FURTHER QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION
How long will you need to see me for?
That will depend on you and on what is going on in your life and I would assess that during the first session or two and we would then agree a number of sessions together. Sometimes sessions go on for a couple of months and sometimes longer, I often suggest 6 weekly sessions at an agreed time as a start and then we can both see how things are going. As part of the assessment process I will also think about whether I am the best person for you to see and you obviously have the opportunity to think about whether you feel comfortable with me.
What does it cost?
I charge £60 for online/telephone sessions which last 50 minutes and I offer a limited number of concession spaces.
We can arrange an initial meeting, without obligation, whether it is online or by telephone to see whether I can help and whether I am the right person for you.
Where will I see you?
I am currently working online and over the telephone , I have availability on Tuesday afternoon /early evening, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
What are my qualifications?
MA Hons Edinburgh University, PGCE London Institute of Education, Diploma in Counselling, Wealden Institute, Place2Be Training, TA 101 Training, MBSR Mindfulness Training, Foundation Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People.
I am a Registered Member of The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and adhere and abide by their ethical guidelines and Codes of Conduct which includes regular individual supervision. I am also fully insured.
The Three Main Therapeutic Models I Work With:
Person Centred Counselling is based on the theory and philosophy of Dr Carl Rogers. It is a non-directive approach to being with another person that believes in the others potential and ability to make the right choices for him or herself.
Gestalt Therapy was developed in the late 1940s by Fritz Perls and is guided by the principle that every individual is a whole -mind, body and soul. The aim of a gestalt therapist is to promote a non-judgemental self-awareness that enables clients to develop a unique perspective on life. By helping an individual to become more aware of how they think, feel and act in the present moment, gestalt therapy provides insight into ways in which he or she can alleviate their current issues and distress in order to aspire to their maximum potential.
Transactional Analysis (TA) is a model of people and relationships that was developed during the 1960s by Dr. Eric Berne. It is based on two notions, first that we have three parts or 'ego-states' to our 'personality, and secondly that these converse with one another in 'transactions' (hence the name).
I can explain more about these when I meet you if you are interested.
GDPR (Privacy) Policy
What is GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is concerned with the personal information about you that I will be collecting, storing and sharing. This page details my GDPR policy. By entering into a contract with me you are agreeing to the terms and conditions laid out in this GDPR policy.
Below I have listed the personal information that I may collect
Name
Gender (or preferred identity).
Age
Date of Birth
Relationships & Progeny
Occupation
Address
Telephone/SMS number (plus permission to send SMS & leave voice message)
Email address
Counselling History
Medical conditions relevant to counselling
Doctors name/address/contact details
Prescribed medication
Difficulties
Session/Assessment summary.
How I will store this information.
Paper: Will be the working agreement you returned and signed, or your parent/Guardian signed and my registration form and any additional paper work that we agree to do together. All paper formats are stored in a locked cabinet which only I have access to.
Word Documents: I will store your assessment details from the first session and subsequent sessions in a document on a local drive or paper format. The documents will contain information about the session. These files are password protected.
Email: Your email address and or telephone number and correspondence will be stored in my email account and on my telephone both of which are password protected.
How I process or share your information
Supervision: In compliance with my accrediting organisation, the BACP, I am required to attend regular supervision sessions with a suitably qualified therapeutic supervisor. Although aspects of your case will be discussed, your full name and contact details will not be revealed. My supervisor is bound by similar confidentiality and GDPR policies.
Clinical Will: I have a clinical will and have appointed a clinical executor who will have access to my client list in case of emergency, this will be a counsellor and trusted person. In the event of my death, hospitalisation or similar of a close relative of mine, this person will make contact to inform you of the situation and advise you of your options
Confidentiality: This is maintained at all times except as stated above and in a situation where I believe yours or another person’s (or group of people’s) safety is at significant risk, I may then contact the suitable authority without your permission. This includes your doctor, the emergency services and the mental health crisis team.
Erasing your Information
When we have finished working together, I will erase electronic copies of your information & correspondence within one month. If you are under 18 years old, I will keep your information until your 18th birthday in accordance with the BACP ethical framework. If you are over 18 years of age I will hold onto your written information for up to seven years beyond the end of the last session. This is so that I have a reference of our work in situations such as you returning to counselling in the future. After this time has passed, I will shred the written information.
You have the following rights
To be informed about what information I hold (i.e. this document).
To see the information I hold about you (free of charge for the initial request).
To rectify any inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
To withdraw consent to me using your personal information.
To request your personal information be erased (though I can decline whilst the information is needed for me to practice lawfully & competently and if the courts have subpoenaed this information)