Frequently Asked Questions

and answers

What’s the venue like?

We will meet in modern, welcoming counselling rooms in West Bridgford, Beeston or the Wollaton/ Aspley area, or if you prefer we can talk online or on the phone.

Venues:

The Bay Therapy Centre is at 21, Trent Boulevard, Lady Bay, West Bridgford, NG2 5BB – click for photo and map to Bay Therapy Centre

Humber Therapy Centre is at 132a Queens Road East, Beeston, NG9 2FD- – click for photo and map to Humber Therapy Centre

Sage Therapy Centre is at 635 Western Boulevard, NG8 5GS

click for photo and map to Sage Therapy Centre

There’s free parking and a comfortable waiting area at all centres.

What Covid-19 precautions are in place?

Rooms are ventilated and surfaces are sanitised between sessions. In the event that either of us has symptoms that could be Covid, flu or a cold, we can have an online or phone session instead, at a lower price.

Do you do evening or weekend sessions?

Yes, I have sessions available at different times and locations on different days, including some evenings up to 8 p.m. and also Saturday mornings.

How many sessions can I have?

You can have as many as you need. Because each person is different there’s no set number of sessions so it will be up to you to decide when you want to stop.

How often will we meet?

Ideally we’ll have regular weekly sessions because this is usually the most effective approach for sustained benefits. Fortnightly is possible too and if you need a different arrangement we can agree something that works. Shift workers are welcome.

Will the fee stay the same?

Fees are reviewed yearly

What techniques do you use?

I provide person-centred therapy which means we will build a therapeutic relationship based on trust. Importantly, you will decide what you want to explore and I will offer you my empathic understanding of what you are feeling. At the same time you will receive my unconditional acceptance of you as a unique, valued person. Gradually, together we’ll create a sound basis for positive change and personal growth in a way which has been shown to be very effective. You will probably also find that it feels really good.

I like this brief article from a Canadian counsellor on therapeutic relationships and what to look for in a counsellor, you might like it too. https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/essentials-of-the-therapeutic-relationship/

Where can I find out more about person-centred therapy?

Here are some links to informative pages:

Person-centred Association

and from the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists:

person-centred counselling – BACP

What qualifications have you got?

I have a Masters degree (MA) in Person-Centred, Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Nottingham, which I passed with Distinction. I am a registered member of the BACP, my registration number is 393110. For your peace of mind you can check the register here. Being part of the BACP means that I commit to operating within their ethical framework, so you know I work professionally and ethically.

What kind of difficulties can you help people with?

I work with adults of all ages who may be experiencing anxiety, depression or bereavement. Others have problems with self-acceptance or perhaps they are struggling with distressing memories and their long-term consequences. Some feel overwhelmed by strong emotions quite often and feel misunderstood because of this. Often people have trouble trusting in others or maintaining and developing relationships in the way they would like to.

These difficulties can show up in many ways such as disordered eating or drinking, avoiding triggers or situations that have been problematic before. All these ways of coping can become limiting and frustrating after a while.

You might know what you want help with, on the other hand you might not be sure exactly what it is that’s bothering you. Either way, through talking about what’s happening and having your feelings accepted and understood, it becomes clearer. Gradually you recognise what’s causing your difficulties, then you can begin to see a way forward that feels right and good to you.

What if I need to cancel a session?

There’s no fee for a session if you cancel by email or text 48 hours before. A fee is payable for sessions cancelled later than this, which may be the full fee or a nominal charge to cover room hire or other losses, at my discretion.