FAQ
I have tried to answer as many common questions as I can but please get in touch if you have any queries.
What are Your qualifications?
I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) registration number 413898. This means that I am bound by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions which outlines how I work ethically and professionally. I hold a BACP accredited Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and a level 4 University Certificate in Counselling.
What is counselling?
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that gives you the opportunity to work with a trained professional who is neutral and non-judgmental in a private and safe setting. It is an opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours with the aim of helping you to reach your own unique therapy goals.
My belief is that you are the expert in your life. I will work with you to help you define your counselling goals and then help you to find the solutions that work for you.
What happens in counselling?
Each counselling session is unique. However, in each session we will work together towards your goals. What you want to bring may vary between sessions and may depend upon how you are feeling or what has happened in your life. A session might include things like:
What is happening in your life in the present
Your meaningful relationships
Work colleagues and friendships
Your feelings, behaviors and emotions
Things you are currently struggling with
Past life events and your childhood
You can decide what feels most helpful and I will work with you in an empathetic and non-judgmental way.
What can I expect in my first counselling session?
I will spend some time introducing myself and explaining how I work. We’ll also spend some time talking about your history, your reasons for coming to counselling and your counselling goals. You may not think of everything and that is okay. Counselling is an evolving process and most people become aware of new themes during the counselling process. We’ll then agree on the way that we will work together. Some of this is necessarily quite formal so please feel free to ask any questions.
Who do you work with?
I work with adults and Young People (adults aged 18 to 25).
My work with children is currently confined to a charitable organisation setting.
Is everything I say confidential?
We will cover this subject in greater detail in our first session together but protecting clients’ confidentiality is a fundamental principle of counselling practice. There are a few limited circumstances where legally or ethically I may be required to break confidentiality. For example if there is risk of serious harm to you or someone else.
Where do counselling sessions take place?
Sessions take place online or on the telephone.
How often are the sessions?
Consistency of sessions is a key factor in the success of the counselling process so sessions usually take place weekly at a regular time slot. We will review progress regularly and can discuss the best approach for you.
How much do you charge?
I charge £50 per 50 minute counselling (this is often referred to as the ‘therapeutic hour’ with the remaining 10 minutes consisting of writing notes and administration).
I offer concessions to OAP and non-counselling study students.
Is there anything else I need to know?
I am fully insured, hold an enhanced DBS through my work with a Children and Young Person’s charity and I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) registration number ZB708002.
Further Resources
You can find more information about counselling by visiting the following links on the BACP’s website: