Frequently asked questions

What are the first steps towards working together?

As a first step, send me an email to outline what you’re seeking from counselling. If I think the support I offer could be beneficial for you, we will agree a time to have an initial session, which can take place either in person or online. This session is an opportunity for us to start to get to know each other in a little more depth. I will seek to gain a deeper understanding of what has brought you to therapy and you will be able to ask me any questions you may have.

Following this initial session we will decide whether to continue working together and will agree upon a regular time to meet.

The sessions

Sessions are 50 minutes long and we will meet weekly at the same time each week. We will periodically review how the therapy is progressing and adapt the direction of our work accordingly.

We can meet either at my home in Blackheath (SE3), where I have a dedicated therapy room, or online via Zoom. You may also find that a blend of meeting in person and online suits you. When working online, you should ensure that you call from a private space where you won’t be interrupted or overheard.

Fees and cancellations

My fee is £70 per session and I also have some concessionary slots for those on lower incomes. I ask that payment be made in advance of the session, by bank transfer.

If you are unable to make a session, please let me know as soon as possible and we can try to reschedule it. In the event of cancellations made within 48 hours of an appointment, the full fee is payable.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a core principle of the therapeutic relationship. However, in exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to break confidentiality. In this respect, I follow the ethical framework of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). These extreme circumstances concern situations where you or someone else could be in serious and immediate danger, and in certain rare cases where required by law.

Contracting

It is common practice to have a contract that sets out the terms of the therapeutic relationship. I find that this is useful as it helps create a mutually agreed container for our work together. I will email you a copy of the contract after our initial session and we can discuss any aspects you are unsure about.

Psychosynthesis

While I work in an integrative way, drawing on various theories and frameworks according to each client’s needs, one of the central pillars is psychosynthesis. Psychosynthesis is a transpersonal approach that sees the individual as having both a personality – with its drives, impulses and conditioning – and a soul – which is a source of infinite potential, wisdom and depth.