Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need therapy?

Do you feel overwhelmed?  Are you upset or angry and don’t know where to turn?  Do you just need someone to listen to you and provide support and perhaps some guidance?   Simply contact me and we can have a chat on the phone, with no obligation, about how therapy can help you.

 

Do I need a referral letter from my doctor? 

No, you do not need a referral letter.

 

How will therapy help me?

Therapy will provide you with a safe, non-judgemental space to share issues and problems, and to work out a way for you to move forward.  You will be supported and encouraged to discuss potential solutions to problems, or cycles of behaviour patterns, or ways to manage your feelings.  You may also discover new life skills and tools.

​

Will you sort out my problem(s)?

Yes, I will help and support you to find answers and move forward to achieve what you want from life.

​

What happens when I first get in touch?

We will have an informal chat on the phone, with no obligation, to see if therapy is right for you.  We will discuss what you want to get out of the therapy and any concerns or worries you have.  If we both feel that therapy is right for you, we will arrange a mutually convenient day and time for your first session.

 

What happens during the first session?

At the start of the first session I will explain the following:

​

• the type of therapy I practice

• what the sessions will be like

• my GDPR and confidentiality policies

• what to do if you have to postpone or cancel a session or you miss a session

​

Then I will open the session and you can raise any issues or problems you have.

​

How soon can I start?

As soon as we have a chat on the phone we can arrange a mutually convenient day and time.  In the current pandemic, sessions can only be held over the phone or via video conference.

 

How much does it cost?

My normal fee is £40 per hour, however, I can be flexible in certain situations.

 

How can I pay for a session?

Each session should be paid either before or on the day of the appointment.  

 

How many sessions will I need?

This very much depends on what you are looking to get from therapy.  I offer short term, long term and open-ended therapy.  There is no obligation and your progress will be regularly reviewed.

 

How long is each session?

1 hour.

 

Where does the therapy take place?

Therapy takes place in a therapeutic office space face to face [address/full details will be sent once session is booked] I also offer online video sessions and phone calls if required.

 

Are the sessions confidential?

Yes.

 

Will any of my information be shared?

The only reason your information might be shared is if there was any serious risk of harm to yourself or others.  However, I would discuss this with you in advance.

 

How do I get in touch?

Either call me/text or whattsapp and send me an email, whichever is convenient.  I will then arrange a convenient time for an initial chat on the phone.

 

Do you have the right qualifications and insurance?

I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling.  I am registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and abide by their ethics.  I hold a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Certificate, and full indemnity insurance.  I am also registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) as a Data Controller.

 

Do you need to know if I take any medications?

No, unless you feel it essential or necessary.

 

What happens if I need to cancel or postpone a session?

Please provide at least 24 hours notice.  You can do it by phone call, text message or email.  In the unlikely event that I need to cancel an appointment, I will provide you with at least 48 hours notice, and I will offer an alternative date.