24th January 2020 

Availability


Evening appointments are always most in demand however, many people find that their employers will allow them enough flexibility in their working schedule to attend counselling appointments, particularly for work-related stress or if current emotional difficulties are making it difficult for you to stay focused in the workplace.

If I don't have any appointments free when you call, I will put you on my waiting list and contact you when something comes up. I know a number of highly qualified, experienced and trusted counsellors working in North London. If you can't wait, or don't want to wait, then I will recommend someone else.

Terms

To ensure that counselling or psychotherapy has the best chance of being helpful to you, it is essential that the framework within which the work takes place is set out before we start.

Regularity - Sessions are 50 minutes, once a week, at a regular time agreed between us. If you should arrive late, the session will still finish at the end of the arranged 50 minutes. Once we start working together, your appointment will take place on the same time and day each week. I will always try and keep to that arrangement however it may be that we have to change your allocated appointment at some point during our work together.

Payment - Payment is usually by electronic transfer. I will email you an invoice at the end of every month with my bank details. I ask that invoices are settled within a week of having been received.

Cancellations - If you are unable to attend a session please let me know at least 24 hours before. If it is possible to re-schedule the session for a time that is convenient for both of us, I will endeavor to do so. If not, the fee for the missed session is payable. If, for some reason, I have to take an unscheduled break, you will not be charged.

HoIidays - I take approximately seven weeks holiday a year and will give you notice of my breaks at least one month in advance, you will not be charged for the times that I am away. Should you take a holiday outside of these times and it is possible to re-schedule the session/s for a time that is convenient for both of us, I am happy to do so. If not, the fee for your missed session/s is payable.

Ethical Framework - I abide by the code of ethics of the UKCP and BACP.

Confidentiality - The sessions are completely confidential except under three circumstances:
  • If I believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others, I reserve the right to break confidentiality in order to prevent harm. However, I would only do this in extreme circumstances and would try to discuss it first with you before taking any action.
  • From time to time I will discuss my work with a clinical supervisor, this is standard practice for psychotherapists at all levels of experience and helps me to work as well as I can with you. (my supervision meetings are bound by the same code of ethics and confidentiality as I am).
  • If required by a court of law to give evidence (e.g., in criminal proceedings).

    Your personal information – During our first meeting, I will make a note of your contact details and I will hold them for the duration of our work together. For the first few sessions I will take handwritten notes, which help me to retain key information about your background and your reasons for seeking therapy at this time. Notes will not have your name on them and are stored securely and separately from your contact details. I shred all notes when we finish working together.