Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I contact you about counselling?
We would have a brief conversation about what is going on for you at this time. I would discuss how I work in counselling and if I am able to help you. If you are happy to proceed, we would discuss your availability and make an appointment for an initial counselling appointment.
We would have a brief conversation about what is going on for you at this time. I would discuss how I work in counselling and if I am able to help you. If you are happy to proceed, we would discuss your availability and make an appointment for an initial counselling appointment.
How happens in the initial counselling appointment?
The first counselling session is an opportunity for you to share what has been troubling you and for me to gain a greater understanding. It is a chance to ask me any questions and see whether I am the right counsellor to support you.
Are the sessions confidential?
As part of building our therapeutic relationship, trust is very important. A confidentiality agreement is discussed in the first session where all our sessions are confidential. However, there are times when I will need to break confidentiality if I am concerned that you may harm yourself or someone else or that children may be at risk. At these times, I will speak to you about my concerns before I contact anyone else. However, if I am unable to contact you and in cases of emergency, I may need to seek further advice without your consent such as through your local GP or emergency services. As part of working with children, there is also a confidentiality agreement. However, if a child discloses something that is impacting on their wellbeing or welfare, making them vulnerable, I have a responsibility to advise the local authority Children's Service.
Are the sessions confidential?
As part of building our therapeutic relationship, trust is very important. A confidentiality agreement is discussed in the first session where all our sessions are confidential. However, there are times when I will need to break confidentiality if I am concerned that you may harm yourself or someone else or that children may be at risk. At these times, I will speak to you about my concerns before I contact anyone else. However, if I am unable to contact you and in cases of emergency, I may need to seek further advice without your consent such as through your local GP or emergency services. As part of working with children, there is also a confidentiality agreement. However, if a child discloses something that is impacting on their wellbeing or welfare, making them vulnerable, I have a responsibility to advise the local authority Children's Service.
How many sessions will I need?
This is something that is discussed in the first or initial counselling appointment once I have a greater understanding of what has brought you to counselling. Session timeframes can vary from short, long term or open-ended and can depend on your flexibility and needs.
What happens if I am late to a session?
Your session will be 50 minutes and if you are late, the session will be kept open for you and the rest of the session will be held with you when you arrive. However, the finish time of the session will remain the same.
COUNSELLOR, PSYCHOTHERAPIST & SUPERVISOR SOUTH WEST LONDON
