What is Counselling/Psychotherapy?
Counselling and Psychotherapy are terms used to describe the process of speaking about things that are difficult with someone who is qualified. Counselling is often thought of as short term work and Psychotherapy as longer term work. I am qualified, skilled and experienced as both a counsellor and psychotherapist.
Are you a member of a Professional Body?
I am a Senior Accredited Counsellor with the National Counselling Society (NCS) and an Accredited Supervisor with the NCS. I work within their Ethical Framework.
How can I be seen?
Most sessions happen as face to face appointments.
During lockdown I offered remote sessions via Zoom, WhatsApp Video, Skype, Microsoft Teams and Google meets.
I am happy to continue offering remote sessions indefinitely.
How long will I need counselling for?
This is individual to you. Some people only attend for a short time ie 6-8 sessions, whilst others prefer to work together for longer. You the client, are in charge of how long you attend for. Some clients choose to come weekly and some choose to come fortnightly or monthly. The decision really is down to you and how you want to mange the time we have together.
Where will I be seen?
I see clients from my own home in Musselburgh. This is easily accessible by car, train or bus. Parking is free and easily available outside my house. There are bus routes from Edinburgh and East Lothian that stop almost directly outside my house and the train station is a 20 minute walk away.
It may be that you have chosen to work remotely with me. This can be done via Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp video, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet ups. I am happy with any of these mediums and will be guided by what you, the client, prefers.
You may also choose to have a telephone session with me.
How much will it cost?
£60 for 1 hour of counselling
£60 for 1 hour of supervision (once qualified)
£90 for 1.5 hours of supervision
£50 for trainee counsellors
£35-£50 for clients on low income
I also have slots available at no cost for two clients. These slots are reserved for people with financial difficulty. These slots are often taken but please do not hesitate to ask if they are available.
Fees need to be paid in advance before the session takes place. I accept payment via bank transfer, Paypal or cash.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
If you have to cancel a session I ask that you give me as much notice as is possible via text, email, phone. If you do this there will be no charge to cancel the session and rearrange. If you are unable to make the session and do not inform me you will need to pay in full for the missed session.
When can I be seen?
I currently work Monday to Wednesday 9 am to 5.30 pm. I work on a Thursday from 9 am - 2.30 pm. Hopefully, we can find a time that is convenient for you.
Will I need to wait to be seen?
I aim to offer you a first appointment within a week of you contacting me.
What can counselling help with?
Depression
Anxiety
Isolation
Loss of meaning in your life
Low self esteem
Issues relating to sex
Issues around sexuality or gender
Problems at home/work
Relationships
Bereavement/Loss
Addictions
Personal Growth
Trauma
What about confidentiality?
Everything you bring to counselling will be confidential between us. I am however required by law to attend supervision once a month. I speak to my supervisor about my client work. It may be that our work together gets discussed at supervision. It is my supervisor’s job to ensure that I am working legally and ethically and ultimately has your best interests at heart. My supervisor is also bound by confidentiality and will not discuss you with anyone else.
If you come to me through an EAP provider there is an expectation that the EAP provider will be informed of the progress you are making. This is done through brief session notes that are kept with the EAP provider on an online portal.
I am a Senior Accredited member of the National Counselling Society and work within their Code of Ethics.