Frequently Asked Questions for Counselling

What is counselling?
The definition of counselling by British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy "Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change or enhance their well being."
What do I do next?
If you would like an opportunity to talk further about counselling or arrange an initial session, please
email me or request a call back. If you prefer, call me on
0845 071 1369 (local rate) or
07961 016 334.
If I am unable to answer the telephone please leave a message I normally respond to queries as soon as possible, if I am unable to respond immediately I aim to reply within 24 hours.
All calls are confidential and I will check with you whether it is a convenient time to talk.
What is an Initial Session?
At this appointment you will have an opportunity to decide whether or not you feel comfortable talking to me, whether we can both work together, or if counselling is right for you at this time.
You will be under no obligation to pursue counselling. Deciding on a counsellor is one of the most important steps in your journey, so you may want to meet a few prospective counsellors to try them out before deciding which one to go with.
Where does counselling take place in London?
I work in a comfortable consulting room in a purpose built therapy centre in Leighton Road,
Kentish Town in
North West London. The centre is just two minutes walk from Kentish Town underground which is located on
the Northern line and British Rail station. There are limited pay and display parking bays near the centre.
A map and full directions will be provided when you make an appointment. I work part of my week in London
and the other part in Nottingham.
Where does counselling take place in Nottingham?
I work in two locations in Nottingham, in the
city centre and in the
NG6 area of Nottingham. Both venues
are accessible by local transport and have parking facilities.
A map and full directions will be provided when you make an appointment. I work part of my week in London
and the other part in Nottingham.
How long is the duration of a counselling session?
A counselling session lasts for 50 minutes.
How will I know if it's right for me?
During your initial session you will get more of an idea about how counselling works and how you will feel talking to a counsellor.
How long will I need to come for?
Counselling usually works best when sessions are weekly.
Clients can agree to attend for a short period of time, or for a longer open ended period. After a number of sessions you may wish to review your experience of counselling.
Is Counselling confidential ?
Counselling is confidential. The only circumstance where I am obliged to break confidentiality is if you have indicated that there is risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else.
What relevant qualifications do you have?
Diploma in Person Centred Counselling -1998
Diploma in Person Centred Art Therapy skills-2007
Cert in Person Centred Counselling supervision-2001
Primary Certificate in Stress Management-2009
What is a BACP accredited counsellor ?
It is a counsellor who has achieved a substantial level of training and experience that has been approved by
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). For more information visit
BACP website.
Code of Ethics
I am a BACP accredited counsellor and a member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
and adhere to their ethical framework for good practice. I am a registered member of the UK Register of Counsellors.
What is counselling supervision?
Supervision can be seen as quality control and a way of ensuring that therapeutic standards are maintained. Like all professional counsellors, I have regular supervision and may discuss aspects of our sessions with a supervisor, but would avoid disclosing information that would identify you.
Appointments
I have a flexible appointment system; appointments are usually offered within seven days.
Appointments start as early as 8.00 a.m. or as late as 8.00 pm.
Some weekend appointments are available.
Fees - How much does it cost?
The fee for an
initial session is
£25.00
The fee for a counselling session ranges from
£35-£45.00 per 50 minute session, depending on circumstances and location.
The fee for couples counselling is
£60.00 per session.
Reduced fees counselling session for students / low income are negotiable.
Payment can be by cash, cheque or Paypal at the end of each session or paid for monthly or quarterly in
advance.
Fees are subject to review and may be amended subject to at least 28 days notice.
What if I want to cancel a counselling session?
If you want to cancel your counselling session, please provide
48 hours notice, otherwise you will be
charged. However I am willing to negotiate another session that week if possible.
What if am late for my session?
It is expected that the sessions begin at the agreed time and, unfortunately, cannot be extended due to
late arrival.
Contact me
If you would like to book an initial session to see whether counselling is right for you
email me or request a call back. If you prefer you can call me on
0845 071 1369 (local rate) or
07961 016 334. I normally respond to queries as soon as possible, if I am unable to respond immediately I aim to reply within 24 hours.