Once you’ve decided to try solution-focused counselling, this is how it works:FOR-WHATEVER_tr3

Initial Enquiries 

A ‘phone call is usually the best way to make contact initially.   This will give us the opportunity to discuss briefly the area/s in which you feel you need help. If you wish, you can text or email me with your enquiry, including your telephone number, if you would like me to call you.  My contact details can be found under the Contact menu.

Appointments

From an agreed time, appointments last for 50 -60 minutes. Once you’ve confirmed an appointment time I will send on further details, and a zoom link for online counselling. The initial appointment will give you the opportunity to assess if you’re comfortable working with me and the solution-focused approach, and for me to assess how best to help you. However, from the first appointment we will look at the issues and start exploring ways in which you can move forward.   We regularly review so you are able to assess your progress.  You always have the option to terminate the therapy at any point without obligation, although I will need to have notice of this.

The number of sessions you attend depends on the issues under discussion, on how much you are prepared to work at things and on the progress you are making.  You may only need a couple of sessions, or intermittent sessions.  On average I find the number of sessions varies from about 6 to 8.  However, this period can be extended should you require further counselling.  Some clients find it beneficial to do a few sessions and then suspend counselling for an agreed time so that they can work on their issues and goals; they then return later for further sessions should they need to, or for a quick catch-up and review.  We do what best suits your situation.  This way you are not locked into years of therapy.

Appointment times are flexible: I only work online (zoom and call) now and offer weekday, evening and Saturday morning sessions. I work with clients both in the UK and abroad.

Payment

Payment is made via Paypal before each session or by online mobile banking if you have this facility.

See the section on Fees for my scale of fees.

Cancellations

Should you need to cancel a session for any reason, I will need at least 48 hours’ notice if you’re not to be charged for the session; this is so that another client can access that session. We can try to reschedule for that week or for the following week if no other slots are available. I can be contacted by telephone, email or text.  If I am in a session, or you contact me out of hours in the evening, I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I can.

Lateness

Should you be late for your session, it will still end at the time originally agreed upon.

Confidentiality

All sessions are confidential.  Confidentiality is only broken if I believe that you, or someone else, is at serious risk of harm.  Should this be the case I would endeavour to discuss this with you beforehand. The only other instance when confidentiality is broken is if I’m required to give evidence in a court of law – during criminal proceedings, for example.   All counsellors and psychotherapists, no matter what their experience, are required to attend supervision.  In such instances, I discuss my work with a clinical supervisor at regular intervals.  Clinical supervisors are bound by the same code of ethics, and all names and identifying details are omitted during these discussions.