Frequently Asked Questions

This is an optional session and takes the form of an informal discussion.

Deciding whether to have counselling and finding the right counsellor for you are both very important decisions. If you are unsure about either, I offer a free 30-minute informal consultation appointment prior to arranging an assessment session.

The initial assessment session is an opportunity for you to decide whether you will feel comfortable working with me, and for me to make sure that I am the best person to help you.

It will last for 50 minutes and will involve fact-finding, form-filling, and a discussion of your goals in coming to counselling.

The free consultation is an informal 30-minute meeting. It is optional, and is for clients who are unsure whether to undertake counselling, or who would like an opportunity to meet with me before making a financial commitment.

The assessment is an in-depth fact-finding session. It is an essential first step in counselling, where a full history will be taken. The session will last for 50 minutes, and the usual fee is payable.

There is no obligation to continue with counselling after either the free consultation or the assessment session.

You are under no obligation to continue with counselling after either the free consultation (if you choose to arrange one) or the assessment session, although the usual fee is payable for the assessment session.

Sessions are confidential to the client, whether that client is an adult or a child.

The only exceptions to this are:
Supervision – all counsellors are ethically bound to take their work for clinical supervision by a supervisor, who also adheres to confidentiality.

Safety – if a counsellor believes that a client is a danger to him/herself or others, or if a child is at risk of harm, then action will be taken.

Counselling is suitable for a wide range of difficulties, such as: abuse, ADD/ADHD, anger management, anxiety, Asperger Syndrome and other autistic spectrum disorders, bereavement, child related issues, depression, eating problems, health issues, identity problems, loss, obsessions, personal development, phobias, post-traumatic stress, redundancy, relationships, self-esteem, self-harm, sexual issues, stress, and many more. If you are unsure whether counselling can help with your particular problems you are welcome to contact me in confidence.

This depends on your needs and the agreement we make at the outset. We may decide that your requirements are best met by short-term work, or that a more flexible, open-ended approach is more appropriate.

Usually, we will review our work every 6 sessions, assessing your progress towards your goals and how you wish to continue. You will usually know whether you are ready to end counselling, and we will work together to do this in the best way for you.

Individuals: £50 per session of 50 minutes. Couples & Families: £65 per session of 50 minutes. Couples or families sometimes find that a session and a half is more effective, and this would be charged pro rata. I offer reduced rates for counselling students – contact me for more information.

Please give 48 hours’ notice of cancellation, otherwise the session fee will be charged.