How long does a session last?
- 50 minutes, usually starting on the hour, but this is negotiable.
How often are the sessions? - The sessions are normally at the same time each week.
How much do you charge? - £50 per session
What is the initial consultation for? - This enables me to determine whether I believe you will benefit from the therapy I offer and for you to get a feel for what it is like to help you decide if it's for you. This initial session has an element of form filling (if face to face) as well as providing time for you to share.
How long does the initial consultation last? - Up to 90 minutes if face to face.
How much does the initial consultation cost? - £50.
Do you charge for missed sessions? - I do not charge for pre-arranged holidays in the year, but I do charge for other missed sessions as your slot is reserved for you and cannot usually be re-allocated.
If you give me a minimum of 48 hours’ notice that you can’t attend a session I will try to offer an alternative time when we can meet instead.
If I am unable to attend, I will inform you as soon as possible and will give you reasonable notice of any training or vacation. You will not be asked to pay for any sessions I do not attend.
How confidential is our work? - I maintain strict confidentiality within the client/counsellor relationship at all times. There are, however, three exceptions:
1, if there was a serious risk to the safety of you or others or child safeguarding concerns.
2, involvement in an act of terrorism or money laundering.
In these very rare circumstances, I would attempt to discuss this with you first; however, if this were not possible, then I would be obliged to make contact with your GP or relevant authority.
3, to share (confidentially) with my clinical supervisor aspects of our process to assure the best therapeutic practice and support.
Do you tell my GP that I am having counselling? - No, I do not make contact with your GP except in the rare situations described in the confidentiality section. I do ask for your GP's details on application. This is part of my duty of care as a counsellor governed by the professional code of conduct under which I practice.
Do you tell my employer that I am having counselling? - No, I do not tell your employer.
Do you tell my relatives or spouse that I am having counselling? - No, I do not share these details. Therapy is confidential to you. In our initial consultation, we will determine a suitable and discreet means of making contact should the need arise.
Do you belong to a professional body? - Yes, I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and operate under their BACP Ethical Framework.
If I have a problem with you who can I complain to? - You can complain to the BACP who will investigate it in a thorough, unbiased and professional way.
Do you have supervision? - Yes, I undertake regular one-to-one supervision with an experienced counsellor. This is a BACP requirement of all therapists and is there to ensure that I give you a safe and effective service. While I may talk about my understanding regarding my client's challenges, I do not share any personal details, so the client remains anonymous.
What if I need to speak to someone immediately? - The Samaritans telephone number is 116 123. This is a freephone number, the service is available at all times.
- First Response offers support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages living in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven experiencing a mental health crisis. They are available on 01274 221 181.
