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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens next?
If you would like to look into counselling a bit further, please contact me (see my Contact page or email me). If you are not able to speak to me personally and decide to leave a message, you may like to let me know what times it would be convenient for me to call you back.
If you wish, we would then arrange an initial face-to-face appointment. I am usually able to offer an appointment in the daytime, evenings or Saturdays. You would then be able to meet me in person, speak about your current situation and your hopes for counselling. During this time, we would then decide on whether counselling sessions would be helpful.
How long is counselling?
I offer 50-minute sessions, as regular weekly appointments. Although benefits can often be felt after only one or two meetings, counselling is nevertheless not a quick fix solution and it can take some time for the process to operate at its full potential. You will probably know when you are ready to finish counselling, so I would normally leave the decision to you as to when you wish your counselling to finish. I do however ask that we negotiate a period of notice so that we may end our work together in person.
Do I really need counselling?
I believe counselling may be beneficial to anyone, although commitment to the counselling process is an important factor for a positive outcome. The NHS is increasingly recognising the benefits of counselling for many people, and society appears to be increasingly more accepting of psychological therapy.
Isn’t my problem too small?
Probably not. In my experience, a number of clients first come to me saying they are not sure if they need counselling, in case their problem is not sufficiently important. But if it is important to you, then it is important. And after a few sessions, these same clients discover for themselves the value of counselling.
How much will it cost?
My fees are £40 per 50 minute session. The initial exploratory appointment will also last for 50 minutes, and costs £20. If you are on a low income, I am happy to discuss the possibility of working for a reduced fee. If you are wanting to pay for your counselling through an insurance or Employee Assistance Programme, I will charge an extra £5 per session, due to the extra paperwork involved.
How do I know you are practising ethically and accountably?
I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and am bound by its Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to its Professional Conduct Procedure. Part of this means that I am committed to regular supervision and continuing professional development.
Is what I say kept confidential?
Yes. All that you say and do is kept confidential. However, there are rare exceptions which I explain to you in our first session. When I examine my work with my supervisor, I always keep my client’s identity confidential, although I may speak about issues arising in our sessions – this is normal professional practice.
What is a counselling session like?
The 50-minute session is time for you to use as you wish. Counselling is sometimes described as a ‘talking therapy’ and some clients like to use the whole session in this way. Others appreciate opportunities to work creatively, perhaps using artistic materials, role play, or visual aids. During a session, I keep track of the time and work with you to bring each session to a suitable close.
Access
My counselling practice is based in mid-Surrey, about 10 minutes walk from Dorking town centre, and 5 minutes from bus stops. I am within easy reach of places in Surrey and Sussex - such as Guildford, Crawley, Reigate and Redhill, Epsom and Horsham.
There is ample on-street parking close to the property. As I am unable to offer waiting room facilities, I would therefore ask that you do not arrive early. I see clients in a ground floor room; clients also have access to ground floor cloakroom facilities. If you have any special needs and are concerned about how this may affect access to your counselling, please speak to me about this. |
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