Free to Be Therapy

It's understandable that you may have questions, especially if you've not had counselling before. Here you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, but please don't hesitate to contact me directly if your question is not covered.

What is counselling like?

If you’ve never had counselling before it’s understandable that you will wonder what it is like. Try to imagine yourself sitting down in a quiet and private space with someone who is there for you, on your side, to listen and support you. Now imagine that your counsellor allows you the space and time to talk about the issues that brought you to counselling at a pace you feel comfortable with. Lastly, imagine that your counsellor is genuine, non-judgemental and empathic. This is what good counselling is like.

The following article has useful information about counselling: Getting the Most out of Counselling

What type of counselling do you offer?

I am an integrative counsellor which means I am familiar with several different approaches to counselling. Each client is unique and so I will draw upon elements from various models throughout the course of our work together. The approach that is fundamental to my counselling style is called person-centred, which values above all the relationship between the client and counsellor. It encourages the therapist to provide their clients with unconditional positive regard, empathy and genuineness. This is what I try to offer each client so that they can experience a sense of being in a safe and supportive space.

What happens in the 30 minute phone/video call consultation?

This short 30 minute session is designed to help you decide if you think I might be the right counsellor for you. It is important for you to get a sense of whether you could imagine us working together in therapy, and so having this short session can help with that.

You can ask me any questions that you may have and I will ask about what is bringing you to counselling. The consultation is also a chance for me to assess whether I am the right counsellor to help you. As a registered counsellor it is my ethical responsibility to ensure that I only take on clients who I feel I am sufficiently skilled and experienced to help.

At the end of the consultation I will make it clear whether or not I feel I can take you on as a client, and if you indicate that you would like to begin I will contact you within a day to arrange our first session and go through the counselling contract.

What is a counselling agreement?

Before the first session I will send you a copy of my counselling agreement for you to review and sign. A counselling agreement is a mutual contract between the counsellor and the client. It helps ensure that the counselling process will be performed in a good, safe and professional manner. It also highlights the responsibilities of the counsellor towards the client, and the responsibilities of the client towards the counsellor. A counselling agreement is also a transparent basis for informed consent.

Is counselling confidential?

Everything we discuss is completely confidential. However, there are three circumstances where the law demands confidentiality is broken. These are: terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering. In addition, as part of my ethical duty to protect others from serious harm, I may break confidentiality to try and avoid serious harm coming to yourself, another person, a child, or a vulnerable adult.

How much does it cost and how do I pay?

Sessions will cost £45 and you will be required to pay for your session via bank transfer prior to the session.

How much do you charge counselling students?

I welcome students who are looking for a counsellor as part of their course requirements. My rate for counselling students is £35.

If I needed to cancel a session, do I still have to pay?

Depending on the circumstances, missed appointments without at least 24 hrs notice may be charged for. In the event that I need to cancel a session, I will ensure 24 hrs notice is given and I will try to find an alternative time for you.

Are you insured?

Yes. I am insured for both professional indemnity and public liability with Towergate Insurance.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no real way of answering this definitively as there are so many factors involved here. Each person who comes to counselling is an individual with experiences completely unique to them. Also, each counsellor’s skills, personality and experience are unique, and so when you put the two together it is impossible to say how many sessions are the right number to have. As a rule of thumb, counsellors will generally say it can take at least six sessions for the therapeutic relationship to begin to develop to a point where you as the client might begin to feel as though you’re in a safe and supportive space. It can take fewer sessions than that, or it can take longer.

Who is counselling for?

Counselling is for anyone who would like the opportunity to explore the issues and challenges in their life with someone who is trained to make that process as safe and conducive as possible. It’s for people who think they have got it all together and for those that think they don’t. It is also for people who just need an unbiased confidant for a situation they are going through. Counselling is for everyone really, because we are all human and we all need a skilled listener and helper from time to time.

Will personal information I provide be kept safe?

Absolutely. Your personal information will be stored securely using electronic systems which are GDPR compliant and password protected. I am also registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as a Data Protection Officer.

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