Frequently Asked Questions
My style and approach is very much centered on the notion that the: ‘relationship is paramount to therapy’. Without establishing a relationship of trust, empathy, support, warmth and sincerity the goal of recovery and wellbeing is difficult to attain.
Personal therapy is about tailor made packages that correspond to the individual’s needs. After 2 or 3 sessions it is possible to assess what is likely to be effective in responding to whatever concern the individual brought to therapy. From there a loose framework for addressing central issues can be mapped out, and working on dismantling difficulties can begin. The process will be different for each person because of their individuality and the nature of their problem, however the formula for achieving success is essentially the same for everyone.
The formula involves;
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Identifying and clarifying the problem
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Understanding why it exists and what sustains it
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Dismantling blockages, misuse of our energies and those things which keep us enslaved to faulty beliefs and ideas
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Establishing alternative ways of living one’s life
Working through the formula varies from case to case so it is difficult to put timescales on addressing personal problems.
The only honest guidelines that can be given are general ones and those which are accepted within the profession. They are:
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Short-term counselling is anything up to 12 sessions generally at a rate of one appointment per week.
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Medium-term counselling, which is the category most cases fall into, is generally anything up to 12 or even 18 months with appointments at weekly intervals.
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Long-term therapy is described as beyond 12 or 18 months, again weekly appointments.
I work with adults, teenagers, couples and employee assistance programmes.
I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling which is accredited by the National Counselling Society (NCS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Holistic and Integrative Psychotherapy which is accredited with The National Council of Psychotherapists (NCP) and The Complementary Medical Association (CMA) as well as a Certificate in Working with Couples and Other Relationships.
I work in a conscience driven way. What that means for you is that I don’t make excessive charges for my services whilst I ensure I give you the very best attention and quality every time. All I ask in return is that if you are unable to attend your session you afford me the respect of giving me at least 24 hours’ notice. This is because at any time there are 4 or 5 people who would happily take up any available space and so insufficient notice always denies someone else that opportunity. I accept that there will be exceptional circumstances when it simply isn’t possible to give this notice and I would of course respond to such events sympathetically.
In addition, I work with significant overheads, most of which the client never sees (e.g. research and preparation time, producing materials, accountancy fees, heating, lighting, phone bills, etc) as well as tax.
If a session is missed and not paid for I still incur all the above costs. Therefore I ask, when insufficient notice has been given, you pay 50% of the agreed rate for that session. This enables me to continue offering a service where conscience and integrity transcend monetary concern. The ‘missed payment fee’ means any losses I incur are kept to a minimum and the mission to reach those most in need can continue.
This way of operating respects you and also respects me. It respects you because you know you are working with someone of integrity who has your best interest at heart. It respects me because my hope is you won’t choose to abuse what I offer, nor deny others’ access to something that is equally important to them. This is what is meant by a conscience driven approach: an agreement of the heart where all parties are acting in a spirit of consideration and humanity. I hope you are happy to proceed on this basis and I thank you for your understanding and co-operation.