Practical information and fees

First step

If you are interested in discussing counselling with me then please contact me and we will arrange an introductory confidential chat for which there is no charge. This allows you to ask any questions and tell me a bit about what is troubling you if you wish; it will last around 20-30 minutes. You can then decide if you would like to start counselling. There is no obligation, and I will not be upset or offended if counselling, or my style of working, is not for you. You are welcome of course to have a think and come back to me later.

Length and number of sessions

Each counselling session lasts for 50 minutes and ideally takes place once a week to enable us to build a good professional relationship and to enable progress to take place. I offer flexible hours including evening and weekends and usually suggest a course of four to six sessions to start with, with a review during the last session where we can discuss if you want to continue, take a break, or stop.

Where the counselling takes place

I am currently running all counselling sessions online via Zoom or similar, or over the phone, both of which work very successfully.

Cost per session

I charge £45 per 50-minute session. Reduced fees may be available depending on circumstances, so do please ask me; I endeavour to work within clients’ budgets as far as I can. I will invoice you after each session for payment via bank transfer or cheque. Payment must be made within 7 days.

Confidentiality

Anything you choose to say to me within our sessions remains confidential with the following exceptions:

  • Supervision: it may be beneficial for me to discuss something raised in your sessions with my supervisor (please see below for more information about supervision). These discussions will be in confidence with your name anonymised. The purpose of this is to enable me to be more effective in our work together.

  • Danger to self or others: If I feel you have become a danger to yourself or to others, I have a duty of care to report this to your GP and/or the police;

  • Criminal activity: I have a legal duty to report criminal activity to the police.

I will discuss any onward reporting with you first if this is possible.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations with more than 48-hours’ notice will incur no charge. Cancellations of less than this may be subject to a charge depending on circumstances. If you do need to cancel a session it would be ideal to rebook it as soon as possible so momentum is not lost.

Counselling contract

I will sign and ask you to sign a contract before we start working together which details practical, confidentiality and ethical issues.

Ethical framework

As a Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy I adhere to the 2018 Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions which can be found here: www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions//

Supervision

Under the BACP ethical framework I am required to have monthly supervision which is a form of mentoring for counsellors. The supervision sessions I undertake ensure I meet best practice standards, enhance the quality of my work and advance my learning. During these sessions I may discuss client issues, but these will always be anonymised to protect confidentiality.

Insurance

I hold professional indemnity, public liability and products liability insurance as required by BACP.