THE HAYS
COUNSELLING &
PSYCHOTHERAPY
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN OUR FIRST SESSION
HOW WILL I PAY FOR SESSIONS
IS IT CONFIDENTIAL
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED
HOW REGULAR ARE THE SESSIONS
WHERE WILL SESSIONS TAKE PLACE
CAN I BRING MY CHILD/HUSBAND/FRIEND
WHAT IF I NEED URGENT HELP
In our first session we will get to know each other and start exploring some of the reasons you have come to therapy. I will explain some of the terms and conditions of the counselling contract and you can ask any questions or concerns you may have. There is no commitment and you may need to speak to several different counsellors before you find the right one for you.
Before our first paid session I will send you my bank details and/or an electronic invoice where you can pay by card. Payment needs to be made 24 hours in advance of each session. For longer term clients you may wish to set up a direct debit.
Absolutely. Confidentiality is at the heart of our sessions and you should feel free to talk about what you need to. However there are certain disclosures, e.g. regarding protection of children or legal issues where it would need to be broken. I abide by the BACP professional and ethical guidelines. I can talk these through with you in our first session and they are detailed in our contract and in the privacy and data policy on this website.
Some clients want to explore one or two specific difficulties they are facing and we can work in a short term for 6-12 sessions. If you are looking to explore the underlying cause of patterns of behaviour or thought this can take long term work. You are free to end sessions at any point with 2 week's written notice. Again this is part of the contract we'll agree. Part of my practice is that we will regularly review our progress together and discuss when an ending may be helpful.
I offer either weekly or two-weekly 50 minute sessions. In some cases, in particular with clients who have previously had therapy, I can offer one off or monthly/tapering out sessions.
I am based in Abbey Wood, South East London but sessions will take place via zoom online.
I offer individual therapy through online sessions and it is important that you attend these on your own, in a space where you feel safe, comfortable, with no one else in the room and where you are not concerned about being overheard. If this is problematic then please email or telephone me and we can talk things through.
I am unable to offer emergency or out of hours crisis support. If you need crisis support the following numbers might be useful:
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The Samaritans 116123
Local NHS Services Single Point of Access 0800 7839 111
If you require urgent medical attention please go to A&E or call 999 or 11. Otherwise please contact your G.P.