Questions you may have
How long are the sessions and how often?
I would see you weekly for sessions lasting 50 minutes, ideally at the same time each week. We would work together, either for a set period of time (for example for six to twelve sessions) or for more open-ended time if we agree that together.
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
It is understandable that unpreventable things may come up which cause you to cancel a session. However, I would like you to let me know at least 24 hours in advance if you can’t make the session. If you don’t let me know in advance you will need to pay for the missed session. This allows me to see someone else at that time.
Ideally, you would attend all your sessions so you can get maximum benefit from the counselling experience.
Is there any pressure for me to share?
No, not at all. The therapy process unfolds at your pace and you are in control of the process. My role is to come alongside you and to support you to explore what may be troubling you and to take the steps to effect change.
How will I know if you’re the right counsellor for me?
Research has shown that it is the relationship between therapist and client that is the most important factor in determining a positive outcome in therapy. The "click" between us is hard to define but after the first or second session, we will get a sense of whether it feels right for us to work together. It is of the utmost importance that we both sense a connection between us, before we decide to work together.
Will what I tell you be kept confidential?
Talking about personal feelings and experiences can be frightening and the therapeutic environment should be safe. I am bound by a code of ethics. What you share will be treated with respect, sensitivity and confidentiality. I will not tell others what you have shared with me.
However, as a therapist I have a duty of care and there are rare circumstances when I am ethically bound to break confidentiality, but I would always do this with your knowledge.
Self-harm and harm to others:
If I feel that you may be in danger of harming yourself or others (especially children) then I am ethically obliged to pass this information on to an appropriate third party.
Acts of Terrorism:
If you share that you are involved in any illegal activities, or have information or evidence regarding acts of terrorism, then I am legally obliged to pass on this information.
Supervision:
I attend regular supervision with a senior practitioner. This is an ethical requirement for all counsellors and psychotherapists. I may share aspects of our work together with my supervisor for the purposes of my own professional development. However, the supervisor like me, is bound by the same code of ethics and will keep all aspects of your process confidential. And I do not share any identifying information with my supervisor.
Anonymity:
As a therapist I abide by the policies around Data Protection. Any notes I may make about our work together, and all your personal details such as name, contact details and other identifying information about you, will be password-protected or kept secure in a locked filing cabinet. Unless I am obliged either legally or from a Safeguarding point of view, your anonymity is secure.