FAQ
Who do you work with?
I work with individuals over 18, and couples who are ready to engage in a therapeutic process,
Where is your therapy practice located?
For the foreseeable, whilst Covid-19 infection is still a concern, I am working entirely on line. When we’re confident that Covid-19 is no longer a threat, I will once again offer appointments at my practice in BH6, conveniently located between Bournemouth and Christchurch, Dorset, and within easy access of the A338.
How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
I understand it takes courage to seek help, and choosing a therapist can seem daunting. It is important that you feel comfortable enough with your therapist to share your concerns as openly as you find possible. Please feel free to chat on the telephone to a few therapists and to take your time to decide who you would like to work with. Always allow yourself time to reflect on your experience of your initial contact. If the therapist you meet doesn’t feel right for you, then do keep looking. If you would like a free 20 minute conversation with me to discuss your needs and how I might help you, please get in touch.
How can I make an appointment for a session?
You can call me on 07702 968139. If I am not available to speak to you when you call, please leave me a message. I will contact you at the earliest opportunity and aim to do this within 24 hours of receiving your call.
You can also send me an email if you prefer, or complete the contact form on this website and I will reply to you at the earliest opportunity. All enquiries are treated with strictest confidence.
When do you offer therapy sessions?
I work Mondays to Thursdays.
Monday afternoons from 1.15 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday:
1st appointment 8 am (earlier can be arranged) Last appointment 6 pm.
Thursdays from 12 pm: Last appointment 5 pm.
What is your policy on confidentiality?
I take confidentiality seriously. All sessions are confidential and all calls, emails and enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence, within the bounds of UK law. Exceptions to confidentiality would be serious concerns about harm to self or others or child protection. I adhere to the UKCP, GHR and EMDR Association Codes of Ethics. I keep anonymised notes on my computer in accordance with GDPR requirements.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
My Terms and Conditions form an agreement between me, as the therapist and you, as the client, in which we both have rights and responsibilities. It includes: fees; session length; payment; location; cancellation policy; confidentiality; client contact details; GP details; emergency contact info and ethical codes.
I will send you a copy of my Terms and Conditions before we meet, and we will discuss and agree these in our first session.
What are your fees?
Please contact me directly to discuss fees.
For those in real need, discretionary reductions can be considered.
How do I pay?
Payment is either by BACS transfer 24 hours before the session, or by cash in the session.
A block of sessions can be paid for in advance.
I am not currently registered with any health insurance companies for third party payments.
What happens if I need to cancel the appointment or miss a session?
Appointments missed or cancelled with less than 7 days notice, the full fee will be charged as usual (whatever the reason).
Where possible we can rearrange the appointment to another time or day in that week.
How often are sessions held?
Weekly therapy sessions are preferable as this helps to establish the therapeutic relationship and provides continuity and momentum to allow you to explore and successfully address your issues. However, if this does not fit in with your schedule we can discuss an alternative pattern that works for you.
How long is each therapy session?
Usually, each Session is 50 minutes.
In some cases, longer sessions can be arranged, and are charged accordingly.
When working online with children and young people, sometimes 2 x 25 minutes sessions works better for them.
How long will therapy take for me to feel better?
This is a ‘how long is a piece of string?’ question and is difficult to predict. I will work with you at your pace and for as long as you feel is necessary. This is mutually negotiable, and we will review our work regularly to get a sense of how it is going, and if our sessions are of benefit to you, and if there is anything we need to change. Please talk to me about any concerns you may have about our work, and of course you are free to end at any stage. Please see my pages on "What I offer" and "How I Work" for more information
Short-term or Long-term therapy - which is best?
This depends very much on you, your needs, and the issues you need help with. It also depends on your aims for therapy and what you are able to put into the work in between sessions. Together we can:
- Discuss how best to approach our work together
- Agree a flexible plan for therapy based in your needs
- Review this together regularly so we can get a sense of how long you might want to continue working.
Short term work is helpful for addressing immediate issues, crises or concerns, whereas longer term therapy with an open ended contract with regular review may be more helpful for working more deeply.
What issues or problems can I bring to therapy sessions?
Anything! Please see my pages on "What I Offer" and "How I Work" for more information and feel free to contact me to discuss your needs.
What if I am on medication?
As a psychotherapist, I do not prescribe medication These will be prescribed by your GP or psychiatrist. I will discuss your medication with you so we can be sure that it will not interfere with the process of therapy. I frequently work with people who are taking anti-depressants and also support them when they feel ready to come off anti-depressants.
What are the benefits of therapy?
The process of therapy is not an exact science. Benefits include understanding different parts of improved moods and managing emotions, clear insight better relationships, increased self-esteem and self confidence.
Are there any risks involved in therapy?
Therapy often involves an exploration of deep personal issues, remembering painful experiences and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events. In the process of therapy, if you find you are struggling with conflicting parts, memories, thoughts or emotions please share these with me. I will prioritise helping you to understand what is going on for you as we restore balance, unburden distress, with an increased experience of safety in the present as we go on.
