What You Can Expect From me
Starting the counselling relationship - WHAT TO EXPECT
I understand how difficult it can be to face your innermost personal problems and have the courage to address them. Perhaps you are seeking counselling for the first time, or have had previous treatment that did not work for you. I am happy to listen, find out what it is that concerns you?
Your first contact with myself may be by telephone. Often you will get an answerphone, used by the therapist to avoid interruption during counselling sessions. Please do not be put off by this - I will telephone, as soon as I can, if you leave your name and number.
Your first appointment will be an opportunity for you talk about your concerns, and to discuss whether continued counselling would be appropriate to your needs and therefore it is without obligation on either side. The following might be considered:
•Practical considerations such as time, place, cost and duration of meetings will need to be decided,
•All that takes place between myself the counsellor and you is treated with respect and discretion and agreement is usually made during this first session about confidentiality. If exceptional circumstances arise, your consent will be sought for a change in this agreement.
•There is no need to commit yourself to a long-term contract unless you are satisfied that this is what you want. We can arrange a regular review of sessions with your counsellor to evaluate your progress and perhaps renegotiate the contract.
By the end of this first appointment, and assessment which normally takes 50mins, you should be able to decide if you wish to work with me. A counselling contract to avoid any misunderstandings, is put in place if you decide that you would like to continue.
I feel it is important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor , it is better for you to arrange to see another if you donot. Having confidence in your counsellor is essential and will enable you to get the best out of the work you do together.
my fees
I can offer that you will being listened to sympathetically and in complete confidence.
I offer time limited counselling (a fixed contract for a number of sessions) or longer term open ended work, which is regularly reviewed. I will listen to you and help you reflect on what you bring and where appropriate to develop strategies to move on in a more productive way for yourself. I do not provide a diagnosis or a cure. I try to help you to discover and develop your own abilities for dealing with the problem.
I charge £40.00 for fifty minute session and your initial consultation is £30.00.