At our first session we will cover what brings you to counselling and what your expectations may be about the process of helping you to achieve your goals, this is also about us getting to know each other and deciding together whether what I can offer would be right for you. This is the stage that your personal information will be gathered and a working file set up for you. If we decide to work together, then further sessions would be offered on a weekly basis for as long as you need them. At this stage we would both sign a working agreement that outlines our commitment to each other, and we would review this throughout our work together. If you decide not to continue counselling then your file will be archived for 3 months before being securely disposed of.
A therapeutic counsellor is not there to give advice but rather to help the client understand their thoughts and feelings, therefore giving the client autonomy to make their own decisions.
Although here at Sapphire Counselling my areas of work are bereavement and sexual abuse, you can talk about anything that is causing you concern. This may be something that is in the present or you may want to explore something from your past. I will always try to help you explore what is causing you concern.
Everything that we discuss is confidential, but there are a few exceptions where I am bound by law to break this in consultation with yourself, while working under the guidance and Ethical Framework of the BACP and this will be discussed at your initial assessment.
Sessions are open-ended but we will have a review after the first month to give you the chance to discuss how you feel counselling is for you. After that we will have regular reviews every six weeks.
To get the most from your counselling it is recommended that sessions are held on a weekly basis at the same time on the same day.
Sapphire Counselling's cancellation policy is 48hrs including weekends, outside of this then the full cost of £45 for the missed session will be required. If you do need to cancel then please contact me on 07585 580367 and leave a message.
Sometimes things happen that are out of our control and this is understandable however, the session will still end at the agreed time as there may be other clients waiting to be seen after your session has ended.
A counsellor works with clients in the here and now, and generally focuses on one or two specific areas that are causing concern. This type of therapy is usually a short-term commitment.
A psychotherapist works more in-depth, with the focus being on experiences during childhood and adolescence that have impacted the client as an adult in the here and now. This type of therapy is usually a longer-term commitment.
An integrative counsellor can combine different elements of specific therapies and looks at the whole person, considering the clients mental, physical and emotional needs. This type of therapy can be short-term or long-term and it is primarily client led.
Initial Telephone Consultation – Free – 15 minutes
Initial Assessment Consultation - £45 – 50 minutes
Bereavement Counselling - £45 – 50 minutes
Counselling for Sexual Abuse - £45 – 50 minutes
Counselling sessions are paid for in advance so your first payment will be for the first and last session.
Payment is to be made by bank transfer.
You are free to end your counselling when you feel ready to do so. It would be beneficial though to arrange an ending session, as this gives you the opportunity to reflect on the work that you have done and to think about your future after counselling. Do remember though, you are very welcome to come back any time you need support.