Question 1

What type of complaints do you treat?

Accepted Answer

I see a wide variety of people with a wide variety of complaints or problems.  I see my role as treating people, more than problems as we are all individual and different from each other.   Talking your thoughts and feelings through with me will enable you to find your own solution that suits your way of being.

Question 2

Why should I choose you over another therapist?

Accepted Answer

I am as individual and alike as every other human being out there.  What makes us all unique and different from each other is our own individuality.  My belief is that there are no two humans completely alike, and that extends to the therapist too!  If you're unsure about how well we'd fit together, have a good read of my website to gain as much of an idea about who I am and how I work. If needs be, try a few therapists first to see who fits best.

Question 3

Do you have a speciality?

Accepted Answer

My core training was centred on grief and loss, and I have subsequently seen many clients who have been through the grief process.  Working with grief and loss is a slow process which lends itself to the way I work.  I am patient through support and will accompany you through bereavement at your pace so you can find comfort in your darkest days.

Question 4

Will I have to talk about sex?

Accepted Answer

Sex can often be an embarrassing and difficult subject to explore, especially in the early stages of therapy.  As with any subject, you only need talk about what you are willing to talk about; what feels comfortable for you at the time.  I treat all clients with respect, understanding and empathy within a confidential setting, so if and when the time feels right for you to share more intimate aspects of your life, should you want to, you'll be able to do so in the knowledge that it's supportive and safe.

Question 5

Can I bring a friend to the first session for support?

Accepted Answer

An accompanying friend or family member is often seen as supportive and helpful for a lot of 'first time' situations, which may otherwise seem daunting or scary to go through alone.  If you need the help of a friend to get you here or walk you up to the door, then I would recommend it.  The session itself can only be between you and me.  If you feel nervous about attending, then I would recommend waiting for a time until you feel more able to manage the first time encounter.  My hope is that you will be able to risk the decision to come so you can experience the help that you need.

Question 6

What happens if I can't make a booked session?

Accepted Answer

If you can't make the pre-arranged session, please let me know as soon as you are able to.  I appreciate that life situations can arise unexpectedly and throw us off track.  I will do my best to offer alternative session slots to accommodate the cancelled session, to maintain the weekly program, however sessions cancelled with less than 7 days notice do incur a cancellation fee.  Ideally you'll be able to attend weekly sessions to capitalise on the consistency that's needed to build a strong therapeutic relationship.  If you're struggling to make your appointments on a regular basis, then alternative appointment options can be explored.

Question 7

What should I do if I'm going to be late?

Accepted Answer

If you think you're likely to miss the start time of the session, please let me know as soon as possible by phone, text or email.  It won't be possible to 'delay' the start time to accommodate lateness, as this impacts on later appointments with other clients.

Question 8

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

I accept cash or card payments, payable on the day of the session.  I can arrange monthly invoices for business contracts, payable within 10 days of receipt.

Question 9

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I have full indemnity and public liability insurance as well as regular supervision, in accordance with the BACP guidelines.

Question 10

Do you have disabled access?

Accepted Answer

My practice room is located on the first floor via a flight of stairs.  I am not able to accommodate wheelchair users or those who struggle to navigate stairs.

Question 11

Can you diagnose and prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

No.  Counsellors are not able to diagnose conditions or prescribe medication. This would be the work of a psychiatrist, which is a related but differently trained field of expertise.  If you feel that medication would be useful, contact your GP in the first instance.

Question 12

The problems I have aren't mentioned on the website, can I still come and see you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  Problems and difficulties are very personal to each and every one of us.  My approach is to treat the person, not the complaint - with empathy and understanding.

Your questions, answered