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If you are new to counselling it is normal to have some questions.  Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.  You may find it useful to read this page before starting counselling. 

 

What are your qualifications?

I graduated with an MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy at Birkbeck College, University of London in 2014. 

 

Are you affiliated or accredited with any professional body?

Yes, I am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

 

Is your work covered by any insurance?  

Yes, for your peace of mind, I have Public Liability Insurance worth £100,000. 

 

When are you available? 

I am available to see clients five days a week, from Monday to Friday.  I offer appointments from 08:20 through to 18:00, finishing at 18:50.

How many sessions would you be able to offer? 

I would usually expect to see clients for one or two sessions per week. 

 

Would you expect to see a client on a fixed day and time, or can each appointment can be negotiated?

I would usually expect to see clients at the same time each week.                                                                                           

 

Will you advise of any foreseeable holiday or breaks to sessions (for example bank holidays)?

I will advise clients of any holiday I intend to take in advance. 

 

What are your fees?                                                                                                       

I usually charge £60/£75 (day/evening) per 50 minute session, depending on time, place and availability.  I am pleased to offer students, the unemployed and people on a lower household income a reduced fee. 

 

How and when these should these be paid?

I usually prefer my fees to be paid by BACS within 7 days of each invoice. 

 

What contact can a client have with you between sessions?

I do not usually maintain contact with clients between sessions, except to exchange practical information.

 

What happens if a client does not attend a particular session, or misses more than one session?  

It is important to attend every session once therapy has commenced.  I will hold the slot we agree open for you until we agree to end the therapy. 

 

Do you charge for missed or late cancelled sessions?

Since I cannot offer your slot to another person, I do charge for missed sessions.  If you give me enough notice, I will usually try to offer an alternative. 

 

What happens if you are unable to provide a session due to illness or other issues?

If I am unable to provide a session due to illness or another unexpected event, I will tell you as soon as I know.  I will usually try to offer an alternative, although I cannot guarantee that will be always possible. 

 

Is your work open-ended or time-limited?

I usually work in an open-ended fashion, unless there is a very good reason to offer time-limited sessions.  If you would prefer to set a time limit to the work, it will be necessary to discuss your requirements in the preliminary session. 

 

What personal information will you request from me?

If you contact me for therapy, I will request from you some basic information including demographics and personal situation. 

 

How will my personal information be stored?

Your personal information will be stored in a digital file on a computer requiring password access with secure and current virus protection. 

 

Is my information confidential?  What are the limits to confidentiality?

Your information is confidential and will never be disclosed to a third party unless there is a clear and evident safeguarding concern. 

 

Do you keep records of our sessions together, and what happens to these after we have finished our work together?

I keep a record of your attendance and type brief notes where necessary. After the work has concluded, I will destroy any notes when they are no longer required. 

 

How can I end the therapy?

If you would like to end the therapy, I would advise you to talk to me first as the dialogue may prove useful.  If we both agree that the therapy should end, we will discuss an end date together (usually some weeks or months in advance). I do not recommend you stop coming without talking to me first. 

 

How can I make a complaint if I have a concern about the way in which you are working?

As a Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I am accountable to their Ethical Framework and Professional Conduct Procedure.  More information may be found at: www.bacp.co.uk