Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost?From 1st April 2010,
fees are £40 per 50 minute session for individuals,
and £48 per hourly session for couples.
What can I expect to happen in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for you and the therapist to decide if counselling can offer what you are looking for. You can get a sense of what it might be like to work together and most importantly, whether you feel comfortable talking. It is a chance for you to maybe find out a little more about your therapist and to discuss what you hope to achieve through coming to counselling.
There is no obligation for clients to continue at this stage but should you choose to do so, clients are usually invited to book 6 subsequent sessions with the aim of reviewing how things are going at the end of that time. We may then agree to end or decide to continue for a set period of time or on an open-ended basis. Ideally sessions are arranged at regular weekly intervals, although flexibility to allow for work and family committments is usually possible.
Whichever therapist you choose, they will be open and honest with you if they do not feel they have the appropriate professional experience to accommodate your particular needs and will be happy to refer you to a more appropriate practitioner.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed varies greatly between individuals depending on the nature and longevity of the difficulties they are experiencing. For those wishing to focus on a specific, relatively short lived problem, a few sessions may be enough. If the issue is more deep rooted and complex, then longer term counselling may be beneficial. This is often seen as the difference between counselling and psychotherapy.
We feel it is important to emphasise that we adhere to ethical, professional requirements not to prolong counselling longer than is necessary whilst still ensuring that the significance of the ending is adequately acknowledged.
How can I be sure of confidentiality?
Anything you say will be treated in the strictest of confidence as outlined by the professional bodies to which we belong. If there are other professionals helping you with the issues you want to explore, such as your GP or drugs/alcohol counsellor, you might like to consider notifying them that you are attending counselling.
What if I'm still not sure if counselling is right for me...
The decision to come to counselling is a big commitment in both time, money and emotion. It is important to us that you feel as fully informed and comfortable in making it as possible, so please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss any concerns you may still have.
For further information or to make an appointment, please contact either:
on 07766 256359 or e-mail katemaclellan@hotmail.com
or
on 07952 892458 or e-mail natcoupland@aol.com
We will do our best to answer any further questions you may have.
