Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out more about counselling?
The best place to go is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)"It's good to talk" website click here where there's a lot more information.
How do I know if I need counselling?
Only you can decide if you need counselling, but if you feel you'd benefit from having some specific support to look at yourself, and somewhere safe to talk things through, it sounds like counselling could be for you.
How do I know if counselling will help me?
The chances that counselling will help are good. Research shows around 80% of clients feel better after therapy (Therapy Today, Nov 2014)
How do you work as a counsellor?
I offer counselling in hour long sessions and generally meet people weekly or fortnightly. This can be for short term work (just a few sessions) or longer term depending on individual need. This can be agreed at the initial meeting or as counselling progresses.
What sort of counsellor are you?
There are many different approaches to counselling based on different psychological theories. In the section About Counselling there are some details about my training and therapeutic approach but if you don't know anything about the theories please don't worry - what really matters is whether it feels right for you.
Do you work to a code of conduct?
Yes.As a member of the BACP I follow their recommendations for professional practice and code of ethics. For further information visit BACP click here
Do you see children or young people?
No. I do not see under 18's. Working with this age group is a specialist area and I have no experience in it.
Do you see couples or families?
No. I've had no training in these therapies.
Where do you work?
I hire a room at the Leicester Sports Medicine Clinic (see below) 132 Victoria Park Road, Leicester, LE2 1XD. There is car parking outside the clinic or on the road (one hour restriction between 9am and 4pm). click here for a map.
I also work from my home in Ashley midway between Market Harborough, Corby & Uppingham.
Do you work via video or telephone as well as face to face.
I am qualified to provide telephone and online (Zoom) counselling. If travelling for face to face counselling is an issue try telephone or online. You might be surprised how quickly it feels comfortable and safe.
Is there disabled access?
Yes in Leicester there is wheelchair access and toilet facilities. Please note the room I usually work in is on the first floor. If you have mobility issues please let me know so I can arrange to use a ground floor room instead.
Unfortunately I don't have wheelchair access at home.
Do you see people in an evening?
Yes. I have early evening appointments face to face on a Wednesday in Leicester. Phone or Zoom appointments in an evening are available on a Monday or Tuesday as are face to face appointments at my home room.
How much do you charge?
I charge £60 per hour long session. I do give a small concession to trainee counsellors if asked.
For supervision I charge £50 per hour or £70 for a 1.5 hour session.
I have private health insurance. Can I use it to see you?
I am a recognised provider of counselling for the private health insurers Aviva, Pru Health, Nuffield Health & WPA. If you are insured with these companies, depending on your policy, you should be covered, but it's best to check with them directly. If you are insured with another company you will need to check with them if they will cover your sessions with me.
