FAQs
How do we start?
We will initially speak (by phone or by online video link) for a totally free and no obligation intake session. During this session we will begin to get to know each other and I will ask some questions about the reasons you are considering counselling. Of course you can ask me any questions you might have about how I work and the counselling process. We will decide if we feel we are a good therapeutic fit and if we feel we can work well together.
What does a counselling session look like?
If you decide you would like to proceed with counselling with me, I will ask you to read and sign a working agreement, which I will also sign. The purpose of this document to outline how we will work together, the boundaries that we will work within and what is expected from us both.
Our sessions together will last 50 minutes and will usually take place on a weekly basis on the same day and time as agreed during our initial conversation. I may sometimes ask you to complete a questionnaire or do an activity together if I think it will be helpful to you (and you are happy to give it a go) or we may simply sit and talk freely about whatever you decide to bring to the session. I can help you to explore and work through difficult feelings, thoughts, emotions and beliefs and can offer some tips and techniques to help manage them. My role is not to advise, judge or tell you what to do but to provide a safe and supportive space.
I can work with you in the short term (6 sessions), long term (12 sessions) or on an on going basis. We can discuss this at the intake session as well as throughout the process.
What does confidentiality mean?
You are free to discuss whatever you wish in our sessions and what is said will remain between the two of us. However, there are times when I may need to disclose something we have discussed if I am concerned that you are at risk of harm or that someone else is at risk of harm. If I am concerned, I will always (as long as it is possible) discuss this with you and explain what will happen next. In order to adhere to the BACP’s membership criteria I must also attend regular supervision. At supervision I may discuss the work that we are doing together but you will always remain anonymous.
What is the BACP?
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is the professional association for members of the counselling profession in the UK. Their purpose is to promote safe, ethical and competent practice. I am a member of the BACP and always adhere to their ethical framework.
What is supervision?
As a counsellor I am required to meet with my supervisor on a regular basis (usually monthly). Supervision provides me with a safe space to ‘check in’, ensure that my work is always ethical and in your best interest and to develop my knowledge and skill set.
How do I pay for sessions?
The cost of each session is £60. Payment can be made by bank transfer or cash (if we are meeting in person). At the end of each session I will provide you with an invoice that will include bank details. Payment should be made within 7 days.
What is the cancellation policy?
I would kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel a session. A £30 cancellation fee may be applied if less that 24 hours notice is given.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy. I also have a Masters Degree in Social Work and a BA (HONS) Degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice.
Continued CPD is very important to me. I have had additional training in bereavement counselling with adults as well as bereavement counselling with children, managing anxiety and depression, eating disorders, addiction, the use of art/play therapy, mindfulness and the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I have many years of counselling experience. I have worked as a counsellor with CPSL Mind for over two years and worked as a school counsellor in a secondary school for over a year. I am the Community Wellbeing Worker for a local charity, which involves me providing one-to-one as well as group mental wellbeing support.