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Frequently Asked Questions :

 

How do I know Counselling will work for me?
It is true to say that counselling alone will not 'work' for everybody or for every situation.  Occasionally, referral to other specialised services is required.  Counselling is not a 'quick fix' and the individual/couple must be ready and willing to engage in the process.  The process is not designed to tell you what to do or to offer a solution.  IT can be challenging, but the client remains in control of the direction and pace of travel, the therapist is the guide and the support to face the challenges and learn new ways of thinking , feeling and acting. The therapeutic relationship helps to enable you to develop self awareness, so that you can make lasting changes which benefit your emotional, physical and mental well being. 

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01

How long is each session?
FOR 1-2-1 INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS :
The initial assessment session is 1.15 hr (75 minutes) long (£60) Many clients like this timescale and continue on them, others prefer/reduce to 1 hour (60 minute) sessions (£50).
FOR COUPLES/RELATIONSHIP/FAMILY THERAPY
I recommend an initial assessment session of 1.30hr (90 minutes) £85, again, many prefer to retain this length of session; alternatively it can reduce to 1.15hr (75 minutes) £75

 

02

How many sessions does it generally take?
Generally, most people start to feel a benefit from attending the first session, however,  for long-term positive change to occur a commitment to a minimum of 6 sessions is recommended, this is so that a good therapeutic relationship can develop and we can fully explore the issues which brought you to counselling in the first place.  
Some individuals require more in depth, and therefore, longer term counselling.  As each case is unique it is impossible to determine an 'average' length therapy.  We will regularly re-assess progress, so that we can mutually determine progress an to ensure that there is appropriate time for 'good endings'.  It is important to voice any concerns you may have about your counselling sessions, length of therapy etc. as suddenly stopping therapy can be detrimental to overall well being and progress.  

 

03

How much does a session cost?
Currently  a 75 minute session for one to one individuals costs £60 ; a 60 minute session £50.
Couples/relationship/Family therapy - 90 minutes £85; 75 minutes £75; for Supervision is 60 minutes £50
There is a strict 24 hour cancellation policy to ensure that room/ professional costs are covered and to avoid vacant appointment slots which could have been given to someone else who may be on the waiting list.   I will do my best to swap appointments etc. to minimise this fee being levied, however, as you can appreciate without sufficient notice it is difficult to make other arrangements  and I will then need to cover the overheads levied on me. This Can vary from £30 to £55 dependent on the situation.

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04

How can I be sure that no-one else will know I am attending counselling?
Friends and family will not be informed that you are attending counselling, however; it is often beneficially  to let close family and friends know so that they can help support you as you go through therapy. The information exchanged in the sessions will be kept confidential, however, I am ethically and legally bound to breach this confidentiality if you disclose any information that I believe indicates that you are a risk to yourself or others, if it relates to notifiable legal threats ie terrorism etc. and/or  if information is demanded as part of a court order.  If any of the above were to occur I would tell you in advance prior to any formal disclosure.  
 
If we were to 'bump into each other' outside of the therapy room i.e a social occasion or at the local supermarket, unless you approached me directly, I would not approach you, other than polite acknowledgement, e.g a smile or nod.

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