What if you (the Counsellor) can’t hold the session?
If I know I’m going to be away, I will give you plenty of notice. We might be able to reschedule or we might need to miss a session that week.
If I am unexpectedly unavailable due to illness or an emergency I will need to cancel the session and will refund you (or if you prefer, hold the money to cover the cost of the following session).
What if I (the Client) can’t make the session?
If you give me 48 hours or more notice then there will be no charge. If it is less than 48 hours notice but more than 24 hours it will be £25. If it is less than 24 hours notice there will be no reimbursement. If you have not made payment then I will need you to make payment at the earliest opportunity.
What about Christmas and Summer?
I will take a break over Christmas and give you plenty of notice. I will probably take at least a week off over the Summer months. Depending on your needs and my availability we will miss a week or schedule an alternative session.
Can I contact you between sessions?
Generally I will not expect contact unless it is regarding arrangements for sessions. I will provide details of places you can contact if you are in crisis.
Will you contact me in between sessions?
I will contact you if I need to regarding arrangements for the session. I may send you some links or information. Otherwise, it is unlikely that I’ll contact you. We’ll agree the next session at the end of each session and then I’ll expect to see you for the next session. You won’t get a reminder so you’ll need to make sure you make a note, diarise it, and remember to show up!
What is the cost?
It is £50 for a 60 minute session.
Can I refer someone else?
I expect people to refer themselves. A parent of a young person who is struggling can contact me with their young person’s consent.
What is the BACP?
The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
How confidential is the stuff that I share?
It is confidential with a couple of exceptions. This will be explained to you in your first session, or if you are concerned about this, we can discuss it during the initial consultation. You can also read about confidentiality in the counselling agreement (see footer on homepage).
I think some weird things / I’ve done some awful things in my life – what will you think of me?
I will think that you are human, and that we are complex people. We have reasons for the things we think and do. I’m not here to judge you, but to listen with compassion with the aim of supporting you to move forwards.
You are a Christian. Do I need to have a faith?
No – I’m not limited by my faith – I can help and work with anyone with empathy and kindness. Subject to the confidentiality exception, you can say anything or share anything in our session. Obviously, I wouldn’t accept threats or violence towards me and if anyone displayed these behaviours I’d have to stop accepting them as a Client.
What if I do have a faith or belief but it’s different to yours
That’s fine! Faith is an important part of who we are. I’m happy to listen to you if you want to talk about your faith. Or not. It’s up to you.
I don’t believe in God at all. Will that affect things?
No, it won’t. I can still help and support you and we would only ever discuss your belief in there not being a God if you mentioned it. It will be the same as having counselling or therapy anywhere else.
I am a Christian. Will we talk about faith?
It is your choice. We will talk about faith if you want to, I’m happy to bring God into the session. Faith is an important part of who we are. You don’t have to bring faith into your session if you don’t want to!
