Our First Appointment
Our first appointment will last an hour in one of the quiet, private, rooms shown below. In this session we can discuss what you would like to talk about and how it is affecting you. With your permission, I will take some details such as who is there to support you, and what you would like to gain from counselling. It is also a good opportunity for us to get a sense of how we might work together. You can ask me any questions you may have about me as a counsellor or about how I view counselling. You can do this at any time and in any of our sessions. You can decide if you feel comfortable with me and if you would like to make another appointment.
Therapy can continue for as long as you feel you need. We can discuss what might be practical for you on the day. In this first appointment I can let you know about the practical side of our sessions such as payment, holidays or cancellations. This first appointment is charged at £25.00. Appointments thereafter are charged at £45.00. Please ask about concessionary fees.
Confidentiality
Anything we talk about is strictly private unless you or a third party is in danger of harm. If I felt that you were unwilling or unable to take care of yourself, were planning suicide for example, I would try to get your permission first before contacting another source of help for you. I also have a duty to obey the law where I would be liable to civil or criminal court procedure if information were not disclosed. I am proud to be a registered member of the BACP who require members to adhere to its Ethical Framework.
I keep only paper records which are kept separately from your personal, identifiable details. All records are kept under lock and key in a secure location. I do not share information about you with others unless it is my Supervisor or you need further support as explained above. At our first meeting I will give you a copy of my confidentiality policy.
