You can ask me anything.
It is always hard asking for help. I understand the anxiety that goes along with the process of therapy and will do everything I can to make it as comfortable as possible for you. You may have questions, so I’ve tried to answer a few of those I get asked the most.
Feel free to email or call with any other queries.
How long is each session?
A session lasts 50 minutes; however the service I offer clients is uniquely suited for them and their current situation. During the initial consultation, your needs will become clearer. This might require a weekly 'one-hour' session, or longer and more intensive sessions designed around your work and travel commitments.
The aim is always to help each individual achieve in the most convenient and helpful way possible.
What about confidentiality?
All information disclosed in a counselling environment is treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to a third party without permission. However, if there is concern of a risk of serious harm to yourself or another party this may need to be disclosed. In this event I will always seek to discuss the situation in the first instance wherever possible. This is in accordance with BACP* guidelines.
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
No, you can self-refer in confidence by contacting me by telephone [link to your number] or through the contact page [link to that page] on this website.
Do you have evening appointments?
Appointments can be made for the daytime and the evening, and for Saturdays. Evening appointments do tend to be the most popular, but I will always try to accommodate your requirements given your availability.
How many sessions will I need?
That very much depends on your reason for seeking counselling. If you have a clear reason for coming and know what your objectives are, then you’ll probably not need more than six to eight sessions. The assessment session will help clarify your needs and whether you will benefit from short or longer-term therapy. It’s always your choice about how many sessions you want.
Do I need to pay for sessions before I visit?
No you can pay at each session, and you can pay by cash or cheque.
*What is the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)?
The BACP is a professional body and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for therapists, clients of therapy and the public.
Being Registered with the BACP means that I have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by the organisation of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This is very important to you, as it means that I am bound by their code of conduct and ethics to assure that your therapy will be practiced to a highly professional standard.
How do you collect, store or process my personal data in accordance with the GDPR (General Data protection Regulation)?
For me to be able to fulfil my responsibilities as a counsellor and psychotherapist I will need to record personal information about you. This information includes your name, contact details, and G.P. practice. Under an identifying code I will also take notes of 'assessment information' that is relevant medical information and aspects of your personal, social and family history that you choose to share with me. The latter will be stored separately from your name and contact details.
Your email address and/or telephone number will be used to contact you. Other personal data such as name and G.P. details will only be used to verify your identity if there is a need to contact your G.P., or a request for access to personal data from yourself, your representative or legitimate legal instrument such as a court order.
This personal information will be held for a period of five years after the cessation of our counselling relationship, except where there is mutually agreed decision to retain it for longer or where I believe that it is in my best professional interest to do so.
Your contact details alone will be shared in exceptional circumstances with my clinical supervision or other named agent if I am incapacitated so that they contact you to explain the situation.
I will hold your name, telephone number and/or email address on my mobile number until our counselling relationship ends and then I will delete it from my counselling list. Any content of these apart from arranging session dates will be stored with your session notes, and identifying details removed.
My phone is password protected and details are stored in the cloud, so they can be restored if my phone is lost or stolen.
What are my rights?
You have the right to ask to see any information held by me about you. To do this please submit a request by writing.
You also have the rights to ask for information that you believe to be incorrect and to be rectified. I will endeavour to provide you with the information requested within four weeks. If i become aware of a situation where your personal information may have accidentally or maliciously been obtained by a third party I will notify you within three days.
If you are concerned about the way your information is being held please discuss this with me. if you are still unhappy, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioners Office.
