How long does it take?

The answer to this question is not straightforward. Counselling can be a journey of varying duration and influenced by many factors. Everyone is unique. To meet this fact I employ a flexible approach whereby I can offer either brief focussed counselling or more extended periods of engagement. Your preference will be informed by the broad range of individual considerations which will include your currently perceived challenges, personal needs and financial position.  

What is agreed upon will be regularly reviewed to monitor the effectiveness of the counselling process in meeting your aims and expectations. Counselling usually comes to an end by mutual consent and thoughtful preparation.                                                 

Is counselling with me Confidential?

Yes. I will treat what you share with me with respect and in strict confidence. This is a vital ingredient in promoting trust and rapport. At the same time I am also bound by the professional responsibilities set out in the BACP’s Ethical Framework. This exists to ensure the safety of all concerned from injury or harm.

How can it be beneficial?

At your own pace I will be encourage you to share your current concerns and to sensitively explore the possible underlying issues that are prompting you to seek guidance at this time, so that you may use the time in counselling both effectively and as a restorative experience. I will endeavour to promote greater awareness and self-care which provides insight with which to make sense of your current feelings, thoughts and behaviour. This will be done with respect and non-judgementally. 

Through the experience of really feeling listened to and working collaboratively I will aim to both motivate and enable you to recognise your personal potential and help you identify what it is in your life that you want to change. I will support you in achieving these changes and of finding meaningful and positive ways forward.

Are you a member of the Professional Body?

I have been a member of the BACP  (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) for 20 years and continue to abide by its Ethical Framework of good-practice principles, values and conduct.  

I have full professional practice indemnity insurance and hold a current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Certificate.

What happens when you contact me?

I shall respond by whatever means of communication you have chosen with the aim of clarifying what has prompted you to seek support and to establish what you would like from counselling and how I might help. This will be done respectfully and with no obligation that you proceed further. If you decide what I can offer will be of benefit to you we can move forward by negotiating a convenient time for an initial appointment.                                                                                                                

This first session serves several purposes.  It is an opportunity to meet each other. You will experience the environment in which the counselling will take place. It will give you an opportunity to ask further questions and it will enable me to assess your current concerns and intentions and whether I can help.

At each stage of the process described I will offer you time to think things over before making your decision so that you can make an ‘informed choice’. If you then decide to go ahead with what I have offered we would meet regularly on a weekly basis. There will be ongoing review to monitor the effectiveness of the process in meeting your aims and expectations. 

How much does it cost?                                                                                                        

I make no charge for an initial no obligation contact/consultation. 

My fee is then:

          £50 per session during the day (7.30am - 4pm)

          £60 for an evening appointment (5pm - 7pm)

          The sessions are of one-hour duration.

I am willing to negotiate this charge according to personal resources.