Frequently Asked Questions…

Q. How do I choose a counsellor or therapist?

A. Often, it's useful to either email or phone several therapists and see how you feel when you speak with each one. You might feel more comfortable with one therapist than another and it’s important that you feel a sensation of okay-ness - this will help the process. Use a reputable site and ensure your therapist is qualified and insured. The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) has a ‘Find a Therapist’ directory, the Counselling Directory also checks the qualifications of all it’s listed therapists.

Q. I’ve never had counselling before - what might I expect?

It’s worth bearing in mind the ‘Goldilocks Principle’. Yes, there is a scientific principle named after Goldilocks (and The Three Bears!). The idea being that you will likely experience peak motivation and engagement and optimal change or opportunity with some stretch - this might mean occasionally feeling a little challenged or out of your ‘comfort zone’. In therapy, there’s the opportunity to talk about your personal experiences - maybe for the first time - to look at all angles and to experience a new and different way of talking about your life - without judgement. As you build trust in the process, you can delve deeper and work on creating some awareness and change in order to get closer to your goals. Here’s a link from the BACP about counselling and what to expect.

Q. What should I expect from the first session?

A. The first session is an opportunity for you to talk through what has been on your mind and set some goals. However, first you and your counsellor will talk through and probably sign a terms doc or contract. This agrees and outlines the nature of confidentiality, the cancellation policy, ethical framework and fees /payment. The counsellor will undertake some questions relating to health, medication and risk.

At the first session it is likely that you will want to talk about your reasons for seeking counselling at this time and identify some goals in order that these can be kept front of mind for your sessions going forward.

For couples, the format is rather different and sessions are longer than individual sessions. You will have completed the Couples Questionnaire and that will form part of the first session. Couples sessions are currently undertaken by Zoom and you will both have equal opportunity to have your voice heard.

Q. How long does counselling typically last?

A. For some clients, having weekly counselling or therapy is part of their routine for anything from a year to several years, as they undertake to evaluate the framework of their life. For others, counselling is potentially anything from 6 weeks to six to eight months to focus on a particular issue or transition. 

For couples, the sessions are typically time-limited (around 8/10 sessions) with a structure that usually includes: two or three sessions together, followed by individual sessions each and another two or three sessions together.

I regularly review how therapy is going with my clients. A client might wish to add a new goal or investigate an emerging issue in greater depth.  When an ending is in sight, it is recommended that this be fully acknowledged and a session or two focused specifically on ending.

Q. What information about me is shared - are the sessions confidential?

A. It's very important that you feel safe in your sessions. Yes, all sessions are confidential. Qualified therapists undertake monthly supervision but all clients are anonymised in this process. There are some exceptions to confidentiality (as per the BACP Ethical Framework: https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/) including ‘harm to self or others’ or by order of a court. The 'Terms/Contract' document will be sent to you in advance of your first session for you to read and this outlines more about confidentiality.

Q. Do you have a cancellation policy?

A. Yes, like many therapists, I have a cancellation policy, which is a minimum of 48 hours notice. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, there is no charge if you are outside of 48 hrs, if not, then the fee is still payable. I can be flexible with moving your appointments but encourage you to do this well ahead of your sessions to get your optimum dates and timing and avoid late cancellation fee charge. I do adhere strictly to the cancellation policy but in the event of an emergency (ie hospitalisation or family tragedy) your fee is waived.