F.A.Q
Q: How much is counselling?
Counselling is priced at £60 per Counselling Hour (50 mins)
I am aware counselling at this time can be an additional cost you have to consider if you can afford it. Therefore, in my belief that people should have access to Counselling, I have set my prices to meet your needs effectively. I hope it helps.
The integrative Counselling I offer begins with a FREE introductory session to discuss your requirements. If you are happy to proceed, I follow up with six weekly appointments priced at a reasonable £60 per session. This is paid by BACs weekly in advance before each session. If you decide you require more time at the end of the six weeks, we will begin an open-ended contract.
Q What is Counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy where you are given a safe space to talk about and address matters that distress you with a qualified professional. This distress may result from certain family events, relationships or long-standing patterns of negative thinking, behaviour or emotions that no longer serve you. Counselling will enable you to explore these issues, gain insight into them and help you move on from them in ways that promote positive change for you.
Q: What can I talk about?
A: You can talk about anything on your mind – Counselling is a safe space to bring anything you need to discuss. I can help you process any difficulties you may be facing.
Q: Is this a confidential service?
A: Yes, what you say to me is confidential, and I adhere to a code of conduct and policies regarding confidentiality. Information you provide should not be shared with a third party other than in exceptional circumstances, such as safeguarding issues or if required by law. In certain circumstances, such as when you express intentions to harm yourself or others, there is the risk of harm to a child in your care, and you disclose involvement in criminal activities such as but not limited to money laundering, drug trafficking, and terrorism, or I am required to by court order. In such circumstances, I will notify you of my intention to share your information with other parties unless it is not possible or safe.
Q: What Happens During the First Appointment?
The first appointment will be an initial consultation. This is also referred to as an assessment. During this session, I will take your details and discuss your needs, any questions, and what you wish to accomplish in Counselling. This will help me determine how I can best help you and help you decide if Counselling with me is right for you. Assessment is usually carried out in one session but sometimes can take two sessions.
Following the assessment, if you wish to engage me as your counsellor, we will agree on a regular meeting time and number of sessions. While working together, I will regularly review your progress with you.
Q Do you give advice?
A No. Counselling is not advice-giving. Counselling provides you with the time and space to explore matters in such a way that enables you to make your own decisions about the direction of your life. Whilst ideas and techniques may be suggested as a means of coping or changing behaviour, this is done in the spirit of collaboration with you, and at all times, you have free will and have the right to choose for yourself what works best for you.
Q What is the difference between Counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are terms that are often used interchangeably. The differences between Counselling and psychotherapy are often very subtle, almost indistinguishable. Some view counselling as a short-term exercise that works on a specific issue and is goal-oriented, whilst psychotherapy is a long-term exercise that deals with more complex issues.
It is, therefore, challenging to distinguish between Counselling and psychotherapy. The principle work carried out in both draws from the same psychological theories and practices, and the perceived differences between the two are often debated. I work with clients on both a short and long-term basis.
.Q: How long will my Counselling last?
I provide both long-term and short-term Counselling to your requirements
Q: What happens if I want to end my sessions?
A: Regardless of how long you have been attending Counselling, it is helpful to let me know that you are considering ending your sessions. I will explore this with you and make arrangements to work towards a planned ending together
Q: Can you diagnose me?
A No. While I am aware of significant mental health conditions, I am not a doctor and cannot diagnose clients. Likewise, I cannot prescribe medications, nor am I qualified to suggest any medicines. Counselling is not a substitute for medical care. If you have complex mental health issues, you will need to be under the care of your GP to ensure you are getting the help you need.