frequently asked questions

Q. Why do I need to talk to a counsellor?
A. Talking to a family member or a friend can be helpful but it is not the same as talking to a counsellor. Talking to a counsellor, confidentially, is different as they are trained to listen and help you explore your feelings without judgement, and together, work out what it is you want for yourself.

Q. Can you make me better?
A. We all have the capacity within ourselves to change things in our lives, given the right conditions. In counselling, we will work together to explore whatever you bring to the sessions and whatever is possible for you to take control of your future and enable you to live the life you choose.

Q. How long is a session and how often do I need to come?
A. Sessions last for 50 mins and it is usual to meet weekly although this can vary on circumstances. A commitment to attend regularly is needed if the counselling is to be effective.

Q. How many sessions will I need?
A.This is something we will discuss in our assessment session and decide between us. We can set a number of sessions, for example, 6, and then review how things are going or we can work on an open ended contract. We can set short term and/or long term goals. But most importantly, you will know when things have changed for you and the pace will be yours to decide - this is your space and your time.

Q. What is an assessment?
A. The assessment gives us the opportunity to meet, for me to explain how I work and for you to ask any questions you have about counselling. It is a time where we can both decide whether we wish to work together, as for you to gain the most from therapy it is important to find the right person for you to work with. If we decide not to work together I will try my best to refer you to another agency or therapist who may be more suitable.

Q. What will it cost?
A. The cost of the counselling is £35 per session, payable by cash or cheque. Non-attendance is chargeable in full unless notified a minimum of 24 hours beforehand.

Q. What about confidentiality?
A. It is crucial for effective counselling that the client trusts their counsellor, and knows that what they are told is kept confidential. As an accredited member of The Counselling Society I abide by their "Practitioners' Code of Ethics" and part of those states that there are limits to the level of confidentiality a counsellor can agree to, namely intentional risk to yourself or another person, contravention of certain legal requirements, or sometimes, the counsellors own Supervision. If it was necessary to break confidentiality the counsellor would wherever possible, discuss this with the client prior to informing a third party. These measures are only used in exceptional circumstances and are taken to ensure the well being of all concerned.

Q. Do you belong to a proffesional body?
A. Yes. I am an accredited member of The National Counselling Society and abide by their Code of Ethics.

Q. Have you been CRB checked?
A. Yes. I have an Enhanced Criminal Records Certificate within the meaning of sections 113B and 116 of the Police Act 1997.

Q. What is a Counselling Supervisor?
A. Every ethically practising counsellor in Great Britain is obliged to meet regularly with their Counselling Supervisor. This brings objective support and guidance to the counsellor, improves their level of skills and professional competence, and promotes good practice to the benefit of the client. If your own counselling is discussed in Supervision, your counsellor will keep your identity from the Supervisor (and will disguise any facts which might conceivably identify you otherwise). The counselling supervisor is also bound by ethics to keeping confidentiality.