How much does it cost?
I charge £70 a session. I am committed to making counselling available to as many people as possible and have some concessionary places to those who are unable to pay the full fee. Clients paying the full fee make it possible for me to offer reduced rates to those in need.
How long and how often are the sessions?
A session lasts one hour and sessions usually take place weekly.
How many sessions will I need?
Some people only need a few sessions and others want to work long term. In my experience it is best to commit to 6 sessions initially at which point I will review with you how the work is going and whether you have got what you need or want to do more sessions. Having said that you are free to stop at any point although I recommend that you have a planned final meeting with me if at all possible.
Is what I say in the sessions confidential?
What you tell me in the sessions is confidential subject to a few exceptions. These are if you were to tell me something that leads me to think you are at risk of very serious harm or someone else is. I also have a supervisor who oversees my private client work although I do not disclose any identifying details to her about the clients I am working with. I will explain this to you more fully at your initial consultation.
What happens if I don’t know what to talk about?
In my experience this does not happen very often and when it does I will check with you how you are feeling and invariably something emerges. I do not let my clients sit in silence without any interaction from me unless this is something they need and want to do to process something. For more information on how counselling with me works, visit About Counselling
I am worried that if I start looking at painful things the floodgates will open and I will not be able to cope?
Many clients are understandably worried about this. I am committed to working in a safe and ethical way which means that we will talk about how you can let me know if what you are talking about feels overwhelming. I will also work with you to find a safe way of working which is attuned to your needs which may, for example, involve making time at the beginning and end of sessions for you to establish your equilibrium though a variety of techniques including grounding exercises, breathing techniques and talking about “safe” subjects. I am trained in special ways of working to enable my clients to process traumatic events in a safe way.
What happens if I have to cancel?
I ask for 48 hours notice of cancellation.
When and how do I pay you?
Payment is due at the time of the session and you can pay by cash, cheque or bank transfer.
I am always happy to answer other questions you may have about my counselling, so please contact me