On this page, you will find a few questions that you may have. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Are our conversations confidential?
Whatever we talk about in a session is strictly between you and me. There are some legal limitations to this which would be discussed during our first session. I do keep some notes, but no-one has access to these. These notes are also coded so there are no identifying data on them.
To also maintain confidentiality, I will not make any initial approach to say hi if our paths cross while out in public. I also do not accept friends request on social media.
Is there a contract or agreement?
Yes, there will be a therapeutic contract between the two of us, which we will dicuss during the initial consultation. The contract would detail the expetations of each other during counselling and how I work as a counsellor. The contract will be emailed to you and can be agreed upon by returning the form with a signature if you are able to provide one. If you are unable to sign the agreement, a typed statement agreeing to the contract would be ok. Please include your full name and contact details, and send this from you main email address to which you booked your initial consultation.
How do I know when to finish counselling?
During the sessions, work between yourself and I will naturally progress and as an ending is neared this is spoken about within the sessions. Between two and four weeks would ideally be required for an appropriate ending to take place.
What happens in the first session?
During the first session, we will discuss;
- Confidentiality and any limitations to this
- What you can expect from myself as your counsellor
- What is expected from yourself as the client
- Agree and both sign a counselling working agreement. For video counselling, this would be via email confirmation.
Do you have supervision?
I do have regular supervision by a qualified counselling supervisor, who helps me monitor my skills and performance. No details about yourself will be discussed during these sessions, and is purely to monitor myself and help with any dilemmas I may experience.
I also have Continuing Personal Development (CPD) which is monitored and audited by the BACP.
Are there any cancellation charges?
Yes. If you do not give 24 hours notice of cancellation, you will be asked to pay the full cost of the session. If you cancel in good time then there will not be a charge.
What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?
If you are unable to make an appointment for any reason, please inform me in good time and I will make every effort to reschedule as soon as possible if this is what is wanted. If less than 24 hours’ notice is provided, then you will still be charged the full price of the session. You will not be charged for sessions if I am away or I am forced to cancel.
