Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably. Sometimes counselling may refer to a briefer, non-directive intervention and psychotherapy to a more in depth analytical approach. Some practitioners may choose one description over another due to personal preference, others relate it to their education and professional training.
Are the sessions confidential?
I work according to BACP's Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/.
Topics discussed are confidential with some exceptions discussed in our assessment session (mainly concerning threatened harm to self or others). All counsellors receive professional supervision to provide the best possible service to you. Data is always anonymised and contracted confidentiality applies.
How long is a session?
Sessions are 50min long and take place on the same day and same time every week. Number of sessions depend on our contract.
How many sessions do I need and can I stop at any time?
There is no set amount of sessions anyone must have and the number depends on the client's wishes, presenting issue and needs and will be agreed by us and may be reviewed at different intervals. I would always recommend working towards a mutually agreed ending by giving notice, rather than abruptly leaving, as endings are an important aspect of the counselling relationship (as in other relationships), however there is no obligation to attend a certain number of sessions.
What happens in the first session?
The first sessions is an opportunity for us to meet and have a consultation/assessment of your needs and expectations of counselling. I will ask you to fill out a few forms, sign a confidentiality agreement, take a personal history and ask about your reasons for wanting to have counselling. We then decide if we want to work together and for how long (if short term) or open ended. We will also agree a regular day and time to meet.
What if I can't make a session or miss it?
I ask for 48 hours' notice to cancel a session or the full fee will be payable.
Are you a provider for private health care insurers?
I am a registered provider for BUPA, Aviva, AXA-PPP, Nuffield Health and affiliate counsellor for Health Assured, Lifeworks and Validium EAP services.
Do you speak any other languages?
I am a native German speaker so can also conduct therapy in German.
Ich biete Psychotherapie und Supervision auch auf Deutsch an.
What is the 'Adult Attachment Assessment (Interview)?
The AAI-DMM is an assessment of adult attachment strategies using the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment and Adaptation as developed by Patricia Crittenden (original AAI devised by George, Kaplan, & Main). It looks at adults' strategies for identifying, preventing, and protecting the self from perceived dangers, particularly dangers tied to intimate relationships. It consists of an 1-2 hour long recorded interview that is transcribed and analysed by a reliable coder. www.iasa-dmm.org/pdf/assessment_pdf/7-AAI-description.pdf
Do you accept card payments?
I do not presently accept card payments. Sessions are payable on the day in cash or if preferred via bank transfer.
The terms counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably. Sometimes counselling may refer to a briefer, non-directive intervention and psychotherapy to a more in depth analytical approach. Some practitioners may choose one description over another due to personal preference, others relate it to their education and professional training.
Are the sessions confidential?
I work according to BACP's Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/.
Topics discussed are confidential with some exceptions discussed in our assessment session (mainly concerning threatened harm to self or others). All counsellors receive professional supervision to provide the best possible service to you. Data is always anonymised and contracted confidentiality applies.
How long is a session?
Sessions are 50min long and take place on the same day and same time every week. Number of sessions depend on our contract.
How many sessions do I need and can I stop at any time?
There is no set amount of sessions anyone must have and the number depends on the client's wishes, presenting issue and needs and will be agreed by us and may be reviewed at different intervals. I would always recommend working towards a mutually agreed ending by giving notice, rather than abruptly leaving, as endings are an important aspect of the counselling relationship (as in other relationships), however there is no obligation to attend a certain number of sessions.
What happens in the first session?
The first sessions is an opportunity for us to meet and have a consultation/assessment of your needs and expectations of counselling. I will ask you to fill out a few forms, sign a confidentiality agreement, take a personal history and ask about your reasons for wanting to have counselling. We then decide if we want to work together and for how long (if short term) or open ended. We will also agree a regular day and time to meet.
What if I can't make a session or miss it?
I ask for 48 hours' notice to cancel a session or the full fee will be payable.
Are you a provider for private health care insurers?
I am a registered provider for BUPA, Aviva, AXA-PPP, Nuffield Health and affiliate counsellor for Health Assured, Lifeworks and Validium EAP services.
Do you speak any other languages?
I am a native German speaker so can also conduct therapy in German.
Ich biete Psychotherapie und Supervision auch auf Deutsch an.
What is the 'Adult Attachment Assessment (Interview)?
The AAI-DMM is an assessment of adult attachment strategies using the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment and Adaptation as developed by Patricia Crittenden (original AAI devised by George, Kaplan, & Main). It looks at adults' strategies for identifying, preventing, and protecting the self from perceived dangers, particularly dangers tied to intimate relationships. It consists of an 1-2 hour long recorded interview that is transcribed and analysed by a reliable coder. www.iasa-dmm.org/pdf/assessment_pdf/7-AAI-description.pdf
Do you accept card payments?
I do not presently accept card payments. Sessions are payable on the day in cash or if preferred via bank transfer.