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Do I need to be referred by a doctor?

No, you can make an appointment with me at any time. However, there may be circumstances in which it might be advisable for you to see your GP in relation to difficulties that you may be experiencing and this is something which we can discuss together.

If you hold private medical insurance, you may be entitled to counselling via them, in which case it would be worth contacting your insurers first.

What are your standard terms and conditions?

If you would like to proceed with counselling, I will ask you to complete a basic agreement. The terms and conditions are always discussed at the initial meeting when we customise them as necessary.

What does BACP accredited mean?

As an individual member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I have undertaken a course of both theoretical and practical training in accordance with the BACP requirements to a sufficient standard to practice as a counsellor. In addition I have demonstrated, in accordance with BACP requirements, that I have gained the required level of practical expertise and experience of client hours to be awarded and maintain accreditation status.

Do you have membership or are you registered with a professional organisation?

I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As an individual member of BACP I am bound by its ethical framework for good practice in counselling and psychotherapy and subject to the professional conduct procedure therein.

In addition I have been Police checked (in relation to working with children and adolescents) and I have professional indemnity insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Will you give me advice and tell me what to do?

While some counsellors, for example genetic counsellors, may give advice, one of the aims of counselling is to enable you to find the answers that work for you. As a counsellor, I will do my best to help you to find your own solution to your problems.

Is counselling completely confidential?

Yes. Only in very extreme circumstances would my ethical guidelines require me to break confidence. Those circumstances would be explained to you at the beginning of the first session. For further information on this please see section on confidentiality.

Will anyone else need to know about my counselling?

Sometimes you may wish to let someone else know that you are having therapy, and that is up to you.  For the therapist, though, confidentiality is an essential part of their role. This is so that you feel able to talk about anything, even things you may never have spoken about before, and feel safe doing so.

How many sessions will I need and how often do they take place?

Please see section on duration.

Will you sit in silence during the sessions?
My style is generally interactive, but it will vary depending on how we are together. There is certainly a time and place for silence in sessions, but I do not maintain silence as part of a "therapeutic technique". I always encourage discussion about any discomfort you may experience in our work together, it is important that we develop a relationship that feels comfortable to you.

Do you offer services in languages other than English?

No. However, I have worked with, and would be happy to work with, an interpreter that you might provide.