Frequency Asked Questions
Confidential, Bespoke, Safe
How does therapy work?
During our initial phone call and first session, we will discuss what your best hopes for therapy are and what you would like to focus on. Your unique goals will be regularly reviewed as they may change over time. Therapy check ins allow time for reflection on progress that has been made and areas that may need further attention. My role is to support you to explore your inner world to develop a loving relationship with self, promoting healthier behaviours and informed choices and gaining a sense of purpose. Our relationship with ourselves is the longest one we will ever be in and deserves our deepest commitment. Therapy is a chance to explore who you are and feel empowered to become who you would like to be.
Is there a difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling tends to focus on specific situations, symptoms and goals over a shorter time period. Psychotherapy involves a deeper exploration of past experiences, distressing memories, relationship with attachment figures and our psyche, with a focus on longer term growth. Both counselling and psychotherapy help with navigating life after loss, promoting personal growth and overcoming personal challenges.
Are sessions confidential?
All sessions are confidential as I adhere to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy's (BACP) ethical guidelines. There are rare occasions where I would be required to widen the circle of confidentiality which are outlined in my client/counsellor agreement and discussed at the beginning of our work together.
What will my first session be like? After our free 20-minute phone consultation and if you decide you would like to go ahead, we can arrange a first session. Often I find that clients come to the first session not knowing where to start. This is perfectly 'normal' and there is no right or wrong way to 'do therapy'. I see our initial meeting as a chance for you to see how it feels to work together and learn what your best hopes for therapy are. You may also have questions that you would like to ask that have come up since our phone call, no question is 'silly' so please ask away.
How many sessions will I need? This is entirely up to you, depending on your needs, requirements and circumstances. Standard counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length and take place weekly or sometimes fortnightly. Regular reviews are held to make sure the work is aligning with your specific therapeutic outcomes.
Are EMDR sessions different? EMDR sessions are slightly longer in length at 60 minutes or 90 minutes, depending on availability and goals. EMDR sessions can also be more frequent than standard counselling sessions, for example, two or three a week over a set number of weeks. We will discuss your unique needs during our initial phone call and first session.
What happens if I cannot attend a session? If you are unable to make a session, please give 24 hours’ notice by either phone or email, and you will not be charged. Your session can then be rearranged to a more suitable time. If you are unable to provide 24 hours’ notice to cancel, the full fee will be charged.
What does BACP Accredited mean? Formally acknowledges that a counsellor or psychotherapist has met the standards set by the BACP for training, experience, and ethical practice. Signifies that a practitioner has undergone extensive assessment and evaluation to demonstrate their competence and professionalism. Is awarded to qualified counsellors and acts as a marker of competence and high standards.
Do you take part in regular training? As an accredited member of the BACP, I am required to partake in at least 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) a year.
Get in touch
If you have any questions that I haven't covered above, please reach out as I offer a free 20-minute no obligation phone call.
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