About Counselling
The BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) web site gives a comprehensive explanation of therapy and what to expect from it: http://www.bacp.co.uk/public/
Good counselling and one that I try to practice is the kind I have experienced sitting in the client's chair; change, growth or simply feeling 'better' happens when there exists an ideal balance of support, nurture and challenge. I believe that we all have the answers to our own truth inside us, but sometimes it takes the help of a counsellor to bring some of those answers to light. It is the quality of the relationship with the counsellor, feeling attended to, listened attentively to, prodded sensitively into seeing things from a new perspective that brings about changes; a different view on things that perhaps had not been considered, accepted for having thoughts, feelings and fantasies that were assumed not to be acceptable to others, etc. When conditions are optimum, not being judged and feeling empathised with, trust can grow and people begin to feel and see the world differently. Successful counselling results in beginning to feel more in control of one's life and not as burdened as when first stepping through the door.
Counselling can be a very rewarding journey; it is my job, vocation and passion to facilitate the best possible outcome.
A brief summary of what pertains to my practice which can be expanded upon when we meet is the following:
Hours: Hours in Worcester Park are flexible on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays between 8am and 10pm and Saturday mornings between 9am and 12.00. In Oxford Circus, central London hours are 8am to 10pm on Thursdays only.
Confidentiality: Everything said within the session remains strictly confidential, with three exceptions:
1) In keeping with good practice under the code of ethics of the BACP and COSRT, I receive regular supervision from experienced supervisors. My supervisors maintain the same code of confidentiality as myself.
2) If I feel that you are in danger of harming yourself, or someone else, I may wish to consult with your GP or another professional. However, I will always discuss this with you first.
3) If I would be liable to civil or criminal court procedure if the information were not disclosed.
Code of Ethics: I am an accredited counsellor and member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and a general member of COSRT, the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists and comply with the code of ethics and practice of both organisations, as well as their complaints procedure.
Cancellation Policy: When agreeing to begin a series of counselling sessions, a weekly space becomes yours; cancelling that space requires a week's notice otherwise the full fee will be due. The exception to this is if you are able to re-arrange your session in the same week as the original cancelled date and I have space.
Payment: To be made in either cash or cheque at the end of each session, in block installments or securely online via paypal.
Additional Support/Referrals: As part of my records, I require your GP's name and address. I will not contact your GP without discussing it with you first. If a client requests, I can confidentially refer.
