Frequently Asked Questions
What Will Happen On The First Counselling Session?
The first session is primarily an initial assessment. This offers the opportunity for you and the Counsellor to explore what it is you want from counselling. It enables both you and the Counsellor the chance to get to know each other and to decide if we can work together on your issues.
What is an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Certificate?
After the terrible Soham child murders, the government brought in an Act of Parliament requiring all person's who work with children and vulnerable adults to undergo a criminal records check via the Police National Computer before being allowed to take up employment in this field of work. I have applied for and had an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check done via a government licenced and independant third party, a company called Due Diligence Checking Ltd. As a result of this check I now hold a current Certificate of Compliance to work with children and vulnerable adults within Part V sections 113B and 116 of the Police Act 1997. Confirmation of the above can be saught by contacting Criminal Records Bureau PO Box 165 Liverpool L69 3JD or via their website at www.crb.gov.uk
What Sort Of Issues Do You Cover?
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Bereavement and Loss, Relationship Problems, Sex, Sexuality, Sexual Identity, Stress, Emotional Difficulties, Life Crisis, Problems at Work, Physical and Sexual Abuse, Anger Management, Personal Debt Problems. I also cover many other issues that may not always be obvious but can still disrupt normal daily life and relationships for example, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD's), Eating Disorders, Phobia's or and Pornography Addiction. However, this list is not exhaustive, if your issue is not listed here or you are in any doubt or have a few questions, please call for a free informal chat.
How Many Counselling Sessions Will I Need?
This is difficult to say and is dependent on the issues you bring to the sessions. Typically, you should budget for about 6 sessions to start with, if I feel that more are needed, I will discuss this with you. Many clients often choose to continue in counselling for much longer for reasons such as personal development and growth. However, I have an open-ended contract with my clients and they can end the counselling sessions by giving me one session notice. This is to allow us to review what you have achieved and try to resolve any unfinished business.
Do You Provide a Telephone Counselling Service?
Yes, you can have your appointment at a pre-arranged time conducted over the telephone via a video link using WhatsApp or Face time. Payments for this service are paid for in advance of the appointment time. It is however, much better for you if you can attend counselling sessions.
How Much Does a Counselling Appointment Cost?
I charge by the session not by the hour. The fee below is what you pay regardless of the length of the session. Payment is made at the time of each session and, for your convenience, I do accept all major credit and debit cards.
My fee for Individuals is £50 per session.
My fees for Groups are negotiable.
My fees for Company's, EAP's, Private Health Insurance Providers or similar referrals vary per session and are dependent on the arrangements agreed with the referrer. The provision of Reports are charged at £80 per hour. My fees for a Court or Tribunal attendance will depend on distance travelled and length of my attendance.
How Can I Pay For My Counselling Sessions?
I accept cash, bank transfer or all major credit and debit cards. Unless we have a prior agreement, payment is usually made after each session.
What Hours Do You Work?
I am now semi-retired and have reduced my appointment availability. Consequently, I work Monday to Friday. My first appointment is at 8.00am and my last appointment is at 12.00 noon although, with prior notice, I can be a little flexible with these times. I am afraid I do not hold appointments in the evenings or at weekends.
How Long Do Counselling Sessions Last?
A counselling session will last a minimum of an hour but could, with mutual agreement, last up to an hour and a quarter. You can of course terminate the session at any time. My fee is the same regardless of the length of the session.
Can I Smoke During Counselling Sessions?
In the interests of health and safety smoking is not permitted during counselling sessions. However, the counselling room is located on the ground floor and, if you wish, you can take a short break outside.
Where Are You Located?
My practice is located near Ely Golf Club and a little under a mile from Ely City Centre and is about the same distance from Ely Railway Station. If you are arriving by car there is plenty of secure off-road parking on my premises. There is a link to a map showing the location of my premises on the welcome page and I will be happy to give you directions at the time of booking your appointment.
Is The Counselling Room On The Ground Floor?
The counselling room is located in a very private, quiet conservatory at the rear of my premises on the ground floor. It is air conditioned and overlooks my garden and fields beyond. All other client facilities are also on the ground floor adjacent to the counselling room.
What Happens If I have To Cancel Or Reschedule My Counselling Session?
If we agree to work together on your issues it is very important and a matter of mutual respect that you keep your appointments. If for any reason you need to cancel an appointment I will need at least 3 days notice. In an emergency I can accept a rescheduling of appointments within 24 hours of your appointment time.
All clients need to understand from the outset that the time you book is yours and I am unable to fit another client into your appointment slot at short notice. Cancelling at the last minute without good reason or simply not turning up for an appointment will incur the full fee for the session you have booked.
