What you can expect
In these sessions we are committing to working together to come to a greater understanding of the psychological and emotional issues that you want to explore, It is important to let your GP or psychiatrist know that you are seeing me, as well as letting me know of medication and medical/psychological history. I receive regular clinical supervision of my work. Counselling is a vulnerable process it’s a relationship requiring your commitment as well as that of the Counsellor.
Confidentiality
What is discussed in the session will be treated as confidential except for; Discussion within clinical supervision (mandatory for all counsellors, no names are used only your client ref number: will be given).
I believe it to be an important part of the therapeutic process that you feel able to discuss anything you need without fear of recrimination or judgement. That said, this needs to be balanced with my ethical requirement to safeguard children and or vulnerable adults. There may be times when the information you disclose is of such gravity that confidentiality cannot be maintained. In such a situation I would always try to discuss this with you before taking any further action.
Within the ethical framework that I am bound I have a legal responsibility: Examples would be:-
- Where I believe that you pose a serious risk to yourself or to others.
- Where a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk.
- Reporting of information that contravenes the Prevention of Terrorism Act 1989.
- To inform the police if I believe you are involved in money laundering or acts of terrorism.
Counselling Sessions: Length and Frequency
It is my preference to work with clients on a weekly basis. I believe this provides the best opportunity for a good therapeutic outcome. Where possible we will book a regular weekly slot however I appreciate your work /family commitments may mean this is not possible.
If you arrive late to a session, the session will still finish at the normal time, or I/we can decide not to go ahead with the session at all.
DNA or Unable to Attend: Sessions cancelled less than 24 hours’ notice will incur the full session fee. You can inform me by phone, text, or email. If you have two consecutive missed appointments or payments then we will reserve the right to discontinue your sessions.
Couples/Relationship Counselling
Couples/Relationship Counselling can be very unnerving, letting someone inside your relationship is not natural, but I ask that you overcome these fears, come open and willing to listen and talk openly; this is a space to stop fighting and reset, to find out what’s left of yourselves and the relationship.
Face to Face Counselling
Please attend the office in good time, not rushed/agitated (if possible), sessions will leave you processing information so it’s advisable to allow at least an hour before returning to work/daily duties where possible.
There is free parking outside the office in bays 17 and 18 just through the gate on the right, f there not available then park elsewhere but I ask that you try to park in the allocated bays if possible.
Zoom & Telephone Counselling
Via Zoom, I will send you the link an hour before the session. They are private sessions so please don’t share the link. Via telephone, I will phone you at the agreed time and will end in 50 minutes. Please ensure that you in a quiet and private space not being overheard throughout the session. We will ensure that our devices are fully charged. If we are disconnected, I will try and reconnect on Zoom or I will phone back, we will speak at the first session as to how to proceed if this happens.
Walking/Outdoor Sessions, cafés and public spaces
Walking therapy, holding session’s outdoors- coffee shops and meeting places.
We will meet at the same place each week. If need be I will check the weather 24hrs in advance and will confirm with you if the session is to go ahead, if outdoors and the weather is not suitable we will make alternative plans, café/indoor or telephone or Zoom call, or if necessary rearrange the meeting. If a member of the public or someone known to either of us should approach us, we would discontinue until the person leaves.