Frequently Asked Questions
Q What’s the first step?
A If you think therapy could help you, the first step is to contact me to arrange an initial meeting. This will give you the opportunity to experience the way I work and decide if you want to continue.
Q What if we’re not suited to working together or I need more specialised help?
A If, for any reason, it becomes evident that you would benefit from a different kind of help I will do my best to support you in finding a suitable practitioner
Q What’s my commitment?
A If we decide to continue working together after our initial session we will meet weekly, usually at the same time, for a 50-minute session.
Q How much will it cost?
A My fees vary according to location. Please contact me for details
Q What if I need to cancel a session?
A Circumstances may arise where you would need to cancel a session. Provided you can give me 48 hours’ notice I do not charge for these sessions
Q How many sessions will I have?
A In my private practice I can offer you as many sessions as appropriate and this can vary from as few as one or two to many more over a longer period. We will have plenty of opportunity to review this as we go.
Q What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
A There is no clear cut answer to this question. Broadly, counselling is concerned with finding solutions to particular, current difficulties whilst psychotherapy works at a deeper level with patterns of thought and behaviour that may have been established many years ago. Again, we can review your specific needs as we go.
Q Will you talk to anyone else about me?
A In line with UKCP and BACP professional and ethical guidelines I offer a high level of confidentiality. When I need to discuss my work with another practitioner (see Supervision) for the purposes of development and evaluation I take care not to use identifying information. There are some circumstances – for instance, if I became seriously concerned about your safety or that of another person – when I would wish to bring in a third party. Wherever possible this would be in consultation with you and with your consent.
Please contact me for further clarification on any of these points and with any other questions you may have