How do I know who's the right counsellor for me?
Not every counsellor is right for every client so if it doesn't feel right, don't feel obliged to keep going. Start by asking if your counsellor is a member of a recognised professional body. As a Registered Member of the BACP I'm obliged to meet high standards when it comes to working ethically and professionally. I'm also required to be fully insured, to have regular support from an experienced and qualified supervisor and to undertake regular further professional training in order to broaden my skillset. If I feel our work together isn't benefiting you I'll talk to you about it, and if appropriate help you find another counsellor.
How long are sessions? Where and when do they happen?
Sessions are held in my quiet and private counselling rooms in Liphook and Haslemere. Each session is fifty minutes long and we'd typically meet once a week - but we can talk about your needs and preferences when we start working together.
Can we hold sessions online or by telephone?
Yes of course. In my experience meeting face-to-face is the best way to build a strong working relationship, but I recognise that there are some circumstances which might make that impractical and I'm happy to work remotely if needed.
You can pay by bank transfer or card, whichever is easiest for you. I ask that you pay for each session before the start of the session, and I'll send you email or text reminders to make it as easy as possible for you to keep track of your payments.
Yes they are: the contract we'll both sign at the start of the work sets out in detail the terms of the confidentiality we work under. There are some situations where I might be obliged to break confidentiality: these include if I feel there is a danger of you or someone else coming to harm, or in the event of a court order. In either case I'd endeavour to talk to you before any disclosures are made. I keep brief notes from sessions: they are held securely on my practice management system and in accordance with my obligations under the Data Protection Act of 2018.
I ask that you give me at least 48 hours notice if you need to miss or move a session: if this isn't possible then the session is chargeable. You won't be charged for sessions where you've given long-term notice of your absence - for holidays or work commitments for example. If you arrive late for a session we can use the remaining time for the work. I'll do my best to accommodate your needs but it's important that sessions are regular and consistent.
How do I pay for my sessions?
Are sessions confidential?
What if I need to miss a session, or I'm late? Can I move sessions?
