Counselling FAQs

Where and when do you work?  In Forest Hill, London SE23, on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  I'm just a minute or two from the station.

What do you charge? My usual fee is £40 per session in the evening and £35 per session during the day.  I'm willing to negotiate the fee and I often reduce it when the work is longer term.

How long does counselling take?  Counselling usually ends at a mutually agreed time. At the beginning I can give you an estimate of how long I imagine it may take.  During the work we will regularly review how it is going to ensure counselling is being effective and to consider how much further work, if any, is necessary.

Are you qualified?  I am a fully qualified and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Accredited Counsellor. I therefore have a Diploma in Counselling (course Accredited by BACP), which as you may know, is the recognised professional qualification for all counsellors.

Is counselling confidential?  Yes. Very occasionally I may need to speak to other professionals as I have an ethical responsibility to ensure the safety of you and of others.  I would involve you in this.  If you chose to work with me I’d explain this fully before we started

Are you a member of the Professional Body?  Yes, as a member of BACP I’m bound by their Ethical Framework.  This way of working is there to protect you by ensuring I am professional, ethical and safe.  For example it ensures our work is confidential, that you know exactly what will and will not happen in counselling, and that I’m fit to practice.  If you are interested to know more, follow this link: BACP Ethical Framework.

What experience do you have as a counsellor?  I have been counselling since 1999.  As well as working in private practice, I’ve worked as a counsellor in an NHS GP’s surgery; for Lewisham Bereavement Counselling; with the families of drug users for Adfam; and with men in Wormwood Scrubs Prison.  I’ve also done telephone counselling for the British Stammering Association and Adfam.  Lastly, I’ve worked for the mental health charity Mind on their Information Line.

Does your counselling room have wheelchair access?  Yes there is full wheelchair access.