Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?Counselling and psychotherapy are more alike than they are different. Both can be described as involving a helping relationship. Within this relationship one person trained in understanding the causes and effects of human unhappiness, dysfunction and the process of change, works therapeutically with a person motivated to increase their awareness and capacity to change.
Counselling tends to be short term work focusing on a specific issue, while psychotherapy is usually longer term work, with a deeper and more wide ranging focus.
How do I start the process?
Firstly give me a telephone call or send an email. Once you have made contact and decided to come to see me, we will make an appointment for our initial meeting or 'assessment' which is an opportunity for you to tell me what's troubling you and for us to explore how I might help you. It is also an opportunity for you to decide if you want to commit to therapy and if I'm the therapist for you.
Where is your consulting room?
My counsulting room is in a quiet location near Northleach, Gloucestershire and is easily accessible by car from Bourton on the Water, Burford, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stow on the Wold, Swindon, Witney, and all the North Cotswold villages. There is free parking available.
How many sessions will I need?
If your concerns are about a particular issue and quite focused we can contract for short term counselling (6-12 sessions) to help you manage the immediate situation. If your worries are more generalised and include for example, issues from your childhood, dysfunction in the present, or loss of direction for the future, we might consider working in a more open ended, longer term therapeutic relationship.
How long is a session?
Mostly I work to a 50 minutes/therapeutic hour model, usually once a week at the same time, and on the same day. In some circumstances a client might decide that they would like longer sessions, or a different frequently, and I will try to accommodate that.
How much does it cost?
Fees on application. I have a set fee for the initial consultation and each ongoing session, and I reserve some concessionary rate places for full time students and those on state benefits.
What else should I know?
You should know that I'm registered with the UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) and works to their code of ethics. UKCP Code of Ethics
My professional practice is monitored regularly in clinical supervision, and I have Public Liability and Personal Indemnity Insurance.
If you have any questions at all that have not been answered here, please do contact me without obligation.
