Is Counselling Right For Me?
There are many different reasons why people access counselling. Sometimes people seek help with psychological or mood problems such as depression or anxiety or because they are seeking behavioural change such as improving communications within relationships. At other times we can find ourselves in difficult situations due to life changes, such as separation, illness or work transition. Others approach psychotherapy with a view to gaining deeper understanding and personal growth; somewhere they can explore life's deeper questions. Not only does therapy help to cultivate more insight, flexibility and resilience, it can help us to experience more meaning, more contentment and more fulfilment.
Counselling does require commitment and can be challenging at times but you will be supported emotionally as you move through the stages. If it transpires that the time is not quite right for you, we can discuss this with a view to determining whether you would be better placed to take advantage of what counselling has to offer at a later date or whether alternative avenues of support might be more beneficial. The door is always open.
What Are Your Fees?
My rates are £50 for a therapeutic hour.
I accept payment by cash and BACS.
Reduced rates are also available; please contact me for further details.
Is Counselling Confidential?
Yes, everything we discuss is strictly confidential. There are however a number of exceptions to this confidentiality rule which are:
- If I am sufficiently concerned that you will harm yourself or a third party.
- If I am required to do so by a court of law.
- To prevent or help in the detection of a serious crime
- If children or vulnerable adults are disclosed as being at risk of current abuse.
Furthermore, in keeping with professional and ethical guidelines, I have regular clinical supervision to discuss my work with my clients. These consultations are also confidential and clients are anonymised to protect privacy.
Can I Book An Initial Session?
Yes. I offer a free initial appointment by telephone where we can assess what you would like to bring and to gain from counselling and how we can work together. Our first session is always about getting to know each other and painting a better picture of your therapeutic needs. From there, each session is customized around your weekly needs and goals to help you optimize your time in therapy.
This is also an opportunity for you to decide if you are ready for therapy and able to benefit from everything it has to offer. There is no obligation for further sessions.
Will I Have To Talk About Painful Events?
I will never force you to discuss anything that you don't want to talk about. The pace and the depth of each session is carefully managed and is an integral part of a counsellor's skill.
Where Does Counselling Take Place?
I offer Online sessions via Doxy.me which requires no software downloads on your part and is a platform especially designed to respect and protect the unique confidentiality needs of clients.
My private practice is based in South West Chesterfield, within easy reach of Baslow, Matlock, Wingerworth and Clay Cross. There is a narrow path and a step on the approach to my external counselling room; parking is freely available on the road. I am flexible and am able to make alternative arrangements for you if this does not suit your presenting difficulty or if accessibility is an issue. I am happy to visit clients at home within a reasonable distance if there is a suitably quiet space where we can work together uninterrupted.
What Is Your Availability?
Appointments are available during the day and until 8:00pm Monday to Thursday. I will endeavour to offer you an appointment as soon as I can to fit in with the time and day we are both available. I limit my caseload so that I can practice at optimum effectiveness and safety so occasionally there will be a waiting list. In the event of my being unable to see you when you require, I am happy to offer an initial session and work with you to decide the best way forward.
Who Do You Work With?
I currently work with adults and young people aged 16-18.
