Frequently Asked Questions

Each session lasts for 50 minutes

This is a difficult question to answer as it is very different for each person. For want of a better expression, this is a very personal journey and we all do it at different speeds as we  all start in very different places, we all have different places to go and all need different things from the end.

Some people finish in 12 weeks, some in 50, there are no rules, there is no right or wrong way to counselling just your way. I offer unlimited sessions so you are under no pressure to talk about things you are not ready to talk about. And, if you need to take a break, my door is always open if you wish to return.

The core of our work is our relationship so yes, the sessions will be weekly to get this established quicker. They can become fortnightly but this is something we would discuss together to look at the reasons for reducing the frequency to ensure it is the right decision for you.

I ask for a minimum of 24 hours notice for any cancellations regardless of the reason. Full payment will be required if less than 24 hours notice is given.

The parking area is shared with my neighbours but I do have a dedicated parking space that I ask my clients to use.

The Garden Room is located in a quiet corner of the garden and is not within ear shot of any neighbours; it is also well insulated which muffles our voices as does the running water outside the door. We can sit in the garden itself but not when my immediate neighbours are home.

There is always the possibility of meeting people when out on a walk and talk so complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. If you wish to continue talking or would prefer to stop talking should we pass someone is something we will discuss in our initial session.

Contracts can sound very formal but they confirm the boundaries and expectations of our relationship and it is important that we both understand and agree to them. Below is a copy of the working agreement and if you have any questions, please let me know.

 WORKING AGREEMENT

Please read the information below carefully as it forms the agreement as to how we will work together and outlines my personal obligations.

ABOUT ME

I work as an integrative counsellor using a variety of modalities to help you explore and understand your past and how it impacts your present. I am a registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), working to their ethical framework and being subject to their complaints procedures. My membership number is NCS23-00212.

HOW OUR RELATIONSHIP WILL WORK

Our relationship will be unique and special but will never be more than professional. We will work within the boundaries already discussed and outlined below to ensure we work together safely.

•  We will meet face to face each week for 50 minutes. Due to commitments with other clients, I am unable to extend our allotted time so if you do arrive late, the session will continue for the amount of time remaining and you will still have to pay for the session in full
• If you need to cancel a session, I ask for 24 hours notice by email. Any cancellation given with less notice or, failure to attend a session without notice will still require full payment without exception. Of course, you will not be charged for any sessions I am unable to attend.
• I cannot guarantee your regular slot time if you miss more than 3 consecutive sessions, not including any that I have cancelled.
• I will give 3 months notice of any fee increases.
• I ask that all sessions are paid for by BACS at least 48 hours before the scheduled session time to avoid any unnecessary cancellations. I try to ensure an email reminder is sent but it is your responsibility for payment and attendance.
• I will attempt to give 3 weeks notice for any holiday I have booked; I would appreciate at least a weeks notice for any holiday you have.
• Our time together is open ended meaning there is no limit on the number of sessions you have. You have the right to stop counselling at any time but ending a relationship can ignite feelings that may be beneficial for us to explore so I do recommend a weeks notice be given. You are always welcome to return to counselling at any time.
• My working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and I can only see you with a prior appointment. I am not always able to check my messages outside of my working hours but I always aim to respond on my next working day. I do briefly check emails on a Sunday with regards to any cancellations or changes for Mondays only.
• The best way to contact me is by email counsellingwithsarah@gmail.com. You can also call me or text me on 07591 973391.
• You may find during the time between sessions that something happens you want to share with me. I kindly ask that you do not message and instead write it down to bring with you to our next session. Emails regarding changing or cancelling a session will always be answered but any other messages will not be responded to.
• If you find yourself in distress between sessions and require immediate help, please contact your GP, the NHS helpline on 111 (press option 2) or the Samaritans on 116123. 
• It is recommended that you do not consume drugs or alcohol before a session as it can have a negative impact on our work together and could result in the session being cancelled. I also have a no smoking or vaping policy during our sessions.
• As the Garden Room is situated in the garden it is exposed to the elements and the ground is not always even underfoot , I do not accept any liability if you injure yourself whilst on my property. 
• If we should bump into each other in public, I will not acknowledge you unless you wish to do so. 
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ANTI-DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE

I am committed to providing an anti-discriminatory service and I strive to ensure this is ever present during our working time together.

CONFIDENTIALLTY

Confidentiality is very important as you are entrusting me with very personal and sensitive information but there are exceptions to this particular boundary.

•  If you disclose something of a serious nature such as Terrorism, Child Abuse, Drug Trafficking or Money Laundering, I am required to take the matter to my supervisor and possibly any relevant authorities.
•  If you disclose that you are at risk of harm, I am required to contact your GP directly.

SUPERVISION

Under the codes and ethics of NCPS, I am required to have a supervisor. They are a part of the confidentiality agreement and I see them regularly to ensure I continue to work safely, ethically and effectively. They will know your first name and the story I need to share but they will not be told anything that may identify you and they do not have access to your personal details. They are also governed by the same confidentiality rules as myself.

RECORD KEEPING AND GDPR

I am required by both the NCPS and my insurance provider to keep accurate records of our sessions together which is stored, along with your personal data, on a cloud based medical software system which can only be accessed by myself via a secure portal using an un-stored password. I am required to keep these notes for 5 years from the date of our last session and you are entitled to see these notes at anytime by written request.

Your personal contact information is used by myself to inform you of any changes or cancellations of our sessions and to contact you if you fail to attend a session; they will be deleted from my phone upon the ending of our sessions. A session and payment reminder is also emailed to you 48 hours before your session; if you would prefer to not receive these emails, please let me know and they will be cancelled. Your GP details are taken in the event of an emergency with yourself and no details of our sessions are passed to them unless you request it.

If I am taken ill or should unexpectedly die, my Clinical will Executor will be informed and access to your contact information will be granted so they can let you know what is going on. They do not have any access to your session notes.

No paper notes are kept. 

I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office (reference number ZB019648) and if you feel I have breached your confidentiality in any way, you can contact them via their website https://ico.org.uk and follow the links or by calling 0303 123 1113.