Counselling - FAQs

1.  What is counselling?
   
   Counselling is a 'talk therapy'. By talking and engaging with a skilled counsellor, counselling is both an experience and a process in which you can discover, explore and understand yourself and your concerns. Through this understanding and experience it is hoped that you will have greater freedom and choice and be able to live in a more fulfilling way.

2. Will my session(s) remain confidential?
   
   Yes. My work is undertaken within the framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) strict code of ethics. Neither the fact that you have seen/are seeing a counsellor nor the content of the sessions will not be divulged to anyone else without your specific written permission other than in the following exceptional circumstances where:
   
   your counsellor is undergoing supervision (which is itself confidential and you are made anonymous);
   
   the law applies e.g. Prevention of Terrorism Act;
   
   the client may pose a risk of causing serious harm to themselves or others. In this last case we would still endeavour to obtain your permission.

3. Do I have to have a particular problem before counselling will benefit me?
   
   No. People come to counselling with a variety of concerns including, academic worries, bereavement, eating problems, self-harm, pregnancy, anxiety, depression, homesickness, family problems and so on. There is no particular 'problem' that you have to have - some people, for example, might simply want some space to take stock of their life or think about the future.

4. Can I choose to see a male counsellor?
   
   Mine is an individual practice but if a client specifically wants to see a male counsellor I can arrange this on your behalf.

5.  What can I expect from my counsellor?
   
   You can expect confidentiality, a non-judgemental attitude and respect from your counsellor. You can expect your counsellor to respond to you sensitively and honestly, and to work together with you to build up a trusting and supportive relationship. Your counsellor will make a commitment to sessions at mutually agreed times, usually weekly, and they will contact you if they have to cancel a session.

6. What will the counsellor expect from the client?
   
   I will need you to make a serious commitment to counselling, to take responsibility for your own growth and change and to always be honest with me (this is critical if you are to receive the maximum benefit from the sessions).
   
   You should be on time for your appointments and inform me as soon as possible if you need to cancel a session. Fees may remain payable if insufficient notice of cancellation is given.

7. How many sessions can I have?
   
   Whilst I will try to give you an indication of how many sessions you might require it is obviously difficult to make this assessment until I am fully aware of the issues you want to address. There is no minimum commitment or maximum entitlement.

8. When do sessions take place?
   
   I will agree this with you when we first meet. I will endeavour to accommodate your other commitments wherever possible.

9. Will you refer me to anybody else?
   
   If I feel that you might derive additional (or greater) benefit from a referral to another counsellor or organisation I will discuss this with you and make recommendations but you are under no obligation to take any action based on those recommendations

10. How much will it cost?
    
    My fees are set out on my Fees and Payment methods page.

11. Other questions?
    
    Please feel free to contact me