FAQ

“From Mighty Oaks Little Acorns Grow”

Within our sessions I offer a safe non-judgemental environment allowing you space to talk through any issues that are concerning you.  Together we will consider coping strategies and how to move forward with whatever difficulties have led you to seek counselling.

Please don’t worry.  I appreciate how daunting and confusing it can feel when choosing the right counsellor.  To obtain optimum benefit from therapy it is important that the counsellor you choose is someone you feel safe and comfortable with.   I hope that by reading the content of my website and taking advantage of the free introductory session it will help you to decide if you feel that I am the right person to work with you, as building a trusting relationship between us will hopefully encourage you feel safe and comfortable enough to begin to talk openly.

My honest answer is that I don’t know!   To achieve optimum benefit from therapy much depends on the nature of the problem you are coming for.   Short term therapy usually involves having regular weekly sessions over 6-8 weeks.  However some people find that after 3 sessions they gain an understanding of what is going on and feel able to move forward from their place of stuckness on their own.  Others may take longer to gain enough trust to feel comfortable and safe enough to talk openly about their issues.  Occasionally a one off session is all that is required, whereas others who may have more complex or deeper rooted problems benefit from longer term open ended sessions.  Together we will regularly review how you feel you are progressing, what you are finding helpful, if your goals have changed and if you wish to continue your counselling sessions.  Ultimately the number of sessions you wish to have is your decision, as you are the expert in what you need.

Together we will talk about this at your initial session, as this is your decision and you are the expert in what you need.  However I usually suggest weekly sessions which provides the opportunity for us to get to know one another and to develop a trusting relationship and to get the most out of the therapeutic work as quickly as possible.

No this is your time and space and it is entirely your choice how many sessions you wish to have.  If you have any concerns about the number of sessions you may need then do get in touch so we can discuss it.

I am a member of the BACP (Registration No 379894).  As a member of the BACP I have completed the necessary qualifications to practice as a counsellor, and I work to their Code of Ethical Practice. I receive regular supervision and keep up to date with training to ensure good practice. 

All my dealings with you and any information that I have about you is confidential.  There are however a couple of exceptions where I may have a legal and ethical obligation to share information, such as disclosures of terrorism and radicalisation or if there is a serious risk of danger to yourself or another.  I follow the BACP ethical guidelines in respect of confidentiality and this will be clearly explained to you at the beginning of your first appointment.

The counselling contract is a document which together we will talk about and negotiate at the beginning of your first counselling session.   The contract includes appointments, frequency, fees, cancellations, confidentiality and professional boundaries (such as social media).

Yes, following careful risk asessment I am offering the option of either face to face at clinics in Axminster or Wellington, although I review this regularly following government guidelines so this can be subject to change at any time, when you sessions could be moved online or via telephone…

I suggest you bring pen and paper as it may be helpful to make notes during your session. 

If our session is via Zoom, or other online platform then I suggest you have a  telephone next to you in case there are any problems with internet connectivity.

Following risk assessment as a result of Covid-19 I regret I am no longer providing refreshments during face to face sessions so recommend you bring a glass of water or other non-alcoholic beverage to your sessions.

Please bring hand sanitiser with you so you can sanitise your hands prior to opening the clinic front doors. 

Please wear a face mask on entering the building, in the corridors and public areas.

Please click here to see my fees. I do offer a limited number of concessionary sessions to those in financial hardship where cost  is a barrier to attending for therapy.   If this applies to you then do get in contact with me to see if I am able to help or signpost you elsewhere.

Online and telephone therapy is due for payment a minimum of 24 hours prior to your appointment either by BACS or Paypal.

Face to face appointments can be paid for either a minimum of 24 hours in advance of your session by BACS or Paypal or by cash or cheque in the session. (To minimise touch due to Covid I am trying to move away from cash and cheques where possible).  I regret I do not accept credit card payments.

I recommend that where possible you take some time just for yourself after your session, even if it is only 15-30 minutes.  Think about what you could do or where you would like to go where you can be kind to yourself as sometimes you may need some time to process the content of your session.

The above policies are available to read here:

Privacy Policy

In line with Government and WHO guidelines, there are a few important things I need to make you aware of:

• We will agree that if either of us (or any member of our household) has symptoms of Covid we will NOT meet together, and if you wish we can continue our sessions via zoom or telephone until we return to face to face working..
• We will comply with 2m social distancing (seating is appropriately arranged)
• I will be offering adequate time between clients to allow for adequate ventilation and cleaning.
• I will no longer be providing glasses of water but you are very welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverage.
• I have face masks available; please let me know your preference when you arrive
• I will continue to follow government guidelines and update you via email if necessary.
• At the clinic at Buckland St Mary the outside gate and door to my room will be open to avoid you touching them. I will close the door once you’re here.
• If possible please can you pay for your appointment by BACS a minimum of 24 hours in advance of your appointment to minimise touch
• I regret that I am unable to offer toilet facilities at the clinic in Buckland St Mary