What happens in the first session?
The first session will be an assessment where we can talk about what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it. There is no obligation to continue after the first session, and it will provide the opportunity for you to ask any questions about the process of therapy or my way of working and decide if I am the right counsellor for you.

How long do the sessions last?
Each individual session will last 50 minutes, usually at the same time and day each week. It is important to arrive on time to get the most out of your therapy as sessions cannot be extended to accommodate late arrival.

How much counselling will I need?
Counselling can be offered on a short or long term basis. The number of sessions depends on what your individual needs are and what you are hoping to gain from therapy. This is something we will discuss and work out together based on our initial consultation and will be continually assessed throughout the process.

Where and when do the sessions take place?
I currently provide individual Face to Face, Skype and phone therapy sessions. Face to Face sessions are available in North London (I have rooms in N7 and NW5) and at other locations by arrangement. Please contact me to discuss when and where is most convenient for you.

How much does a session cost?
My standard fee is £50 per hour. All Skype/phone sessions are payable at £40 per session. Sessions are payable at the end of each session by cash or prior to sessions via bank transfer. Some clients prefer to pay for several sessions in advance and I offer a 10% discount on pre-paid blocks of 10 sessions.

Is there a cancellation fee?
Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged at the full fee. Details of this are in the contract which we agree before we start to work together.

Is counselling confidential?
All information is confidential between counsellor and client and even the fact that you are seeing me is confidential. All members of the BACP adhere to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice.  If it is believed that you may cause serious harm to yourself or others outside agencies may be informed, but wherever possible, this would be fully discussed with you first. If you disclose information about certain criminal or terrorist offences, then there is a professional and legal obligation to inform outside agencies without informing you first.

Are you GDPR compliant?
I comply to the new GDPR guidelines. I am the Data Controller for the information I collect from you. I keep your contact details securely and only use this information to communicate with you and to keep a record of our services in accordance with the new regulations, the BACP guidelines and my insurance provider.  You can ask what information I hold about you at any time by contacting me directly. If you are not happy with how I am handling your information you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Is counselling all about the past?
No. What we talk about depends on what you want to bring to the session.

Do I need to prepare for sessions?
Some clients like to give some thought to what they are going to say at their next session but it’s absolutely fine just to come and see what emerges. Some people do like to have ‘homework’ and we can talk about that.

Have you been in therapy yourself?
Yes, I found it a very helpful experience which changed the quality of my life.

What subject matter can I bring?
Anything. I have worked with many different people experiencing different life challenges so the following isn’t an exhaustive list but it may be helpful if I mention some of the types of concerns that people have presented to me:

• Abuse (emotional, physical, verbal and sexual)
• Addictions
• Anxiety
• Bereavement and loss
• Depression
• Family and relationship issues
• Low self-confidence or self-esteem
• Stress
• Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
• Trauma and PTSD

How do I know if you’re the right counsellor for me?

The best therapist is one that you feel a degree of trust and confidence in. I would recommend calling me or better still setting up an initial session. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you have and see if the chemistry feels right.