Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age you work with?

 

The youngest client we will work with is 8, the child must be accompanied by his or her parent/s or guardian when attending counselling or therapy. 

Where does the counselling, coaching or therapy take place?

 

All counselling, coaching and therapy sessions take place at our therapy room, in London (near Liverpool Street Station) or other venues in London. We also offer telephone, online counselling, coaching and therapy. Please see our Contact Us page for directions on how to get to one of our venues.  

How much does therapy cost?

 

Fees vary depending on the type of therapy requested or provided. Different modules have various treatment plans. We have concessional fees for students, and people claiming benefit or who maybe on low income. If you believe you fall in any one of these categories, please contact us to inquire about our reduced fee for therapy or coaching. (Proof will be required). We offer a flat fee for all children and adolescents for counselling, coaching and therapy. Please visit the Fee page to learn more.

What is the first Step?

 

By visiting our website (and hopefully completing the client screening for CBT or DBT) you have already taken the first step. The next step is to arrange a FREE no obligation consultation with a therpaist. This is a simple 15 minute informal, private and confidential chat enabling you to find out more about therapy, councelling or coaching, the type you may need and how it will help you. After your FREE consultation if you feel comfortable and satisfied that therapy/coaching/counselling will be of benefit to you, then we will agree for you to be booked in for your first session.

What happens next?

 

When you attend your first session, you will be taken through an assessment to discuss the issues or problems you are facing then a contract will be agreed between you and the therapist for a treatment plan. The contract will include the number of treatment / coaching sessions you will require to start with. Future sessions can be arranged to suit your requirements if needed. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Each counselling/therapy session last approximately 50 minutes and are strictly confidential, within the limits of confidentiality. Unfortunately, there is still a negative stigma attached to counselling, insomuch as not everyone wants to admit they need counselling. For some people who hold this view, they find it difficult to seek help, when life becomes extremely difficult. Consequently, they will continue to stay in 'denial' until something drastic happens to seek change. 

What is the difference between CBT and DBT?

 

CBT focuses on helping you to change unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving.
DBT also helps you to change unhelpful behaviours, but it differs from CBT in that it also focuses on accepting who you are at the same time. DBT places particular importance on the relationship between you and your therapist, and this relationship is used to actively motivate you to change.

How do I know if a Counsellor/Therapist/Life/ Performance Coach is right for me?

 

We offer a free 15 Minutes initial telephone consultation to all new clients. This consultation time will be use to assess and discuss initially the problem you are presenting and the best therapy you might need to treat the problem/s. The consultation time will also give you the opportunity to ask any question you may have and to decide if we will be able to work together. There is absolutely no obligation on your part to proceed and commit to a treatment package at this point - The final decision to commit will be entirely up to you during the consultation period! After the first session, you should feel a bit more relaxed and hopeful about positive change. You should feel that your therapist has a basic understanding of who you are and that you have been listened to. You should feel accepted.

What happens if the therapist thinks I may need medications or I am already prescribed medications?

 

If your therapist feels that you may benefit from medication, he/she may refer you to see your GP for a medical assessment. After the assesssment, your GP may prescribe medication if he/she feels you might benefit from medication, and encourage you to continue counselling/therapy until you feel better.  If you are already on medication for mental health, your counsellor/therapist will be encouraged to continue this. In some cases, client may feel that they are not benefiting from the medication the GP or psychariatrist have prescribed. Your counsellor/therapist may refer you to your GP for a review of your medication.

Do you accept insurance payment?

 

Yes, we accept payment from some major insurance company, we are happy to provide the necessary paperwork for Insurance submission and reimbursement. However clients are advised to contact their Insurance Company prior to booking appointments to confirm their cover and to obtain a preauthorisation number which will ease the re-imbursemnent process. You must provide or bring along details of your Insurance Cover when you attend your appointment (Membership no., Group or Company no. as relevant). With preauthorisation we are usually able to communicate directly with your Insurance Company on your behalf. Without preauthorisation, bringing proof of Insurance cover may help in direct billing of your Insurance Company. In some circumstatnces payment on the day for you session is preferred.

What is your cancellation policy?

 

We advise that you make your treatment a priority as this will give you the best chance of recovery and steady progress. We ask for a 24 hours notice of cancellation. You will be charged the full fee for your session if you do not cancel 24 hours prior to your appointment. Sometimes a missed session can be re-scheduled in the same week if there is an available appointment.

Is what I share with my therapist confidential?

 

All information that you share with us are private and protected by the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR. There are only certain instances where it is not private.

Exceptions to this include

- Suspected child abus or dependent adult or elderly, which your therapist is requirred by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.

-If a patient is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, your therapist is required by law to report the intended victim(s)

-If you intend to harm yourself, your therapist will make every effort to desuade you from doing so in order to ensure your safety. If you do not cooperate, your therapist will take actions without your permission in accordance to the law in an effort to ensure their safety.

 

We Are Here To Listen And Help You Find Your Way.

We offer face to face and Virtual Therapy and Coaching via Zoom, Microsoft teams & Telephone.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for an informal chat and then You can decide which of the services we provide will help you to make some positive changes in your life:-
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