You probably have a few questions. I’ve answered some below, however, if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, or want to book in for an initial chat, feel free to contact me directly.
Do you counsel/coach online?
Yes, I’m trained and insured to work remotely. We can discuss what method suits you best (Zoom, WhatsApp video or Skype).
How about over the phone?
No, I don’t offer telephone counselling. I like to see who I’m working with, so I can notice any changes in their expression, or behaviour, which I might not pick up over the phone. (For example, I might notice that you shift in your seat every time we touch on a particular subject. If it feels appropriate, and at the right time, I might share this with you and ask whether you were aware of it. Why might that be? Are you subconsciously uncomfortable about this topic? Is it something you want to explore and make sense of? etc)
Can we meet in person?
Yes, I work from The Lambourn, Wyndyke Furlong, Abingdon OX14 1UJ. There is free car parking outside, and a lift.
How about a mix of online and in person?
Yes, of course. Great idea.
How long is each counselling/coaching session?
Each session is an hour, including the admin time of arranging our next appointment.
How frequently would we meet?
This is something we will agree together, depending on your individual needs and circumstances. Often it’s good to meet more frequently at first and then less frequently, especially if you’re working on things in between sessions. But we’ll see how we go. Some people don’t have headspace to think about things outside our meetings, so like to meet often, as their guaranteed time for themselves. Others want to go away and do their own work and then come back to look at what they’ve learned, and what they need more help with. We’ll see what works for you.
When can we meet?
I work weekdays, including some evening appointments. Please contact me for my current availability.
How confidential is confidential?
I treat all contact with you and the information disclosed to me as confidential, and in accordance with GDPR. In line with the BACP ethical code of practice I have professional clinical supervision of my work. As such, any information my supervisor receives is also treated as confidential. However, it is important to understand that confidentiality is limited by legal obligations and issues relating to the serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself and others. In such instances, I would encourage you to make the disclosure first, through the appropriate channels, or seek help from appropriate outside agencies and I would support you through the process.
How many sessions will it take?
I’m afraid this is impossible to answer. Sometimes clients come for just a few sessions and feel that they have got the answers they were looking for, made the changes and are where they need to be, or at least know where they’re going and how to get there! Some people come with one issue they want to address, resolve it and then want to go on and look at something else. It will be up to you to decide how many sessions you would like. I always suggest that we review our work every few sessions to look at our progress and to see what you would like more or less of in our sessions.
Could we agree on a number of sessions at the outset?
Yes, you can decide that you want a ‘time limited’ approach. This has the advantage that you know what the total cost will be, when you start. This way of working tends to be highly focused and can be very time effective, but can also feel pressured.
Alternatively, you can choose as ‘open ended’ approach. This allows for longer, more deeper work, or the freedom to explore issues as they present themselves. With this approach, you can make the decision to end therapy when you feel ready.
How much is it?
When we first meet to have a chat online, there is no charge. Subsequent sessions are £95 for online, and £125 in person.
I’m not sure whether I want counselling or coaching. Does that matter?
As I tailor my approach to suit the individual, it’s not important to put a label on the work we do. I think of counselling as making sense of how the past has influenced our present (who we are and where we are), and coaching as how we’re going to shape our future. When helping you get from where you are, to where you want to be, I use elements of both counselling and coaching.
Can I contact you on behalf of someone else?
No, I don’t communicate with or through third parties. There are many reasons for this, including confidentiality, prior knowledge and ensuring client commitment. If you think that someone you know might benefit from working with me, please feel free to pass my details on to them.
Do you work with children?
No. I only work with adults over the age of 18.
Do you work with couples?
No. I don’t currently offer couple counselling.
Do you work with groups?
Yes. I trained in Group Coaching at Oxford University, and have a professional history of leading and transforming teams. I can work with your team or group in several ways;
- Critical Incident Response
- Training
- Team building
- Workshop provision
Supporting and working with your team costs £200 per hour, £100 per hour of preparation time and £100 for each hour travelled.
Contact me to discuss your requirements and how I might help.
Are you the right counsellor/coach for me?
It’s important that you feel comfortable working with me, and that I am sure I can help you. The best way to check this out is for us to have a chat. Contact me to arrange a free initial consultation.