FAQs:
How will I know if therapy is right for me?
You won’t know until you have dipped a toe in the water. I am happy to offer a brief preliminary phone call without charge and/or an initial exploratory session at my standard rate (£70) which will give you some sense of my approach and whether we might work well together.
Where do the sessions take place?
I work either online on Zoom which is practical wherever you are or face to face from my home base in Barnes, London SW13 (London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames). There is ample parking locally and public transport links are gppd. My practice room is on the ground floor with good access (via a couple of low steps at the front door).
What are your arrangements for payment?
My normal fee of £70 per 50-minute therapy hour applies, whether for an introductory or a ‘standard’ session. Payment is at the end of each session by cash or bank transfer. I am happy to supply an invoice if required.
What happens if I have to cancel a session?
I appreciate that there are times when you will not be able to attend a pre-arranged session. Please let know as soon as possible and we will re-arrange the session. If you cancel within 24 hours of the session time or if you do not let me know but do not attend, the session fee is still payable.
What happens to my sessions during holiday periods?
I will let you know well in advance about any breaks and holidays I will be taking . It is helpful if you are able to do the same. Your sessions will simply resume as usual after any breaks notified and agreed in advance.
What happens if I decide to stop the sessions?
Therapeutic change can be destabilising and deciding to stop the sessions is an indication that this work may not suit you at this time. It could also be that you would prefer to find another therapist or additional therapy I cannot offer, in which case I will aim to make suggestions for a referral.
Is what we discuss confidential?
I respect your privacy and I want you to feel that therapy is a safe place to bring what is troubling you. I adhere to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines of my professional bodies, the Association of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ACAT https://acat.org.uk/ and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP www.bacp.co.uk/). My practice is regularly overseen by an external qualified clinical supervisor who abides by the same rules of professional confidentiality as myself.
Information about clients is not disclosed to others outside the above unless this is: (a) required by a court of law or (b) there is a risk of serious harm to you or others. In this case I will discuss the best next step with you. If necessary and with your permission, I will contact your next of kin or your GP.
