Question 1

Where will my sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

I offer in person sessions primarily at my home in Cottingham, East Yorkshire. 
 
I also specialise in online sessions and I prefer to use Zoom. I am happy to use other platforms such as WhatsApp, Facetime if necessary. Telephone therapy is possible if you are averse to technology, although I do think it is better to maintain a visual relationship wherever possible.

Question 2

What sort of things do people talk to you about?

Accepted Answer

Anything! My service is confidential, so you can share with me any problems. We will work together to get past them and find new paths, and new ways of thinking. 
 
I am happy to discuss relationships, friendships, anxiety, addictions, career issues, finding yourself feeling stuck, sexuality, ambitions, success, happiness, problem solving, life change, childhood, retirement, grief, trauma - or anything else!

Question 3

What is the difference between counselling, psychotherapy and coaching?

Accepted Answer

I use the term 'talking' very broadly to describe a range of services including counselling, psychotherapy, and coaching.
 
If you would like to find out more about the differences, there is an article in my blog entitled "Do I need Counselling, Psychotherapy or Coaching?"
 
The image gives a very brief summary.

Question 4

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This is almost impossible to answer! It very much depends on your immediate and on-going needs.
 
Some clients with a very specific problem or goal may only need 6-10 sessions.
 
In my experience, most clients come with a varierty of inter-related issues that will require more sessions and, very often, continued support. 
 
This is something we can discuss when you make initial contact, and once you have started it will be constantly re-evaluated by us both.

Question 5

How can I be sure that your work is of a high standard?

Accepted Answer

Many counsellors are qualified at Level 4 - which is somewhere between an A Level and a foundation degree. They require around 100 hours to qualify.
 
I am qualified at Level 7 as a Psychotherapist - this is equivalent to a Masters degree.

I am also accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and hold full clinical membership with them as a Level 7 Psychotherapist. I am also an accredited professional member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. Both of these organisations' registers have been accredited under a programme set up by the Department of Health and are administered by an independent bdy, accountable to Parliament. The Accreditation Mark is recognisable to the general public to enable them to identify a competent counsellor.
 
Any counsellor or psychotherapist acting in an ethical manner will be supervised. All of my work is supervised by one of the most experienced psychotherapy supervisors in the local area. This helps to ensure that other perspectives are considered in the handling of your case, and that we are both kept safe in the process.

Question 6

Are you a member of any professional organisations?

Accepted Answer

I am a full clinical member of United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP) - and I'm registered with them as a Psychotherapist.

I am also a accredited professional member with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This register is accredited with the Professional Standards Authority which assures you my work is to a high standard.

I am also a member of the United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA).

I follow all of these organisations' ethical codes.

I am a licensed practitioner for the delivery of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to ensure the safety of your data.

Question 7

Do you offer your service to people of all ages?

Accepted Answer

My experience is mostly around working with adults. For that reason, in my private practice, I choose not to work in the with persons under the age of 18.

Question 8

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of my work is fully insured for coaching, psychotherapy and counselling and I can provide proof upon request. My insurer is Holistic Insurance Services.

Question 9

Do you hold a current criminal record or DBS check?

Accepted Answer

I am checked annuallly by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This is an enhanced criminal record check, and I have no convictions.

Question 10

Could I see your website's privacy policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The link to this is at the base of all pages. My privacy notice can be viewed here.

Counselling - Psychotherapy - Coaching

Frequently asked questions