Considering counselling?
Counselling is a chance to talk with a trained professional in a confidential and safe environment away from the stresses and expectations of the outside world.
Taking the first steps towards counselling can be a daunting process for many people. So if you are feeling anxious and uncertain, you are not alone. I hope to be able to make this process as smooth and supportive as possible. I welcome any queries you may have. You can contact me here.
Free introductory session
I’m sure that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors contributing to a positive outcome from counselling.
With this in mind, I hope you’ll accept my invitation to a free, no obligation half hour phone call or Zoom appointment to see if we are a good fit to work well together. You can contact me by phone, email or use the BACP form so we can arrange a time for the introductory session, or use my Calendly page which has a few slots available, but I will have other available times if you contact me direct.
The introductory session
During this half hour introductory session we will be able to talk about what is bringing you to counselling. We will discuss whether online or phone counselling with me is suitable for your situation, or if face to face counselling in my therapy room or Walk and Talk therapy might suit you better. There will be a chance to ask any questions you may have about counselling.
At the end of the session we would see if you wanted to have time to think before making a decision, or we would make arrangements for further contact or for more detailed written information to be forwarded to you. There are no follow-ups afterwards unless you have requested information or you contact me first. There’s absolutely no obligation or expectation to have further sessions.
Next step: the assessment session
If you decide you would like to proceed to the next stage, we would then arrange an assessment session either face to face, by Zoom or by phone, depending on which option for therapy suits you best. The price for this service is listed here. At the assessment session we would get a broader picture of you as you are now, your history and explore how we might work together after the assessment to help you move forwards towards your goals for counselling.
Deciding on the number of counselling sessions
Towards the end of the assessment, if we decide to go forward with regular counselling sessions, we would discuss a suitable initial number of sessions and a regular appointment time. We would plan a review towards the end of that initial period to see how things are progressing, and decide whether to agree to another block of sessions or not. Counselling sessions usually last 50 minutes. The price per session is listed here. Short term therapy of 6 to 12 sessions may be sufficient. Or longer term therapy lasting several months or years may be appropriate, according to what is right for your particular situation.
The right support for you
Between the introductory session and after the end of the assessment process I will be able to consider what support I am able to offer you. Occasionally , I may refer potential clients to another therapist who would be more able to offer more specialist support if this would be beneficial.
Further information
You are welcome to contact me for further information or to book a session. I look forward to hearing from you!
