Frequently Asked Questions
How long does psychotherapy or counselling take?
When we meet for an initial session, we will have the opportunity to consider whether brief work or longer term therapy is appropriate. Short term work usually identifies problems and agrees a priority to focus on. Long term or open-ended work provides the support, continuity and space to make more deep seated changes and to overcome more deeply rooted problems.
Short term work could be six or twelve sessions or any other agreed number of meetings. The ending would therefore be clear at the outset.
In open-ended work, an ending is usually talked about some time in advance and allows sufficient time and opportunity to work it through. It would normally be agreed between the therapist and client and would take account of the client's readiness to make an ending.
What will happen at the first appointment?
The first assessment session is an opportunity for you to talk about what you hope to achieve for yourself by coming in to therapy and what the issues are as you see them. It will also be a chance for me to ask you questions about yourself in order to see if what I can offer is appropriate for your needs. If it seems right for us to work together there will be an opportunity for you to ask me any questions you may have about therapy or about me. If we decide to proceed, times and frequency of sessions and a basic contract will be agreed.
How often do I need to come to therapy?
For brief work we would meet once a week. For open ended therapy we would agree the frequency between us, usually it would be once a week, it depends on what your needs are.
How much will it cost?
My fees are £65 for a fifty minute session in the day & £75 for peak time evening sessions (5pm -8pm). Concessions are available. Fees are payable monthly in arrears when I invoice you. Fees can also be paid in each session if wished. Payment is by bank transfer.
Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel an appointment I require one weeks' notice. If you do not attend, or cancel with less than this then you may be liable for the full cost of the missed session. I will, whenever possible, try to re-schedule appointments for an occasional unforeseen circumstance or illness or if given 48 hours notice.
This cancellation policy allows me to reserve that time for you and/or set the same time aside for you each week.
If I need to cancel a session I will always try to give you the most notice possible. I tell you in advance of holidays that I take.
Short term work could be six or twelve sessions or any other agreed number of meetings. The ending would therefore be clear at the outset.
In open-ended work, an ending is usually talked about some time in advance and allows sufficient time and opportunity to work it through. It would normally be agreed between the therapist and client and would take account of the client's readiness to make an ending.
What will happen at the first appointment?
The first assessment session is an opportunity for you to talk about what you hope to achieve for yourself by coming in to therapy and what the issues are as you see them. It will also be a chance for me to ask you questions about yourself in order to see if what I can offer is appropriate for your needs. If it seems right for us to work together there will be an opportunity for you to ask me any questions you may have about therapy or about me. If we decide to proceed, times and frequency of sessions and a basic contract will be agreed.
How often do I need to come to therapy?
For brief work we would meet once a week. For open ended therapy we would agree the frequency between us, usually it would be once a week, it depends on what your needs are.
How much will it cost?
My fees are £65 for a fifty minute session in the day & £75 for peak time evening sessions (5pm -8pm). Concessions are available. Fees are payable monthly in arrears when I invoice you. Fees can also be paid in each session if wished. Payment is by bank transfer.
Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel an appointment I require one weeks' notice. If you do not attend, or cancel with less than this then you may be liable for the full cost of the missed session. I will, whenever possible, try to re-schedule appointments for an occasional unforeseen circumstance or illness or if given 48 hours notice.
This cancellation policy allows me to reserve that time for you and/or set the same time aside for you each week.
If I need to cancel a session I will always try to give you the most notice possible. I tell you in advance of holidays that I take.
