Frequently asked questions …
Welcome to my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. Here you will find:
- Client’s questions and answers
- Links to more information
- A link for any unanswered questions
What happens when I contact you?
Having taken the first steps to contact a therapist (which is not always easy), I would aim to contact you within twenty four hours. This will be by email or telephone (whichever you prefer) to discuss a convenient time to arrange a consultation at the Barnes practice in SW13. The office is discreet and please see photos of my practice room on this website.
What is the Therapy Agreement form?
The Therapy Agreement Form is a contract between therapist and client setting out how I work and what you can expect from me. It is the ‘Housekeeping’ of the therapy, such as locations, times, confidentiality, holidays, consent, privacy information and data protection, cancellations, payments, etc. It also contains a client consent form as it is important for the client to agree to therapy. There is no obligation for you to continue therapy even if you sign the Therapy Agreement.
How long is each appointment?
The initial consultation takes ninety minutes allowing us to gain further information and a sense of what is going on for you. if mutually agreed, we would then meet on a weekly basis and each appointment would be fifty minutes in total. This is at the same time every week.
What will happen in the room?
This depends on each individual client and what you would like to focus on and where we begin. The fifty minute session is for you. Within this private and calm space, I will listen very carefully to you and whatever you wish to talk about. I am an art psychotherapist and you may choose to use the available art materials as a tool to help articulate difficult thoughts and feelings. You may not feel like talking, quiet and thinking can also be an important part of the work we do together.
Do you have a sliding scale for payment?
I offer a self-funded, lower fee, available for full time students and key workers. We can discuss this when you contact me, or at the first appointment.
Do I have to come every week?
Part of the agreement is that you value and want to commit to weekly therapy sessions. This is part of our verbal agreement as I will reserve your arranged time each week. This means your time remains secured and no longer available to others. If you are ill or have given me at least 24 hours notice, I will do my best to re-arrange another time/day the same week for you. Please see further information on cancellations in the Therapy Agreement Form.
Is the therapy hard?
Therapy is not always an easy process, it can bring feelings to the surface which are difficult and upsetting. It is important to be prepared for this. Although therapy can feel difficult, it can also feel extremely helpful, supportive and life changing. It is about balance and whether it is worth processing difficult feelings that can get in the way of feeling more stable and hopeful.
Do you write notes during therapy?
I write a minimal amount of notes during the first consultation. I do not write notes during therapy. I ask for your contact details and the name and address of your GP. This is a safe guarding measure. This information is kept in a locked confidential file in my locked office.
What if you cannot help me?
It is my professional obligation to refer you on if I do not have the appropriate skills to help you. We would discuss this in our initial email/telephone call and consultation. It is also important for us to regularly monitor how things are going. Having open communication is part of the trusting therapeutic relationship. If it is my view that specialist support would be best for you, I would recommend you to an appropriate service who offer particular and specialist support.
