Question 1

How often are sessions and how long do they last?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are typically held once a week at the same scheduled time. Sessions last for one hour.

Attending regularly helps to establish a strong therapeutic relationship.

Weekly sessions provide a consistent and structured opportunity for clients to reflect, process and work through their issues.  Regular appointments help maintain momentum, ensuring that progress is made. Insights gained in one session can be built upon in the next.

The frequency of the sessions can sometimes be adjusted as you progress through therapy.

Question 2

What can I expect at my first session?

Accepted Answer

Before we meet, you will receive an email containing a copy of our Working Agreement, travel directions and confirmation of our first appointment.

During our first session, we will go through elements of the Working Agreement, mainly to clarify areas of confidentiality.  Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship.  However, there are certain situations in which confidentiality may be breached.  These exceptions are regarding personal safety and the safety of others, the Children's Act 1989, and concerning major crimes, as required by law.

We will  go through an assessment during which I will ask about your personal history, current challenges, and any relevant medical or psychological background.  This helps me understand the broader context of your concerns and enables you to get a sense of me and my therapeutic approach.

This session gives you space to talk about what's on your mind. It's more about getting to know each other and setting the foundations of the work ahead.  It may not feel like a deep dive, but sets the stage for future more focused sessions.

Question 3

How do I know if counselling will benefit me?

Accepted Answer

Counselling provides a safe and confidential space to talk about your feelings and experiences.

Counselling can also improve your relationships with others, helping you to communicate more effectively and understand others' perspectives.

If you've experienced loss, trauma or neglect, counselling can provide some much-needed support while you heal.

If you are feeling anxious, stuck, or uncertain, counselling is a safe space to explore your thoughts and help you clarify your options and priorities.

If you are open to self-reflection and willing to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, counselling can be a valuable tool for growth.

Question 4

What is involved in the counselling process?

Accepted Answer

The process often involves exploring uncomfortable or difficult emotions, so a readiness to engage in this work is important.  Counselling isn't just about solving problems; counsellors do not 'fix'; counselling is about gaining insight into who you are, why you think and behave the way you do, and how past experiences may influence your present life.

If you are seeking deeper self-understanding, therapy can be beneficial.  A key aspect of therapy is the relationship with your therapist.  If you feel safe, supported and understood, that's a good sign the therapeutic process will work for you.

Even after just a few sessions, you may notice small shifts, whether that's a feeling of being heard and understood or a change in mood or perspective.  Progress may not always be immediate, or dramatic, but gradual improvements are a good indicator that therapy is working.  It's a process and it can take time to see the benefits.  It can feel challenging, especially at the beginning as you explore tough emotions.  Ultimately, therapy can be beneficial if you are motivated to work on yourself and willing to engage in the process.

Question 5

What if I can't make regular sessions?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to attend regular face-to-face sessions, I offer online video counselling.  This option is convenient if you are not in the Salisbury/Tisbury/Shaftesbury area or have difficulty travelling to and from our sessions.  During your first session, we will discuss the frequency and type of session that best suits your needs.

Question 6

How long will I need to attend counselling for?

Accepted Answer

Depending on what you would like to achieve through therapy and what kind of issues you are exploring, you might only need a few sessions.  However, counselling can continue for months or even years.

For example, long-term problems rooted in early life will take longer to work through as they are more complex in nature.

You are free to end counselling at any time should you feel it has met your needs.  Planning an ending with advanced notice allows us time to review what you have achieved and ensures you leave feeling safe and confident about the future.

Question 7

How much does it cost per session and what's the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I currently charge £50 per one-hour session.  I offer concessionary rates for counselling students and refugees.

Payment can be made via card machine (a £1 extra charge covers the banking fee), cash, or BACS.  BACS payments are due two days before your session.

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled session time; otherwise, the full fee for the appointment will be due.   Failure to show up for a scheduled appointment will be considered a no-show and subject to the same fee.  Exceptions to this policy may be made in cases of emergencies, illness or other extenuating circumstances.  This is done at my discretion.   This policy is in place to ensure that I can maintain an efficient schedule for the good of my clients.  Late cancellations and no-shows prevent other clients from utilising the available time and the fee helps cover lost time and resources.

Question 8

What happens if either of us goes on holiday?

Accepted Answer

If clients can give as much notice as possible of their planned holidays it helps me to keep my diary up-to-date and allows others to utilise any gaps whilst you are away.

I will give clients as much notice as possible and aim to reschedule sessions after I return.  I may refer clients to a colleague who can, if necessary, provide support during my time away.

Question 9

Who can I contact in case of a mental health crisis emergency?

Accepted Answer

If you require immediate support call 999, or 111 and select option 2 to access the 24/7 helpline offering urgent mental health support.

There are also crisis hotlines available:

The Samaritans: Call 116 123, available 24/7
Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258.

Question 10

Will sessions be confidential?

Accepted Answer

Counselling sessions are strictly confidential, and I adhere to The BACP professional codes of ethics.  Your trust in the confidentiality of our sessions serves as a foundation for our therapeutic relationship. The only exceptions to confidentiality are in accordance with the Children's Act 1989, personal safety concerns, and major crimes as required by law.

Question 11

What is Supervision?

Accepted Answer

Like any other ethical counsellor or psychotherapist, I have regular supervision. Supervision is a formal, collaborative process where a counsellor regularly meets with a more experienced practitioner to discuss their work.

Supervision involves reviewing client cases and discussing challenges, exploring personal and professional issues, and ensuring therapists maintain ethical standards and effective practices. This professional relationship provides guidance and feedback which helps to enhance the quality of care I provide to my clients.  All personal details are anonymised, ensuring client confidentiality.

Question 12

Data Protection and Privacy

Accepted Answer

I take clients' privacy seriously and am committed to protecting the personal information you share. I am fully GDPR compliant and I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as required under the Data Protection Act 2018.

All personal information is handled securely and responsibly.

Charlotte Steel

FAQs