Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about how therapy works
How many sessions will I need?
As the duration of counselling or psychotherapy is tailored to your individual needs, it is not possible to know in advance how many sessions will be needed.
This is something you and your therapist will discuss and agree both at the beginning and, during the course of your sessions.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
We don’t operate a waiting list and clients will normally be offered an appointment within 7 days. Occasionally, during holiday periods this may be slightly longer.
Subject to availability we offer day, evening, and Saturday appointments.
If you wish, prior to making an appointment, we offer a free 15 minute phone conversation.
What if I want to end the therapy?
Usually, the ending of therapy is something that is planned. However, sometimes clients can feel anxious or unsure about continuing.
Rather than not keeping your appointment or cancelling, please come to your session, so you can talk about it. Then together, decide on the best way forward.
What personal information is held and what happens to it?
Your therapist will use your contact details, mobile and/or landline numbers, email address to contact you about appointments only.
They will keep basic records (contact details, GP, and emergency contact details) for 3 years. They will also hold brief therapy notes for 3 months after the end of therapy, or when you last make contact, and will then be securely disposed of.
You have the right to ask to see the information that is held about you. Please ask your therapist and you can view it in a session. You can ask your therapist to change any information that is incorrect.
You have the right to ask for any information held about you to be deleted. Your therapist will do that except for information which they have a legal obligation to keep, for example, for tax purposes.
If you wish to complain about how your data has been handled, in the first instance please contact your therapist, as they are the Data Controller for your information.
If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction you can contact the Information Commissioners Office https://ico.org.uk/concerns/handling/ or 0303 123 1113
Do I need to know what I want when I come for the first session?
No, in the first session, the therapist will be interested in what you are bringing and together you can talk about and agree a way forward that is right for you.
Knowing that counselling and psychotherapy requires commitment and motivation, you and the therapist may agree, initially to a limited number of sessions. Following that you may then review how you might want to continue.
Can I see someone online or in person?
We offer sessions in person as well as online. It is also possible to have a combination of online or in person sessions if that works for you.
Is Therapy Confidential?
The contact details you’ve been asked to provide (yours, an emergency contact, and your GP) is held securely and is confidential.
Although your work with us is confidential, this confidentiality has certain limits.
Your therapist may have to act, if they consider there is a substantial risk of you harming yourself, harming others or engaging in criminal activity. In that instance your therapist would endeavour to discuss this with you to obtain your consent. However, if this is not possible, they may contact your GP, your emergency contact or where necessary, an appropriate authority.
All therapists are required to be in regular supervision, which is a confidential process where therapists examine their work and their own process. It plays an important role in offering increased protection and effectiveness for clients and your therapist may take work with you, without identifying you, to their supervision.
Please talk to your therapist if you want more information on this or if you have any questions.
What if I have a Complaint?
If you have a complaint, please discuss this with your therapist directly.
If you are still not satisfied, you should contact the therapist’s professional body.