves a counsellor. If they are a member of a professional body they would have provided proof of their qualifications, ongoing personal development and training.
Prior to the first session and during the first session we will go through a contract – this sets out time boundaries, limits of confidentiality, what you can expect from me and what I expect from you ensuring that we are both on the same page. This is a working document, meaning we can revisit it past the first session as events, schedules or needs change.
Due to my counselling being offered remotely at this time, I cannot accept cash or cheque payments. I can accept Bank Transfers and PayPal payments. The payment per session would be asked for prior to the session starting. If payment has not been received prior to the session time – the session will be cancelled. You can pay for a course of sessions in one lump sum or pay per session – whichever is best for you.
Yes, as long as I know at least 15 minutes prior to your session start time I can change between video session or phone call to better suit your schedule that day. Please note that all sessions you must be in a private and confidential space.
This depends on whether you are driving. If you are driving, even if your phone is hands free this would not be suitable. Sessions can get emotional and need your full focus to gain the full potential. This would be unsuitable if you were actively driving. If you are using your parked car and a private and confidential space, this is fine. I have had a few clients where this is the only space in their busy household that they can guarantee an uninterrupted hour.
I remember when I was training to be a counsellor, it is not cheap and a lot of necessary out of pocket expenses are required to pass your qualification. A part of that is having at least 10 sessions of personal counselling, I want to give back to this industry and help empower the future counsellors by offering them a discounted rate.
