When are you open?
§ From 0800 to 1900 during the week, however I only take 6 clients per day.
§ Weekend appointments are not available
How quickly can you see me?
§ Every effort is made to offer an initial appointment within two days. Appointments can be made by yourself on line at a time to suit you.
Can I book on-line?
Can I just turn up?
· No, sessions are by appointment only.
How long is each session?
§ Usually fifty minutes.
§ Couples and families, or those travelling long distances may prefer longer sessions..
How long is my commitment?
· There is none beyond the current session. We do, however, consider that it is often useful for clients to agree to an initial series of six sessions to enable the development of a therapeutic plan.
How many sessions will I need?
· This is difficult to assess prior to the initial consultation as individuals’ circumstances vary so much. On average, clients attend approximately twelve sessions.
Are appointments set at fixed weekly intervals?
· Not necessarily. Subject to availability sessions can be booked to suit your own preference.
Are the counsellors qualified/registered?
· Yes, I am qualified to Postgraduate level in Counselling and am currently researching for my MSc and hold a Diploma in Hypnotherapy (Hons), Diploma in Counsellling and Psychotherapy (Merit). I am a member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
Is the service confidential?
· Yes, the content of sessions is wholly confidential according to ethical guidelines of BACP. Only in extreme cases, such as if human life or children’s’ safety was at risk, would any contact be made with third parties.
Can I bring someone with me?
· Yes, partners, friends and family members, including children, are welcome. Their presence is often useful.
What happens at the initial consultation?
§ The focus is on contracting the counselling relationship; explaining/experiencing the process; gathering relevant background information; identifying aims/goals.
§ An opportunity for the counsellor to assess whether we can help. Some clients are referred on to other agencies/counsellors.
§ A chance for clients to ask questions and to discover if they feel that they are “in the right place”.
§ A chance to identify some of your hopes for counselling
What theoretical approach is used?
· Within the practice there is broadly based theoretical expertise drawing on ideas from a variety of approaches, particularly person centred, ‘interdividual’ counselling using short term solution focused techniques.
Will the counsellor say anything?
· Yes, the counsellors actively participate in the conversation, both through questioning and by offering opinions and comments.
Does the practice specialise in any particular area?
§ Relationships are the most frequently talked about subjects, both those that exist and those that don’t.
§ Sessions usually branch out much wider and often include family issues, sex/sexuality; dilemmas/decision-making, career choices; stress etc.
§ I have a professional interest in the impact of different types of bullying on people
What do you offer for couples?
§ Couples come here for relationship counselling, often with the aim of staying together, but sometimes to decide whether to part. Divorce mediation is also available
Is there a minimum age for clients?
· Yes, I only work with adults of 18 and over.
Are there any services specific to the business environment?
· Yes, I offer executive mentoring, career planning and stress management.
· Consultancy and training in working with workplace bullying
Are there any issues that are not dealt with?
· Chronic substance abuse and severe mental illness would be generally referred to specialist agencies.
Can I talk to the counsellor before they see me?
· I am available for brief telephone consultations until 2000 each evening.
How successful is the process?
· Most clients successfully meet their aims and achieve the changes they hoped for.
A: § From 0800 to 1900 during the week, however I only take 6 clients per day.
§ Weekend appointments are not available