Counselling can sometimes be misunderstood or you might feel some uncertainty about starting counselling. Here you can find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
What type of counselling are you offering?
I am an integrative relational counsellor. I draw from different counselling theories and approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Creative theories such as therapeutic play, creative writing and therapeutic art, Motivational Interviewing, the 12 Step Minnesota Model, Coaching, among others, all tailored and matched to each client’s specific needs.
What client ages do you see?
I am trained and work with adults, children from the age of 4 years old and young people.
How much do you charge for counselling and supervision?
You can find my current fees for counselling and supervision by clicking here.
Are you recognised by private medical insurers?
Yes I do work with WPA and AXAPPP
How do I pay?
Payment for the counselling and supervision sessions are due on the day of the appointment by direct bank transfer.
If you are using a private health insurer then I will invoice them monthly. Any excess on your insurance policy must be paid to me directly.
What happens if cannot attend a counselling or supervision session?
After a session has been booked it is chargeable, unless cancelled with 48 hours’ notice.
Any planned holiday breaks that we might take will not be charged but we both need to give prior notice.
Where are you based?
I work face to face from The Eaves in Farnham, Guildford and Godalming.You can see the exact locations by clicking here. I also offer telephone and online sessions.
What happens in the free introductory 15 minutes telephone appointment?
We will briefly discuss your counselling requirements and how I can help you. I can also answer any questions you might have about me or my counselling services.
What happens in the first session?
In the first session we will have an opportunity to discuss further your current circumstances and past experiences in more detail as well as what brings you into counselling. We will get to know each other more and then decide how we can work together so that you can get the most out of counselling.
When working with children/young people, I aim to meet with the parent(s)/carer(s) for one session before starting counselling with the child or young person, whenever that is possible.
How long is each counselling session?
Each session lasts for 50 minutes.
How long is each supervision session?
Each session lasts for 60 minutes.
How long will I need counselling for?
I offer and work both on short term and long term basis. To start with, it is difficult to know exactly how many session you will need as this depends on what brings you into counselling, what you would like achieve and also how you are finding counselling. Generally speaking, I believe that 6 sessions are necessary to begin experiencing the benefits of counselling.
Are the sessions confidential?
I offer confidential sessions in accordance with the BACP’s Ethical Framework for Counselling professions.
The only time I might have to break your confidentiality will be if I was concerned that you or someone else is at risk or harm. In such a case I will endeavour to raise my concerns with you and involve you in the process.
Will you give me advice?
Counselling is not about giving advice. Counselling can help you explore your thoughts and feelings to support you discover and make your own choices about what you would like to do.
What happens if I feel that counselling is not working for me?
There is no obligation to continue counselling if you don’t feel it is working for you. If that is the case I would strongly encourage you to talk to me about it. If appropriate then we can look together and decide if you will be better placed working with another colleague, with whom you felt more comfortable with or feels right for you and your needs.
If you still have some questions then please do not hesitate to contact me.