Counselling FAQs

Counselling FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need counselling?
Counselling can be different things to different people.  It can help you to gain clarity on a problem, change patterns of behaviour, untangle personal issues, or simply help you to discover who you really are.  It can be useful in moments of crisis or when things just feel wrong.  Do you need counselling?  Is something not right?  Does something need to change?  
Counselling is a process, so it is difficult to say exactly how many sessions will be required.  Everyone and every problem is unique.  However, we will set realistic goals for our work together and progress will be reviewed regularly so that there is focus to the work.

Weekly sessions are the standard for counselling.  It can take time to process what is discussed and these allow for gradual, but steady, progress.  After a while it may be agreed that fortnightly or monthly sessions may be sufficient.  This can be discussed at any time.

Payments can be made in cash or via bank transfer before or immediately after the session.  An invoice can be provided if required.

If you’re late for our session we still have to finish at the scheduled time and you will still be charged the full amount.

If you need to reschedule or cancel a session, you need to inform us at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time.  You will still be charged for the session if you cancel within 24 hours.

If you have an issue about any aspect of our service please speak to us directly and we will endeavour to address your concerns. If your complaint is specifically about the counsellor, pease raise it with them and if you’re still not satisfied you can take this up with the counsellor’s professional body the BACP (British Association for Counsellors & Psychotherapists)

Will you give me advice?

No.  Counselling isn’t about advising people, it’s about helping people find their own way through their problems.  Answers that come from within are much more powerful than direction from others.

Sessions last a counselling hour which means we start to wind things up after fifty minutes.  This gives us ten minutes to find an appropriate point to stop.  If the session has been difficult it also allows some time to decompress before leaving.

Charges start at £55 for face to face and online sessions.  Concessions may be available on an individual basis.

Health insurers will cover you for certain types of counselling, but at present we do not offer that service.

Appointments can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.  If you cancel after this you will still be charged for the session.

If you are a counselling student and personal therapy is a requirement of your course, I offer a 20% discount on our standard rates.

Still have a question?

If there’s something you’re still not sure of, fill in the form below and we’ll come back to you as soon as we’re free.

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