I HAVE A QUESTION?
"Bristol Smiley Man" Bristol. April 2021 Photo by T-BAR
How do I choose the right counsellor?
When you start looking you will quickly discover the abundance of counsellors offering a range of therapy styles in your area.
Some key pointers are;
to look for a counsellor who is registered member of a professional body like the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). As a professional body the BACP ensures all their registered members meet the necessary professional standards, ethics and qualifications required to practice, Also that their members need to keep their skills and practice up to date through CPD (continuing professional development) and clinical supervision.
Another very important point is the relationship or connection you have with your counsellor, ask yourself; do they make you feel comfortable, do they have your best interests at heart, do they promote your self-belief, do they act as guide to empower you, whilst working with integrity? If you can answer YES, trust your gut, and go for it, if it doesn’t feel right after a few sessions then find a new one! It’s your money and time, its important to feel you are getting what you need.
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How often do I attend?
I offer weekly counselling sessions seeing this an as an investment in you. Like with your physical health and paying for a gym membership, you are making an commitment to help improve your mental wellbeing. I will provide a space each week just for you, to build on your awareness and understanding to focus more on what you want to achieve.
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What are your fees?
PROFESSIONAL FEES
Face to Face*, Telephone and online sessions
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FREE - Initial telephone consultation
£35.00 for an initial assessment session
£55.00 per 50 minute session
£40.00 Concessionary rate for students (limited availability)
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Due to COVID-19 Restrictions currently offering Zoom and telephone sessions only.
Discounts available for block bookings.
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How many sessions do I need?
This will depend entirely on your need, everyone is different and what they want from counselling will also be. I offer one to one counselling, both short term typically 6-12 sessions and longer term which can be opened ended and reviewed regularly.
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How do I book?
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You can call me: 0750887278 please leave a message with some details and I will aim to message you back within 24-48hrs Monday -Thursday and arrange a time to speak.
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Text me: 0750887278 I am aware of how anxious it can feel to pick up the phone and call a stranger, I will aim to respond as soon as possible and arrange a call or an appointment.
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Email me: click here you don’t need to write loads just a brief outline of what support you feel you need. PLEASE NOTE: My practice is not open on weekends, Fridays or Bank holidays, any correspondence during this time will be responded from the next working day Monday -Thursday 10am - 7.30pm.
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What if I need to cancel?
I appreciate that life can be hectic at times and unforeseen events can present themselves, I hire out the room and that time and space is reserved just for you, which means no one else has it, so i ask that you give me as much notice as possible of any missed sessions.
For late cancellations between 48hrs -24hrs 50% charge of your full price
Less that 24hrs or non-attendance 100% charge payable before next session.
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What happens with my personal information?
I take your confidentiality and data very seriously. I won’t share any information about you, why you are coming to counselling or what we discuss in sessions with anyone else. There are some exceptions to this, such as if I was concerned about your welfare or I was required to by law. Confidentially is something we would always discuss in our initial appointment so that your understanding is clear.
I am the registered Data Controller with the Information Commissioner Office (ICO) and I meet the requirements for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 there is a copy of my privacy statement at the bottom of the page.
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Please feel free to ask any questions in relation to GDPR and I will aim to clarify as best I can.
If you ever have any concerns about our work together or that of any BACP Registered counsellor and you do not feel comfortable raising it directly, you could contact the BACP. "Ask Kathleen" Also for more information about the way the BACP manages professional conduct concerns, please visit this BACP page
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Helpful links
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BACP - The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy - " What happens in therapy?" Also offers lots information about best practice, ethic's and principles that all counsellors should adhere to, including information about the different types of therapy models.
The Counselling Directory - Information about different types of counselling, also a fantastic resource with many free articles, facts, and lots information about different issues, therapy and events all over the country to help improve your wellbeing.
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Second Step Wellbeing College - Bristol charity offering free wellbeing courses around the city
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Bristol Mind - Bristol branch of the wonderful mental health Charity Mind, lots of information about mental support
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Ted Talks - available as a free app or online with a large variety of talks from individuals and specialists in there field.
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Brene Brown "The Power of Vulnerability"
Ruby Wax - "What's so funny about mental illness?
Judson Brewer "A simple way to break a bad habit"