FAQs
You may be unsure about what to expect from counselling.
This page will help ...
How quickly can you see me?
I should be able to see you within a few days, especially if we can meet in office hours, when it is easier to get an appointment.
What should I expect when we first meet?
The first session is an assessment lasting up to 90 minutes. I will ask some detailed questions about the nature of your problem or problems and what your aims are in coming for counselling. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions, and to assess whether counselling with me is the right way forward for you. We will also explore what way of working together best suits your needs. If that way is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I will explain the basic principles behind CBT and describe how we would work together to meet your goals.
How long are the sessions?
Apart from the assessment session (see above), each session lasts for 60 minutes. However, one of the main success factors in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the structured work that you will do in between sessions. I too will spend time preparing for and assessing each session in my own time.
How much do you charge?
My fee is £45 per session (the fee for the assessment session is £60). This is payable at the end of each session, or if you prefer at the end of each calendar month, by cash, cheque or online transfer. (Payment for telephone counselling can be made by credit/debit card to Paypal via your email address, or in advance by cheque.) My fee for insurance companies is £60 per session (£80 for the assessment) because of the additional administration costs.
What does this fee include?
For every hour of booked face to face or telephone counselling, I spend up to an additional hour of time in session preparation and follow up, including note-taking, reflection, emailing materials, supervision, and research into the most effective strategies for your needs. Therefore, after room hire and other costs, my fee works out at £15 per hour of my time invested in helping you achieve your goals.
Where do we meet?
I see clients in the centre of Stroud: Palace Chambers, 41 London Road, Stroud GL5 2AJ. For directions, click here. However, I can also work with you by telephone if it is impossible for you to see me in person.
Will you give me advice?
I believe that everyone has the skills and resources to solve their own problems. My job is to help you activate those resources and give you the tools to act as your own therapist in the future. I do not, therefore, see my job as giving advice.
What model of counselling do you use?
I work in different ways, depending on your needs, time-scale and personality.
- It may be that you want to focus on a particular issue, and you are willing to work hard on specific goals. As an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist I would recommend we use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). A lot can be achieved with short-term and medium-term counselling (6-20 sessions) using CBT. For more information about CBT click here.
- It may be that you want some time and space to explore an issue, or a range of issues, in greater depth. You may not even have any distressing symptoms, but want to make sense of your past. That also is fine. Longer-term psychodynamic counselling would suit you best.
How long will I need counselling for?
We will discuss this in the first session. Short-term or medium-term focused work can be very effective in many cases. However, counselling is not a quick fix. Clients almost always underestimate the amount of time that is needed for counselling to be truly helpful.
Am I mad if I need counselling?
Certainly not. Seeking therapeutic help of any kind is a sign of sanity! You are taking responsibility for your life by actively addressing your problems.
What next?
If you would like to make an appointment or need further information, please call 01453 751457 or email kim@stroudcounselling.net in strictest confidence.
Kim Richardson - working for clients in Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire
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