Here are some common questions about preparing for counselling sessions. I offer different services for you and your relationship. Find answers to frequently asked questions about counselling below. If you have questions about Discernment Counselling and Couples Intensive Therapy, click here to contact me. I’ve also answered the most common question about my therapeutic coaching services.
What happens when I contact you?
A consultation via phone or Zoom is a time for you to share the difficulties and challenges you face and reflect on where you would like to be in the weeks, months, or years ahead. I will then let you know how I can help. You can then decide if you wish to schedule a full counselling session. If I feel my services are not a good fit for you, I’ll let you know and offer alternative suggestions.
Appointments are scheduled through an online scheduler, and you’ll receive a link. These times are reserved specifically for our initial consultation. If we decide to proceed, we’ll arrange other suitable times for ongoing sessions.
Are your sessions confidential?
I understand that privacy is vital to you and is just as important to me. Your privacy is respected during all counselling sessions, and I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework and UKCP’s guidelines for confidentiality and professional standards.
How long is a counselling session?
Sessions are 50 minutes in length for individuals.
Regular couples counselling sessions are 75 minutes long. Through almost ten years of experience with couples, I’ve discovered that 50-minute sessions aren’t sufficient for couples to get the most out of therapy. This shortfall often frustrates because progress is limited, and couples may become disheartened. They might even leave therapy before experiencing meaningful and lasting changes. Our longer sessions give us the time needed to work deeply while ensuring that you leave feeling emotionally balanced and supported. This approach of longer sessions also aligns with the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy.
How many sessions will I need?
Coaching
Therapeutic coaching is available in 3-month and 6-month packages, with the option to extend or add extra sessions.
Weekly Counselling
People come to counselling for different reasons. How many sessions you need really depends on what you have come to counselling for. We work week by week, and you will know when it is time to end. I suggest a minimum weekly commitment of six months for couples in crisis.
When will I be expected to attend?
Before we begin, you’ll get a written copy of my terms and conditions. Once we agree, we’ll meet weekly at the same time. If you miss or cancel a session, there’s a charge.
As a counsellor do you offer advice?
Whether I provide counselling or therapeutic coaching, I won’t give you direct advice. Instead, I’ll guide you to find your own solutions and make decisions that suit you best. While I may offer suggestions, the focus isn’t on getting instant advice from me.
Where do the sessions take place?
You can choose to meet with me either in person in Kensington, London, SW7, or online, depending on availability. Kensington is easily accessible by public transport. Once we agree, we’ll meet at the same place every week. If we decide to meet in person, we can also have hybrid sessions, combining online and in-person meetings.
Why do you charge for missed sessions?
When we decide to work together, I’ll set aside a specific time just for you every week. This slot is reserved exclusively for you, so if you miss or cancel a session, there’s a charge. This applies to any missed session, whether it’s due to holidays, work, illness, or emergencies. You’ll receive a copy of my terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, before your first appointment.
If we have couples counselling do we both need to attend?
When we begin couples therapy, there are two sessions where I meet with each of you individually. After that, it’s important that both of you attend all the sessions together. Sessions won’t start until both of you are present because the focus is on your relationship, and it’s crucial for both of you to be there.
What’s the difference between counselling and coaching?
As both a trained psychotherapeutic counsellor and coach, I support clients in reaching their goals while also addressing any deeper issues that may be affecting their progress.
While counselling and coaching aim to facilitate change, coaching usually emphasises concrete results or outcomes. This means that our sessions and approach to our work together will differ.
Check out my blog post to find out more.
Contact Me Today to Talk
Call 07535 864836, and I will reply within 48 hours. Alternatively, click the Get in Touch button below to book your FREE 15-minute consultation.
