Frequently Asked Questions
How long does each session last? 50 minutes, usually starting on the hour.
How often are the sessions? The sessions are normally at the same time each week.
How much do you charge? £80 per session.
What is the assessment for? The assessment is to allow me to determine whether I believe you will benefit from the therapy I offer and for you to get a feel for what it is like to help you decide if it's for you.
How long does the assessment last? 90 minutes.
How much does the assessment cost? £80 in London Bridge and Balham.
Do you charge for missed sessions? I don’t charge for up to four weeks of pre-arranged holidays per year but I do charge for other missed sessions as your slot is reserved for you and cannot be allocated to anyone else. If you give me notice that you can’t make a session I’ll try to offer an alternative time when we can meet instead. If I am unable to attend I will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible and will give you good notice of any holidays. You will not be asked to pay for any sessions I do not attend.
How confidential is it? I maintain strict confidentiality within the client/counsellor relationship at all times. The only exceptions would be if there was a serious risk to the safety of you or others, if you knew of a child being abused in any way or if you knew of or were involved in an act of terrorism. In these rare circumstances, I would aim to discuss this with you first, however sometimes this is not possible and I am obliged to make contact with your GP or relevant authority.
Do you tell my GP that I am having counselling? No, I do not make contact with your GP except in the rare situations described in the confidentiality section. I do ask for your GP's details on application. This is part of my duty of care as a counsellor governed by the professional code of conduct under which I operate.
Do you tell my employer that I am having counselling? No, I do not tell your employer.
Can I get my therapy paid for by my medical insurance? I am registered with Aetna Global Benefits, Aviva, AXA PPP Healthcare Healix and and Vitality Health. You will need to contact them in the first instance.
Do you belong to a professional body? Yes, I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and operate under their BACP Ethical Framework.
If I have a problem with you who can I complain to? You can complain to the BACP who will investigate it in a through, unbiased and professional way.
Do you have supervision? Yes, I undertake regular one-to-one supervision with an experienced counsellor. This is a BACP requirement of all therapists and is there to ensure that I give you the bet service I can. Whilst I talk about my clients I do not share any personal details so the client remains anonymous.