FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding to see a counsellor for the first time can be quite daunting. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear.

• Do I need counselling?
  Counselling can be different things to different people.  It can help you to gain clarity on an problem, change patterns of behaviour, untangle personal issues, or simply help you to discover who you really are.  It can be useful in moments of crisis or when things just feel wrong.  Do you need counselling?  Is something not right?  Does something need to change?  
• How many sessions will I need?
  Counselling is a process, so it is difficult to say exactly how many sessions will be required.  Everyone and every problem is unique.  However, we will set realistic goals for our work together and progress will be reviewed regularly so that there is focus to the work.
• Do I have to attend weekly sessions?
  Weekly sessions are the standard for counselling.  It can take time to process what is discussed and these allow for gradual, but steady, progress.  After a while it may be agreed that fortnightly or monthly sessions may be sufficient.  This can be discussed at any time.
• How do I pay?
  Payments can be made in cash or via bank transfer before or immediately after the session.  An invoice can be provided if required.
• What if I’m late for a session?
  If you're late for our session we still have to finish at the scheduled time and you will still be charged the full amount.
• What if I miss my session?
  If you do not give 24 hours notice of non attendance you will be charged for the missed session.
• What if I have a complaint?
  If you have an issue about any aspect of our service please speak to us directly and we will endeavour to address your concerns. If your complaint is specifically about the counsellor, pease raise it with them and if you're still not satisfied you can take this up with the counsellor's professional body the BACP (British Association for Counsellors & Psychotherapists)

• Will you give me advice?
  No.  Counselling isn't about advising people, it's about helping people find their own way through their problems.  Answers that come from within are are much more powerful than direction from others.
• How long are sessions?
  Sessions last a counselling hour which means we start to wind things up after fifty minutes.  This gives us ten minutes to find an appropriate point to stop.  If the session has been difficult it also allows some time to decompress before leaving.
• How much does it cost?
  I currently charge £50 for face to face and online sessions..
• Can I use my health insurance for counselling?
  Health insurers will cover you for certain types of counselling, but at present we do not offer that service.
• What if I need to cancel?
  Appointments can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.  If you cancel after this you will still be charged for the session.
• Do you offer discounts to counselling students?
  If you are a counselling student and personal therapy is a requirement of your course, I offer a 20% discount on our standard rates.