Questions

The BACP definition of counselling/ psychotherapy states that “Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change and/or enhance their wellbeing”. 

It describes a relationship that exists between an individual and a therapist with the aim of reducing distress and increasing resilience learned through the therapeutic relationship.  

£60.00 (50 minute)
£85.00 (75 minutes)

You can pay by cash or bank transfer (payment is required 24 hours before session if paying by bank transfer).

A receipt will be provided.

50 minutes, however, on occasion clients have requested longer.
75 minutes upon client request

Sessions start weekly and move to fortnightly as the work progresses. Based on my experience currently, I have weekly clients, fortnightly clients and some clients that like to meet with me once a month or longer than that. However, at this point the piece of work may have finished and they are using this as a space to remain on track.

That depends on what we might be working on. For example, a piece of work on anxiety might be around 8-12 sessions. However, complex needs would require longer. I offer sessions while it is in your best interests and therefore would not be restricting the amount of sessions you need. We can talk about the number of sessions you might need when we meet for the first time. Whatever we decide, I will hold regular reviews with you to ensure the therapy is working okay for you. You have no obligation to remain in therapy for longer than you need.

Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.
Twilight Hours between 5 and 6.30 p.m. on-line only
Weekends: Occasional to meet demand

Flexibility can be considered outside of these times for short term pieces of work

Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will require payment in full.

I am willing to see you the first time with someone if it feels daunting, however, going forward it is more beneficial that the sessions are on a one to one basis.

The first session is an information gathering type of meeting. It is an opportunity for you to meet with me and for us to get to know each other; it is crucial you feel comfortable enough with me to be able to share your personal story with me. I will be asking you questions at the first meeting as it more an assessment of your needs and whether my style can help you, e.g. are you on medication, does your doctor know you are here, have you had therapy before, if so, when and why, some background information and general questions about your overall well-being. I will be interested to know what you want to get out of coming, have you short and long term goals. You are not obliged to book an appointment as I would want you to not feel pressured and to be able to think it through if needed.

The office is located to the east of Stafford on the A518 Weston Road (Beaconside) within the site of what used to be Staffordshire University. It is now known as Beacon Business Village. My office is within the Octagon Building.

Beacon Business Village
Weston Road
Beaconside
Stafford
ST18 0BF

You can get in touch by filling out the contact form available from the ‘Contact’ menu above.

You can also text me or call me on my mobile (07702872695). If you leave a voicemail I will try and respond in the same day or within 24 hours

No information is shared with anyone without your consent. It is important in order for you to trust me that you know the information you share with me will stay between us. There are some restrictions on this, for example if you were to tell me something that put you or someone else at risk of serious harm I would need to disclose this as part of my legal and professional duty of care. I will issue you with the agreement at the outset that explains this fully so that you are fully aware of the restrictions.

Occasionally, it might be that other health professionals who care about you are involved such as your GP. If this happens, it will be with your consent and cooperation.

I also have a responsibility to discuss my cases with a supervisor once a month. This person would not know your identity. It is a requirement as a counsellor that this happens in order to keep you and me safe in our work together. The main focus of the meetings is ensure  I am working safely, ethically and professionally in my relationships with clients.

I also adhere to the new data protection regulations that came into force in May 2018 (GDPR). Your details will be kept safe and secure, this will all  be explained in the agreement that will be discussed and issued to you at the first session.