FAQs
I have tried to anticipate your questions but if something you want to know isn’t covered here, do get in touch. I will answer your query. I hope you find these helpful.
Can I claim for treatments with you on my medical insurance?
I am registered with a number of Insurance companies and EAPs. You may be able to claim if you have medical insurance cover. Please check with the organisation for further information and let me know if wish to claim.
How do I pay?
You can pay in cash or bank transfer at the beginning of each session. For cash payments, you are asked to have the correct money with you if possible as change may not always be available. This will also save time during the session. Fees are reviewed on an annual basis and this will discussed with you in advance.
How long is each session?
Each session lasts for what is known as a therapy hour which, traditionally, lasts for 50 minutes. This misnomer might seem misleading but it allows me time between sessions to prepare for sessions and reflect upon them afterwards. If you arrive late, that time is lost; the session will end when it would have done, at the end of the 50-minute slot booked by you. The therapy hour you have booked is yours to use as you wish; at first you might find it hard to make the most of your time but most people adjust quickly.
What times are your appointments?
I aim to be flexible with dates and times. Most clients have appointments at the same time every week so some slots may be full but I will try to find a time that works for you. Evening and weekend sessions may be available on request.
How many sessions will I need?
The amount of counselling you need will depend on the problems you are facing and your preference. The length of the counselling is up to you. My aim is to offer you a service that meets your needs. I work with clients in both the short term and long term and will therefore discuss your wishes with you. I ask that when you wish to end counselling you attend to a few sessions to talk about the ending before finishing. We can then work together to wind down to your final session so you can adjust to life without therapy.
Do I have to lie down on a couch?
No. The counselling rooms in which I work vary; however, all rooms contain an armchair or sofa.
I’m worried that I will leave my therapy session looking upset in public
I always try to ensure that you leave the therapy room in a calm and collected state. I do this by guiding the therapy session to a conclusion by winding down from emotionally heightened moments.
How do Telephone and Online sessions work?
I ask that you be in a private space and you ensure that you will not be disturbed. Calls will be made by yourself at the time we agree.
What about confidentiality and privacy?
It is a given that whatever a client discusses with their therapist is confidential. My work is supervised, according to the rules of the BACP and I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
I abide by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Code of Ethics. As required by the BACP I have regular supervision and undertake my own personal therapy. For more details about my professional body go to www.bacp.co.uk.
Ending Therapy
Ending the therapy are discussed, planned and agreed. Should you decide to terminate the session before the planned ending it is important that we agree to discuss this together in an ending session and say goodbye.