I hope this page answers some of your initial questions upon deciding to have counselling. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions that have not been answered or to find out more, and please do explore the rest of my website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the BACP?
The BACP stands for The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The BACP is one of the largest professional membership organisations for counsellors and therapists in the UK, providing an ethical framework for good practice for counsellors and therapists, and information and guidance for people who access therapy. I abide by their Ethical Framework for Good Practice, which can be found here: http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework

Where are you based?
I’m based in Droitwich Spa, which is easily accessible from neighbouring towns and cities in Worcestershire and the West Midlands, including Bromsgrove, Worcester and Redditch. I also work remotely by telephone or online/video.

What can I expect in an initial meeting?
The initial meeting is a chance for us to meet and get to know each other a little, to see if you feel comfortable about working with me. The meeting lasts about 30 minutes, in which time you can ask me any questions you like about the way I work or about my experience and qualifications. It is also a chance for me to get to know you a little, and if you like you can tell me about what has brought you to counselling – I would not expect you to go into much detail at this point, bearing in mind the short time for our meeting – you are free to tell me as much or as little as you like. At the end of the session, we will take some time to reflect on how we feel about working together, and if you would like to, we can arrange an appointment for the following week.

How long will it take for me to feel better?
Counselling is a process, or a journey, which looks different for everyone. I cannot say how long it will take for you to feel better, and because of the nature of counselling, individuals can sometimes feel worse before they feel better as counselling can involve exploring feelings that are painful and may have been buried for some time. Again, this is different for everyone, and your focus in the sessions may be very different to this example. I will ensure that we have regular reviews throughout our time together, to give us chance to reflect on how you are finding counselling.

How long does each session last?
Sessions will last for roughly 50 minutes, which is the standard time for a counselling session. This allows for 10 minutes at the end of the session for extra time if needed, and to allow you time to leave confidentially. I’m able to tailor the length of sessions to your needs, so if you do require extra time we can add this on for an extra £20 per half hour.

How much does a session cost?

• Initial Meeting (30 minutes): Free
• Individual counselling in Droitwich Spa: £40 per 50 minute session

If you wish to cancel an appointment, I require at least 24 hours notice, otherwise the full cost of the session will be payable.

Can I bring someone with me?
I currently work with individuals only. Individuals sometimes bring their partner or a relative with them to an initial meeting which is fine, but please let me know in advance (this may not be possible with COVID restrictions). When we are working one-to-one for actual counselling sessions, I would ask that if you did bring someone with you that they wait in the car, or pick you up at the end of the session.

What ages do you work with?
I only work with adults aged 18 and up.

How many sessions can I have?
I offer both short-term and long-term work. I do not offer a fixed number of sessions (unless asked) because I prefer to tailor the number of sessions to each individual based on their needs. Sessions are normally once a week/fortnight but this arrangement can be quite flexible based on your circumstances.

What will you do with the information I give you/things I share with you?
Broadly speaking, everything you say in counselling is confidential and this is something we discuss more fully during the first session. I keep minimal records following sessions which are made anonymous and kept securely. If you have any questions in the mean-time, please feel free to contact me.