How it works

After an initial conversation over the phone, or via e-mail, we will arrange a 45-minute assessment session- which is completely free of charge. The purpose of this first meeting is to agree the terms of business, discuss the nature of your current difficulties and then decide whether we wish to go on and work together.

At the end of the assessment, should we reach agreement to begin a course of treatment, a deposit of £10 is required towards the cost of the first session. This deposit covers my room hire and other running costs in the event that you either cancel, or fail to arrive for your first session.

Thereafter, you’ll be required to pay for all subsequent sessions promptly at the agreed rate for the duration of your therapy treatment.

Cash payments are welcome at the beginning of each session. However, it is now increasingly common for clients to pay electronically by direct transfer sometime before each appointment. I can supply you with my bank details on request.

Current prices

At present, the fees for my services are as follows:

• Individual sessions: £60 standard rate / £35 lower income rate
• Couple sessions: £80 standard rate / £50 lower income rate

Session duration

• Individual treatment sessions last 50 minutes.
• Couple counselling sessions are 80 minutes.

What happens in a session

During each session, I will ask you a number of carefully chosen questions in order to help you arrive at a clearer understanding of the nature and origins of your problems. I will then assist you to begin choosing and putting into practice various changes by which you can improve your state of mind and situation.

From time to time, I may also provide you with short articles to read, or ask you to complete small exercises between sessions, which will consolidate and strengthen the work we do together. In so doing, I will be guided by your feedback in terms of what methods and tools you find most useful.

My practice is guided by the ethical principles and professional standards of the BACP, UKCP, and COSCA, ensuring a safe, respectful and accountable therapeutic environment.

Above all else, you will be offered a friendly, discreet and diligent service in an atmosphere of warmth, trust and mutual acceptance.

Low Cost Options

Those with limited funds may be offered the ‘lower income’ fees by prior negotiation during the initial assessment session.

These discounted rates are intended for use by students, people who are unemployed, single parents and other lower-earning groups for whom paying for counselling and psychotherapy might otherwise be difficult.

For further information on this, feel free to contact me for an informal discussion.

Complaints

My practice complies with the BACP Professional Conduct Procedure, UKCP Complaints and Conduct Procedure and COSCA Complaints Procedure. Copies of all relevant policy documents are available upon request.