Answering your frequently asked questions...

What's The Difference Between Counselling And Psychotherapy?

There’s a subtle difference between counselling and psychotherapy; counselling tends to be shorter term work, often focused around a current problem or one specific issue whereas psychotherapy tends to address the more long-standing issues. Psychotherapy is longer term work as it is often more intense and works at a much deeper psychological level. If you’re wondering which one is best for you, we can discuss this during our initial meeting and set out a contract on how we will work together.

How Long Will I  Need Therapy For?

It’s difficult to say without knowing what you want to achieve. If it’s historical stuff, it can take a while, sometimes years, which can be daunting I know. The way to look at it is, you’ve been living your life for however many years old you are – you’re not going to change those well rehearsed habits or patterns over night. The likelihood is that you’ve got brilliant defences to protect you from what you find difficult, which is why you haven’t been able to push through it on your own so far.

If it’s a recent significant event like bereavement – depending on the circumstances and your relationships with that person, it can be within the year.

There’s short and long-term work available, depending on how long your difficulties have been around.

How Much Is Each Session And How Long Do They Last?

Sessions are £75 and are 50 minutes in length.

For third parties such as insurance work and Employment Assistance Programmes (EAP), please inquire further as I have a varying scale for this nature of work.

If you can’t make an appointment, I ask for 48 hours notice; notice within 48 hours is chargeable at the full session fee.

How Often Do I Need To Come?

For the relationship between us to develop and for the work to keep momentum, I work with weekly appointments. This does change when the client and I both feel as though they have made enough progress to reduce the frequency, particularly towards the end where the sessions can even be monthly.

What Days Do You Work?

Here are my clinical days and hours where I work with clients (I can be flexible with the first appointment times):

• Monday:: first appointment 10.00 am, last appointment 3.00 pm

• Tuesday: first appointment 10.00 am, last appointment 3.00 pm

• Wednesday: first appointment 10.00 am, last appointment 3.00 pm

Do I Have To Talk About My Past?

If you want to work on a long standing difficulty, then I believe that our past influences who we are, it doesn’t define us but it undoubtedly impacts our beliefs, and we would then work with your past. Talking is not the only option, however - take a look at this blog to explore alternative therapies that complement the more familiar talking therapy.

All our work is contracted so you and I know exactly what to expect; we will not work with your past if you choose not to.

Who Are You Insured With?

I am insured with Balen’s Insurnance.

Who Do You Have Professional Memberships With?

I am a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and am registered with the ICO.

Do You Have a Police Check (DBS) Certificate?

Yes, I have an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate.