Frequently Asked Questions
CAN I BRING MY BABY OR CHILD WITH ME?
Counselling with me is an opportunity to focus on yourself and your own needs. Therefore I would encourage you to leave children with someone you trust. However if this is not possible, non-mobile babies are welcome to attend with you. You are welcome to feed them, change them and take care of their needs during the session if necessary.
CAN I HAVE SESSIONS FORTNIGHTLY INSTEAD OF WEEKLY?
Absolutely, please just ask
CAN I HAVE AD HOC SESSIONS ONLY WHEN I FEEL I NEED IT?
Yes, but you need to be realistic about the amount of progress you will/change you will see if you do not attend regularly.
DO YOU GIVE HOMEWORK?
I might suggest a topic that I feel it might be useful for you to reflect more on at home before our next appointment. I rarely give written ‘homework’ although I can certainly do so if you would find it helpful.
Do I HAVE TO TALK FOR THE ENTIRE TIME?
No of course not! The session is focused on you and your needs rather than me. However sometimes there is great value in silence or quiet contemplation.
DO I NEED TO STOP TAKING MY MEDICATION BEFORE THERAPY?
No, please don’t stop taking any prescription medications without input from a healthcare professional (GP).
However it is important that you are of ‘sound mind’ during sessions, so please do not drink alcohol or use any mind-altering substances before sessions.
CAN I DO SOME SESSIONS IN PERSON AND SOME ONLINE
Absolutely.
You will need a private safe with adequate internet access for online sessions.
DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR PARKING?
No, you can park on the private driveway.
IS THERE A TOILET IF NEED IT?
Yes, right next to the counselling room, and you are very welcome to use it any time.
THINGS HAVE HAPPENED TO ME THAT I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT. DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING?
No, it is entirely up to you how much you share with me and when. There is never any pressure or requirement to share anything that you don’t want to.
What tends to be more important in therapy is the impact on you of what happened, rather than a description of the actual event.
You can either put some things completely ‘off limits’ for discussion temporarily or permanently, or we can refer to it in general terms (i.e. “The Thing that Happened in 2020”) without me ever knowing the details.
IF I TELL YOU THINGS THAT I HAVE NEVER TOLD ANYONE ELSE BEFORE, THINGS THAT I AM ASHAMED OF, WILL YOU KEEP IT CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes, everything you say is confidential, with a few rare exceptions.
I might be obliged to break confidentiality in the following circumstances, although I would always try to talk to you first
· If you (the client) are evaluated by me as posing a serious danger to yourself or to others.
· If a court has made a legal order (a subpoena).
· If you (the client) disclose information relating to possible Child Protection concerns
· If you (the client) disclose criminal involvement including drug dealing, money laundering and Acts of Terrorism.
ARE YOU PART OF THE NHS? OR SOCIAL SERVICES? OR CHILDRENS SERVICES? WILL WHAT I TELL YOU END UP ON MY MEDICAL RECORDS?
No, I am a private counsellor with no links to the NHS, social services or any other statutory body. What you say will remain confidential apart from the exceptions outlined in the previous question