What does a typical counselling session look like?

During our first session we will discuss and agree goals and our way of working.  Your therapy needs to be right for you, so we will check what works and what doesn’t resonate for you as well as review your goals regularly. This is especially important if you are attending sessions for an extended period.

 

A typical session will last fifty-five minutes to one hour.  We will always focus on what you need help with at that time, so if you’ve had a tough week and you want to discuss something that doesn’t totally align to your goal then that is fine.

 

We will always leave plenty of time for you to reground and settle before leaving our session.  Remember, this is your therapy!  We will move at your pace, ensuring you feel safe and supported. 

 

I believe that dialogue is key to good relationships so I will not sit by and leave all the talking to you, unless that is what you want and need at that time.  I will actively engage with you, focussing totally on your need.

 

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Do I qualify for reduced price counselling if I’m on a low income?

I do offer a limited number of slots to people on a low income as well as to counselling students.   Please contact me to discuss your individual circumstance.  If I do not have any available spaces I will add you to my wait list or help refer you on to a colleague.

 

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How many sessions of counselling will I need?

This will depend on your personal need.  Some people attend counselling to deal with a very specific issue that we can focus on over a few sessions, whilst others have more complex needs or want to explore their emotions, feelings and behaviours more fully.

 

Research shows that most benefit is usually gained from between 10 and 20 sessions, however, a lot can be achieved in less time and some people want or need a lot more.  I offer both short-term and open-ended therapy

 

For couples counselling you should anticipate the whole journey lasting between 3 months and one year.  I recommend that we start by meeting weekly or fortnightly, however, you should anticipate that some sessions may include just one person and the time between sessions may lengthen as therapy progresses.

 

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Do you have a payment and cancellation policy?

Yes, I require payment via online banking/bank transfer 48 hours ahead of each session.  If you prefer to pay in cash then I require pre-payment at our previous session, so one session in advance. 

 

I operate a 48-hour cancellation policy.  If you cancel more than 48 hours in advance of a session you will not incur any cost.  Cancellations with less than 48 hours notification incur the full fee as I am unlikely to be able to fill your allocated session at short notice and I also incur costs.