Frequently Asked Questions
"A prudent question is one-half of wisdom." Francis Bacon
What are your fees?
Free initial online consultation
Online Appointments £40 per hour
I currently don't offer face-to-face appointments
How do I pay for my sessions?
By bank transfer. Please make payment at least 48 hours before appointment to confirm booking.
What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
Please give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or change an appointment. Appointments cancelled at short notice or not attended without notice will be liable for the full fee. Please attend at the agreed time. If you are late I cannot go over the allotted times as I have following appointments.
How long will I need to wait for an appointment?
Not long at all. I currently have available appointments.
What if I work shifts?
Many of my clients are shift workers so I am flexible to try and accomodate your particular needs.
What if I want to end my counselling sessions?
Counselling sessions are on a week-by-week appointment basis. You are not required to commit to a minimum number of sessions. You can stop any time.
Are counselling sessions confidential?
Yes. You have a legal and ethical right to privacy which I respect and therefore everything that happens in our counselling sessions remains confidential. Confidentiality and trust are a very important aspect of the counselling relationship and necessary for it to work. I do not take notes during sessions. I sometimes make brief summary notes of sessions afterwards as a reminder of what we have discussed. These are stored electronically and securely on a password protected server in accordance with the requirements of GDPR data protection and Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) with whom I am registered.
I have a Supervisor with whom I meet once a month to discuss my counselling work and any concerns I might have. If I do discuss you as a client with them I would not disclose your name or any details that would enable you to be identified. My Supervisor is bound by the same ethical framework as myself and required to maintain confidentiality.
The only times that I might be required to breach confidentiality is if you revealed information to me about children or vulnerable adults that might be at risk of harm or the possibility of the crimes of drug trafficking, money laundering or acts of terrorism. In event I would discuss this with you first. I am under no legal obligation to disclose any other crimes, committed or intended, by yourself or another, that you might choose to reveal to me. The only other occasion I would be required to breach confidentiality was if I was subpoened to give evidence in a legal trial. Once again, I would discuss this with you beforehand.
How many sessions will I need?
It all depends on you and your individual needs. Interestingly, many people assume that counselling is long, expensive experience extending over weeks, months and sometimes even years. However, to the contrary, research has shown that most people attend and benefit from only a few sessions. You will be the best judge of how many sessions you will need and you will know when you need to end.
What if I prefer to see a female counsellor?
I can appreciate at times, some women would feel more comfortable not having a male counsellor. I fully respect that and will happily be able to refer you to a suitable female counsellor. For my own part, many of my clients are women and as a married man with 3 daughters and having worked as a nurse and midwife I am quite comfortable with any issues women might wish to discuss. However, there are number of female counsellors I could refer you to.
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What if I don't like talking about myself?
You don't have to talk about yourself if you don't want to. Counselling is about what ever you are comfortable with. It can be therapeutic to talk about anything that is taking up your attention at the moment. Many of my clients are currently talking about their concerns about the current pandemic, the stress of lockdown and the uncertain future we are all facing right now. Many of us are feeling quite angry and anxious right now. I offer the space to vent whatever you feel without judgement.
Do I need to lie on a couch?
No not when we meet face to face. You will be able to sit in a chair. During telephone and online counselling, if you are at home, you can lie on the couch, lie on your bed or sit in a chair. The most important thing is that you are comfortable, relaxed and undisturbed. And no, I don't sit there with a clipboard writing down everything you say. During our counselling I don't do any writing. I listen to you. There are no forms to fill out, no assessments or tests as some people expect.
Wouldn't it be easier for me to talk to family or friends?
Sometimes talking to a friend can be helpful and as a counsellor I would encourage you to seek the support of your family and friends. However there are some disadvantages to using these people as your only confidants and support. They could feel a conflict of loyalty and find it hard to keep things confidential. They may become upset themselves by what you are telling them and could become upset if you don’t accept their advice. They may begin to feel overburdened, especially if they have their own problems too. As a counsellor, I have the training, professional experience, formal support and resources that enable me to deal with upsetting and difficult situations.
Isn't counselling a bit too "touchy-feely"?
No. Counselling doesn't have to be all about feelings. It's about what ever you feel comfortable with. Sometimes it can just be talking about your choices, decisions and values. Some people focus on feelings, others on their thoughts. Everyone is unique. Some people are able to express their feelings and emotions openly whilst others prefer not to. I will respect you and give you the freedom to behave however you want to. Counselling is about whatever you want it to be.
Do you offer online counselling outside the UK?
Yes. I have been able to provide online counselling internationally to UK Nationals in countries such Sweden, Japan and Mongolia. Many people living and working overseas struggle to find suitable local counselling due to differences in language and culture and therefore they are able to benefit from accessing services back in the UK. I am covered by my insurance and professional membership body.
Is Online Counselling Effective?
Absolutely, yes. Research shown that counselling by phone or video is not only as effective as in-person therapy but, in some cases, even more so. For individuals who may feel uneasy about face-to-face interactions, online counselling offers a less intimidating space, facilitating a more comfortable sharing of feelings.
Advantages of Online Counselling
Discreet and Confidential: Conducting sessions online ensures privacy, allowing you to participate from any location where you feel comfortable.
Time-Saving: Say goodbye to commuting and parking hassles. Online counseling eliminates the need to travel, giving you more time for what matters.
Comfort of Home: Many clients find safety in the familiar environment of their own home, contributing to a heightened sense of ease during sessions.
Broad Reach
Online counseling has expanded my ability to offer support not only to clients across England, Wales, and Scotland but also internationally, including such countries as Germany, Sweden, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Phillipines, Singapore, Canary Islands and even Mongolia. The accessibility of online counseling opens up new possibilities for connecting with a diverse range of individuals, transcending geographical boundaries.
What if I'm worried about having counselling?
It's entirely normal to feel worried about having counselling. Many people, despite feeling the need to confide in someone beyond their immediate circle, hesitate due to misconceptions or concerns about the counselling process.
Common Worries
You might have seen portrayals of counselling on TV, imagining scenes of lying on a couch and having to reveal your private life. In addition, hearing negative experiences from friends or family who've sought counselling can add to your apprehension.
Addressing Your Concerns
To ease any worries you might have, I encourage you to explore my Frequently Asked Questions page Frequently Asked Questions . This resource is designed to provide you with insights into the counselling process, dispel myths, and offer clarity on what to expect. It's a valuable tool to help you make an informed decision about seeking support.
Remember, counselling is a collaborative and confidential process tailored to meet your needs. It's about creating a safe space where you can openly discuss your thoughts and feelings. I am here to address your concerns, support you through the process, so we can work together towards a positive outcome.
How do I know I will receive a professional service?
I strive to offer you the highest quality of professional counselling:
- BACP Accredited Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling
- Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists
- Compliance with BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Regular BACP Registered Supervision
- Registration with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
- The ethical framework can viewed here
When are you able to see me?
I recognise that not everyone is able to attend counselling sessions during office hours during the week so I do have some evening appointments. I would like to make counselling accessible as possible to you. If you have difficulty with transport, travelling and finding time I would ask you to consider the convenient and flexible option of telephone and video counselling.
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." C.S. Lewis
Photos courtesy of Wildscape Photography
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Anxiety- Generalised Anxiety Disorder- Depression- Social Anxiety- Feeling Sad- Panic Attacks- Low Self Esteem- Family Issues- Phobias- Low Self Confidence- Stress- Trauma- Penzance Helston Hayle Falmouth Truro Newquay Cornwall Edinburgh Scotland Online
