Frequently asked questions
What can I expect from a counselling session at Wildpath Counselling?
I work in an integrative way as I wish to work with you as an individual and not using a ‘one size fits all’ approach. This means that I will use different therapeutic approaches and techniques in our work together depending on what you are hoping to get out of the counselling. I offer a free 30 minute telephone consultation prior to beginning our work together where we will explore your needs and what you hope to gain from the counselling.
I am approachable and down to earth. I will not expect or push you to talk about anything that you are not ready to talk about. You will be completely in control of the process. I am registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical framework.
I aim to hold the space in a safe way. I have experience of working with people who have experienced trauma and prefer to work in a gentle way. Any insights or suggestions that I offer will be given in the spirit of an invitation to either take up or decline as you feel.
For outdoor work you will need to wear strong shoes or boots, warm clothes and have waterproofs with you. In the summer you may need to bring a sunhat and sun cream.
Contact
I aim to return calls / emails within 24 hours on weekdays. If I am away you will receive an auto message or a voice message saying when I will be back at work.
What are your fees?
£50 for a 60 minute session.
I have several concessionary spaces for those on lower incomes these are on a sliding scale. Please contact me to discuss if you feel you need one of these spaces.
I would like therapy to be financially accessible to those on low incomes as well as higher earners. I therefore operate a ‘pay it forward’ system where you can opt to pay a little bit extra to subsidise a space for those on low incomes who may not otherwise be able to afford counselling. I would therefore invite those on a higher income to consider paying a little more. The additional amount goes into a bursary fund which enables me to offer subsidised spaces to those who would struggle to pay the full amount. Please enquire if you feel you need one of these spaces.
Telephone / Online Therapy
Most of the work I do with clients is in person as I believe that this is more beneficial therapeutically. I am able to offer online or telephone sessions for those unable to travel - please enquire. During your free 30 minute introductory session we will discuss which online platform will work best for you.
How often do I attend?
I offer therapy by appointment with most clients attending weekly at the same time.
I ask that, in the early days especially, you make a commitment to attending weekly. This represents a real investment in yourself. Clients who attend weekly seem to get more out of counselling than clients who attend sporadically.
Sometimes it may not be possible to commit to a regular time slot due to working patterns or caring commitments and we can negotiate this on an individual basis. Online or telephone counselling is an option for clients with caring responsibilities or disabilities that make it difficult to travel.
Cancellations
If you are unable to attend your session at the agreed time please give me as much notice as possible. I hold the space open for you whether or not you attend. It may be possible to rearrange the session in the same week.
I reserve the right to charge for a session unless you have given me at least 48 hours notice.
Holidays
There are approximately six weeks per year where I am away or on training. I will give you plenty of notice of these dates. I would appreciate you giving me notice of your planned holidays.
How many sessions do I need?
Everybody is unique. Some people come to counselling to address a particular problem over a limited period of time whilst others find that in-depth work over a longer period is what they need.
I work in an open-ended manner which means you can have as many sessions as you require. We will discuss your individual needs when you first come for a session.
I suggest that we work together to negotiate beginnings and endings. It can be important therapeutically to end the therapy in a planned way rather than suddenly stopping attending.
Are the sessions confidential?
All of my counselling work is confidential. I will only discuss our work together in my regular supervision sessions. Supervision forms part of the professional code of ethics that I abide by in my work.
What are your opening hours?
Monday 8am – 8.30pm
Tuesday 8am-8.30pm
Wednesday 2pm-7pm