Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need Counselling?

If you have been looking online about Counselling, what it entails and how it works, you have probably figured out that you’d like to talk to someone.

Do I need to have a specific problem in order to start Counselling?

Although Counselling can help in times of distress, it can also help us with direction in life and with issues that are always in the back of our mind. We can also together explore identity and try to explain certain behaviours.

Is everything I say confidential?

Of course. I provide a safe and confidential space, whether in my Consulting Room, or Online, where you can share things that you might perceive as embarrassing, or even shameful, or taboo. If you wish, we can explore thoughts and actions that you have not been able to share, for fear of being judged.

Will you share information with my GP, or other healthcare professionals?

Although I am asking your GP details for safety purposes, I do not share any information with them, nor do I notify them that you are in therapy.

However, there are certain circumstances when I may have to pass on information about you. These include:

if I believe you or other people are in danger
if I am required to do so by law
if we decide that it is best to refer you to another healthcare professional for help
when discussing my work with my therapeutic supervisor (this is standard practice and anonymised)

How do I know you do as you say?

I am registered with a Professional Body: The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, https://www.bacp.co.uk/ and I adhere by their “Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions”.

Will my course of treatment be short or long?

This is something that we can decide together, usually after your initial assessment. Sometimes, only a few sessions can make a difference, whilst other times you may feel you’d like to continue addressing the issues that brought you to therapy, over a longer period of time.

How many times a week do I need to see you?

Counselling works better if we meet once a week, at the same day and time.

Will I be contracted to a certain period of time?

Counselling works usually on an open-ended basis, unless we decide together on a shorter course of sessions, to address specific issues. On an open-ended course, I do regular reviews that allow examination of where you started, what you would like to achieve and what the timeframe looks like to achieve this. Although you are not contracted, it is better to work towards an ending and that is something that we discuss in the sessions.

Can I cancel my sessions?

Although I have a 48-hour cancellation policy, whereby you are not going to be charged for your session, if you have given notice at least 48 hours prior to your session, counselling works best with consistency.

Will there be breaks?

Overall, I tend to follow the English School Holidays with regards to half terms, Easter and Christmas holidays and August. I will always let you know in advance.