F.A.Q
How do I know you are qualified?
The UK Council for Psychotherapy is the leading organisation for Psychotherapists and Psychotherapeutic Counsellors in the UK and the hallmark for high standards of training, and professional and ethical practice. It is a membership organisation and registered charity holding details of Psychotherapists and Psychotherapeutic Counsellors qualified to work with children, young people and adults.
Being a member of UKCP demonstrates I have met their exacting standards, robust training requirements and that I abide by their ethical and professional code.
The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) is a membership organisation and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice for therapists.
To become a registered member I had to graduate from a BACP accredited course and agree to their Register terms and conditions, demonstrating my continued commitment to working professionally and ethically.
For further information or to check my membership with these Professional bodies please go to:
https://www.psychotherapy.org
https://www.bacp.co.uk
Being a member of UKCP demonstrates I have met their exacting standards, robust training requirements and that I abide by their ethical and professional code.
The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) is a membership organisation and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice for therapists.
To become a registered member I had to graduate from a BACP accredited course and agree to their Register terms and conditions, demonstrating my continued commitment to working professionally and ethically.
For further information or to check my membership with these Professional bodies please go to:
https://www.psychotherapy.org
https://www.bacp.co.uk
What's the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem; something that can be discussed and, hopefully, resolved within a limited number of sessions. Over a certain number of weeks the understanding of the problem improves and a way forward becomes clear.
Psychotherapy describes work that goes deeper. The work may focus towards more substantial life issues and problems that are having a deeper effect on the client's life. Focusing on a person's feelings and past experiences can lead to personal growth. Psychotherapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.
Which option is most suitable depends on the client and the difficulties they are facing. Ultimately the most important factor is that the chosen therapist is appropriately trained and adheres to a code of ethics and professional boundaries.
Psychotherapy describes work that goes deeper. The work may focus towards more substantial life issues and problems that are having a deeper effect on the client's life. Focusing on a person's feelings and past experiences can lead to personal growth. Psychotherapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.
Which option is most suitable depends on the client and the difficulties they are facing. Ultimately the most important factor is that the chosen therapist is appropriately trained and adheres to a code of ethics and professional boundaries.
What happens when I make contact?
I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation where you can tell me a bit about what you would like some support with and ask any questions you may have. I always recommend you speak to several therapists as it gives an opportunity for you to get a feel for who the best fit for you, or your child if applicable, might be.
If you decide you would like to proceed with me, my aim is to offer a first appointment, known as an initial assessment, within one to two weeks. This provides an opportunity for us to meet and talk more in depth about your presenting issues, what you need and how I might be able to help. Assuming you are happy to continue we would then agree an initial set number of sessions to take place at the same time every week, that is convenient for you and where I have availability.
If you are looking for a therapist for your child, the same procedure would be followed, except the initial assessment would be a parent assessment, attended without your child. If you decide I might be a good fit for your child the next step would be for them to attend an initial assessment, so that they might meet me and see how they feel about working with me.
If you decide you would like to proceed with me, my aim is to offer a first appointment, known as an initial assessment, within one to two weeks. This provides an opportunity for us to meet and talk more in depth about your presenting issues, what you need and how I might be able to help. Assuming you are happy to continue we would then agree an initial set number of sessions to take place at the same time every week, that is convenient for you and where I have availability.
If you are looking for a therapist for your child, the same procedure would be followed, except the initial assessment would be a parent assessment, attended without your child. If you decide I might be a good fit for your child the next step would be for them to attend an initial assessment, so that they might meet me and see how they feel about working with me.
How long will I need to have therapy?
How long a period of counselling or psychotherapy lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing and what comes up during the work. For some people a couple of sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, and they feel ready to move forward; other problems may require more of an open-ended approach.
Before we begin any work we will agree on goals for the work and the initial number of sessions we will undertake. At the end of that number we will review our progress, reflect on goals, work done and what might be left to do, and as long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.
Before we begin any work we will agree on goals for the work and the initial number of sessions we will undertake. At the end of that number we will review our progress, reflect on goals, work done and what might be left to do, and as long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.
Will everything I say be kept confidential?
Everything that is said by you, or your child if applicable, within the therapy room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and psychotherapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some situations where you, or your child if applicable, may be a risk to yourself or others, and there the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
Note that there are some situations where you, or your child if applicable, may be a risk to yourself or others, and there the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
Fees and availability
Therapy sessions for individuals last 50 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis on the same day and at the same time, and cost from £70 per session. Initial assessment and parent assessment appointments can last up to 75 minutes.
Please note that if you want to cancel an appointment I require 48 hours notice; otherwise you will still need to pay for any sessions missed. I accept payment in cash or by bank transfer and ask that payment is made before or at the session.
Please note that if you want to cancel an appointment I require 48 hours notice; otherwise you will still need to pay for any sessions missed. I accept payment in cash or by bank transfer and ask that payment is made before or at the session.
Do you offer a crisis service?
I do not provide a Crisis Service. If you require urgent mental health support, please see the information below which you may find helpful.
- You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 free from any phone, any time.
- You can text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free from all major UK mobile networks. You will then be connected to a volunteer for an anonymous conversation by text message.
- You can call the North Yorkshire crisis team on 08000 516171 who are open 24 hours a day.
- You can call 111, visit your local A&E Department at a Hospital or call 999 24 hours a day.
- For children and young people specifically, you can call Childline on 0800 1111 or 116 111 from any landline or mobile network, even if you have no credit on your phone. Their details will not be shown on the phone bill. You can also email them on their website www.childline.org.uk using their confidential ‘Locker’ service. They are contactable 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a confidential service where no problem is too big or small.