Integrative counselling with a relational style.

I am a trained professional, registered counsellor with a BA (Hons) Degree in Theology and Counselling. (Level 6) I also have BA (Hons) degrees in Modern Languages and Biblical and Cross-Cultural Studies, In addition to my counselling training, I have many years’ experience of working and living in another culture. This has also provided me with a greater understanding of myself and others. I have ten years experience, having previously worked in two counselling agencies before starting my own private practice eight years ago. I am a registered member of the Association  of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC) whose register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. This means that I am bound by the ACC code ethics and practice. My training has also equipped me to work with people of all faiths or those with none. 

I offer one hour sessions on a weekly basis, usually at the same time and on the same day. I currently work in Chalfont St. Peter.

I offer an initial consultation at a reduced rate of £35.00 to explore your reasons for seeking counselling as well as to provide the opportunity for us to see if counselling is right for you at this time. On agreeing to work together, we would aim to review our work together periodically to see how many sessions are needed. We will usually agree on an initial six sessions before reviewing. As it is best practice not to end abruptly, it would be my normal practice to have 3 planned sessions with you before ending. This would be discussed with you in advance.

What can you expect in our first session?

The first session is a time set apart for me to get to know you, your background and your reasons for coming to counselling.
It is also an opportunity for me to explain how I work and for you to ask any questions you may have.
You may have had experience of counselling before or you might not, either way it is good to talk about expectations and initial goals.

How does counselling help?

The sessions we have together are time reserved for you.
My clients often comment that they value the time as “their” time in the midst of a busy weekly schedule.
It is time they have set aside to think through issues they might not otherwise have time or space to look at and be thoroughly listened to. A trained counsellor can help you to process your thoughts and help you to take steps to move towards the changes you are seeking to achieve.

Will what you say remain confidential?

It is only natural that we may be hesitant to open up to someone about our lives.
You can be assured that everything you say in our sessions will be kept confidential except if I am seriously concerned for your safety or that of others or in a situation where I am legally required to break confidentiality.
It might be that outside bodies such as social services, doctors, the police etc. ask me for information.
In all these cases I would seek to speak to you first about this.
Any notes I take from our sessions are kept in locked storage and a number used instead of your name.
Like all counsellors I have to have regular supervision of my work.
I discuss my clients cases in these sessions in an anonymous way so that my supervisor can check I am working with you in the most appropriate way.

Fees

My fees are £60 per 60 minute session.                                                                                                                                                                                                          Couples counselling: £70 per 60 minute session.
Initial introductory session (60-90 mins) £40.
As time is being reserved for you each week there is a 50% charge for any sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.