Frequently Asked Questions
Are counselling and psychotherapy different?
There is no agreed distinction between counselling and psychotherapy. Some think of short-term work as counselling and long-term work as psychotherapy. Counselling is sometimes considered to be less in-depth than psychotherapy. I use the terms interchangeably, as well as the term 'therapy' and the same processes apply.
Is it confidential?
Everything that is discussed in the counselling session is kept in the strictest confidence. I am required to have regular supervision, within the BACP guidelines, and will need to discuss my work with a qualified supervisor on a regular basis. However, I will not disclose anything that would enable you to be identified.
In exceptional circumstances confidentiality may be broken.
The circumstances could include:
1. Where you as a client give consent for the confidence to be broken.
2. Where I feel it is appropriate to consult with or involve other professionals in circumstances where there is a risk of harm to you or to a third party. In such cases I will aim to discuss any action with you first and seek to gain your consent.
3. Where in extreme cases I am legally compelled by a court of law.
4. Where statutory law requires me to inform the relevant authorities (such as terrorist activities, drug trafficking or abuse of a child or vulnerable adult).
How long is a session?
Typically, a counselling/psychotherapy session is 50 minutes. The session time of 50 minutes applies to face to face, online or telephone sessions.
How much does a session cost?
The initial 30-minute telephone consultation is free of charge. My session fee is £45 whether that session is face to face, online or via phone. You can pay for a session by bank transfer, debit/credit card or cash.
Can I work with you online or by telephone?
We can work together online or by phone. If you choose to book an online session I will send you a Zoom link, via email, with instructions on how to join the session. If you choose to book a telephone session I will call you at the allotted session time. Online and telephone sessions must be paid for at least 48 hours prior to the session by bank transfer.
What is BACP?
I am a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) which is a professional body that registers counsellors and psychotherapists so you know they are following a code of practice and have professional training and qualifications.
How can I book a first session?
You can email, phone, text or fill in the contact form on this website. Please note that email responses sometimes are directed to spam/junk so please check these folders if you have not received a reply from myself. I aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.
Can I cancel?
You can cancel sessions, but I ask that, if possible, you give at least 48 hours’ notice or you may be charged for the session.
How can I pay?
If you have booked a phone session or online session, I will ask you to pay prior to the session by bank transfer. If you book a face-to-face session, you can either pay in advance by bank transfer or by cash or debit/credit card at the time of the session. If you choose to pay by bank transfer payment must be made at least 48 hours prior to the session.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there is a free car park outside the community centre. Steyne Road car park is accessible from Steyne Road only.
Where is the nearest public transport link?
There is a Steyne Park bus stop on Steyne Road serviced by the No. 8 bus route, a 2 minute walk from the community centre where my office is situated in Steyne Park.