Frequently Asked Questions

How long will we work together?

This depends entirely on you. Once the counselling process begins there is no pressure on you to continue indefinitely. Regular reviews to discuss and check that you are getting what you need are useful. Counselling can be stopped at any time, but it can be helpful to have some notice so that we can review and evaluate our time together and bring our work to an end.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling usually refers to shorter term more focused work, where you may address and gain insights into a particular issue and develop appropriate coping strategies. Psychotherapy is a more in-depth, longer–term process that explores deep-rooted feelings and the impact of past experiences and associated trauma. It can be effective in facilitating long lasting change and personal development.

Both can help to make sense of your feelings, make changes in your life or come to terms with things that can’t be changed, enabling you to move forwards and feel better.

How often will our sessions be and how long are they?

We would agree to meet at the same time each week. A session lasts 50 minutes.

Do you offer online appointments?

Yes, via video e.g. GoogleMeet, Zoom, or a platform of your choice.

What happens if I can't make an agreed appointment?

I require 24 hours notice of cancellation if you cannot make your appointment. I do charge if there is less than 24 hours notice as I cannot offer the time to anyone else. The whole 50 minutes belongs to you and I will be present for all of that time. If you arrive part way through your session, I will be able to see you for the remainder of the time. If your circumstances change and the session time is no longer suitable, I will aim to offer you an alternative time. There is no charge for agreed absences such as holiday.

I will be available for you with the exception of holidays and occasional times when I may attend further training or a conference. I will give you as much notice as possible if I am unable to make a session. In the event where I need to cancel your session because of illness, I will notify you as soon as I can, and will try to offer you an alternative time. There will be no charge should I cancel our appointment.

What are your fees?

Please do ask. I offer a small number of reduced fee appointments to those on a limited income.

How can I pay?

Cash, or Bacs bank transfer per session.

Is your service really confidential?

Yes. I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and operate within their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018). Everything we discuss is completely confidential and will not be passed to another person without your knowledge, with the exception of planned serious harm to self or others, or breaches of Child Protection Procedures. I would always discuss this with you and make every effort to obtain your permission beforehand. This extends to after our time together has finished. I undertake regular supervision and confidentiality extends to all supervision sessions with a qualified supervisor.

I am fully insured and hold an enhanced DBS certificate.

What does accreditation mean?

BACP accreditation is a widely-valued quality status for practitioners, organisations and training courses. It is designed to recognise the achievement of high standards of knowledge, experience and development for the counselling and psychotherapy professions.

Do you make notes and what do you do with them?

Brief notes are made after each session in order to recall information and support our work together. Notes are kept securely, according to the Data Protection Act (2018). I subscribe to the ICO that ensures good practice.

Where do sessions take place?
I currently practice at The Eaves in Haslemere and at Surbiton Counselling Partnership.