Question 1

FEES + PAYMENTS

Accepted Answer

The initial assessment and subsequent weekly sessions are all charged at the same rate of £70. Unfortunately I currently don’t have any availability for concessionary rates for students or those on low income. I will email my invoice to you on the last day of the month for the sessions booked for that month. Invoices are payable by BACS bank transfer, cheque or cash within a week of the invoice date.

Question 2

APPOINTMENTS + CANCELLATIONS

Accepted Answer

At the initial assessment session, if we both agree to proceed, we will decide on a day and time for our regular weekly 50-minute sessions. Because this slot is reserved for you every week, missed sessions will be chargeable. Where possible, and with 48 hours’ notice, I will try to reschedule a missed session, however I'm afraid this can't always be guaranteed.
 
If I'm unable to attend a session I will give you as much notice as possible; and for planned breaks – usually around Christmas, Easter and in August – I will give 3 weeks’ notice. Obviously there's no charge for weeks when I'm not available.
 
Therapy is for individuals only – no other person or child will be permitted in the consulting room during your session. The only exception might be if you require a sign or language translator and we can discuss how this might be arranged.

Question 3

THE PSYCHODYNAMIC APPROACH

Accepted Answer

Unlike cognitive, behavioural or humanistic therapies, psychodynamic therapy takes its cues from our past – be it remembered or unremembered. Our early relationships with parents, caregivers or siblings have a strong influence over our current relationships. Memories or experiences that are difficult to process or understand when young can become hidden from our consciousness yet can still exert an influence over our emotions and behaviours in our present lives. By exploring behaviour patterns and thought processes together it's possible to uncover unconscious defences against difficult or painful experiences. This new perspective can lead to greater self-awareness and self-acceptance promoting a new confidence and feeling of authenticity.

Question 4

IN PERSON + ONLINE SESSIONS

Accepted Answer

IN-PERSON SESSIONS take place in comfortable, private and tranquil consulting rooms in Highgate Village N6 or Muswell Hill N10 which allow for social distancing and adequate ventilation. Both are within easy reach of public transport and have free on-street parking nearby. Please let me know if you would prefer for us to wear masks if you are concerned about your level of vulnerability to viral infection.
 
ONLINE SESSIONS are available for those who, perhaps due to ill-health, busy travel schedules, being a carer or a need to be in the security of their own homes, prefer to work remotely. I use a GDPR-secure video platform for online therapy sessions which can be conducted anywhere in the UK or overseas. You simply need a good internet connection and a camera on your PC, laptop or tablet. I will email you a link that will take you directly to our ‘virtual consulting room’ each week. You'll need to be in a private space where you won't be interrupted and there are no listening devices such as Alexa or Siri nearby. You may find ear pods or earphones with microphones give added privacy.
 
I have undertaken additional training for safe and effective online therapy and have sound knowledge and critical understanding of digital communication technologies in terms of online counselling practice.

Question 5

COUNSELLING + PSYCHOTHERAPY

Accepted Answer

Therapy can be time-limited or open-ended depending on the depth and complexity of the issues you want to work with. At your initial assessment we can decide whether your issue is something that can be dealt with over time-limited counselling where a focus is identified that might reasonably be worked on in that time. Alternatively, we may find that open-ended psychotherapy is more suitable if problems are hard to define or particularly difficult to talk about. Open-ended psychotherapy allows you to go at your own pace with the opportunity to respond to unexpected discoveries and deeply rooted emotions that may arise.
 
You are free to end therapy whenever you feel ready, although I do recommend a notice period of 2-3 weeks to consolidate what we have already worked on and prepare you for the ending of our therapeutic relationship.

Question 6

CONFIDENTIALITY + PRIVACY

Accepted Answer

All communications and sessions, including the initial assessment and phone consultation, are confidential. That confidentiality may only be broken if I have any concerns regarding your safety or the safety of others. I will always speak to you about this first unless there are safeguarding issues that prevent this.
 
As a Member of the BACP I attend regular supervision with a professionally qualified clinical supervisor to anonymously discuss client work, but will never reveal any details that might identify you. I also keep brief notes on our sessions as a record of the work, but will not share information without your consent unless there is a legal or ethical need for me to do so.
 
Please see my privacy policy for more information on how I store and protect your personal details.

Question 7

NEED HELP URGENTLY?

Accepted Answer

Call 999 or go to your local Accident & Emergency department if someone's life is at risk – for example, if they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose. Or if you don’t feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe.
 
You can find your local NHS urgent mental health helpline here. Or try calling 111 and asking for an urgent GP appointment.
 
You could also contact the Samaritans, a charity which offers a free confidential listening service to anyone in distress, 24 hours a day. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

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