Practicalities

Online and Face to face appointments

The first session is an opportunity for us to talk and to find out whether we feel that we can work together . I usually suggest that we meet online to begin with and have an hour in which to explore your situation and what might be helpful in terms of a plan for further counselling. This is charged at a reduced rate. I will advise you on whether I feel I can offer you what you need. Should I feel that I am not able to do this, I will suggest other agencies that might be able to help you. This might involve suggesting that you speak to your GP or another specialist if this feels appropriate. I might also recommend other counsellors who have expertise in the area of support that you are looking for.

If we decide that we will continue to work together,  we will agree an initial number of sessions – I usually suggest 6 to begin with, which we would then review and extend if needed.

Sessions last for an hour and cost £60 . I offer an initial session at a rate of £30. 
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If you cancel less than 48  hours before an appointment, full payment is still required.  

Payment is by bank transfer on the day of the appointment.

Sessions are usually weekly as this is often the most effective way to work, however  we can discuss your situation when we speak.


Location 
​ I have a limited number of face to face places available and work from my therapy room in Redland. Details will be provided if we decide to work together. I also offer sessions using Zoom.
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​ Confidentiality
All information that you share with me will be confidential, however there are a few exceptions to this rule.

Firstly, I have clinical supervision once a month where I discuss my client work. This is a professional expectation as set out by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and is there to ensure that counsellors work in an effective and ethical way with clients. Your full name and identifying details are not shared with the supervisor.

Secondly, I may have to break confidentiality if you share information with me that leads me to believe that you are at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else. This could include child protection or safeguarding concerns. It might also be the case that I would break confidentiality if you informed me that you were involved in an illegal activity.

Please note that I do not provide letters or reports for any third parties about the content of our sessions. I will provide confirmation of attendence if this is needed in certain circumstances. Should you require a psychological assessment or information for a third party relating to your emotional or physical wellbeing, please contact your GP to request this.

Please feel free to discuss any of this with me when we meet for our introductory session, when I will be able to show you my written contract and will e mail you a copy. 

As an Accredited and Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I am bound by their ethical code of conduct and am subject to their complaints procedure. 
For further information please look at their website at http://www.bacp.co.uk

COVID
Face to face appointments will take place in my therapy room in Redland. The room is large enough for us to sit at a reasonable distance. I will provide water but please bring your own if you prefer.
If either of us have any symptoms that could be Covid, we will cancel the face to face session and replace it with a Zoom call, or reschedule , so please do let me know if you feel unwell.