What are the first steps?
If you have got this far and you are still interested in having some sessions, the first step is to send me an email to make an initial enquiry. Please include your full name and what you are looking for. I will get back to you as soon as possible but please allow at least a few working days.
If you decide that you would like an appointment we can have a brief ten minute chat about what what you would like to get from the sessions We can discuss any questions you have and you can give me an overview your situation. Before counselling begins, we will agree when and how it will take place. Our first appointment will be a chance to meet and discuss what you would like from counselling and we can agree on further sessions. I will take some notes and ask questions to help me gain an overview.
Appointments
Appointments for webcam sessions are normally for 50 minutes per week, booked in advance. I also usually have a small number of 50 minute telephone sessions available. Time slots vary but are typically available starting 10:00-2:40pm during the working week. I only have the occasional 6:00-7:00pm slot available at higher rates. Please contact me for available time slots at gwella@hotmail.co.uk
Once we agree to work together it is very important and a matter of mutual respect that you keep the appointments that we've agreed together. The time you book is yours and it will not be possible to fit another client into your appointment slot at short notice. Therefore cancelling at the last minute will normally incur the full fee. So if for any reason you need to cancel an appointment please try to give at least two days notice.
How often would I need to come? There is no right answer to this! Counselling may be short or long term, depending on what you need. The number of sessions are negotiable, Typically, you can expect to attend 6-12 times for short-term counselling. Some clients find a couple of sessions is enough, whilst others like to deep-dive and can stay in counselling over a period of years.
Counselling Agreement: It is helpful that we discuss and agree our expectations. This includes how we will communicate with each other and the timing of counselling communications because we have to trust each other to respond when expected. We also need to have a back-up plan for a technology crash and other emergency situations. We will discuss our working agreement form during our first session.
How confidential is counselling? Counselling appointments can be made in confidence of confidentiality. All counselling sessions are bound by the same code of ethics, in that both parties agree to keep the details discussed within a session confidential, with a few exceptions. I attend supervision in order that I can give the best possible service to you and this again is confidential. I follow the Guidelines for Good Practice for my professional body. Please also see my privacy statement.
Fees: Fees are on a sliding scale to accommodate those on a lower income. You can self-select from the scale £45-£65. (To give you some idea: £45 might be appropriate for a person who was on a lower income or had minimal monthly savings after paying their basic living costs; whereas £65 would be affordable for a person with comfortable finances/savings.)
Payment: Please make the agreed payment online (via a bank transfer) and in advance of the session (24 hours beforehand) to myself (details will be provided).
How it works:
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At the prearranged time, we will make contact as agreed and we will have a counselling session. (I will email out the link before the first session.)
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Think about when and where you would have the sessions. Please try and choose a space when you are unlikely to be disturbed or overheard. It is not desirable if you are likely to be overlooked or disturbed by visitors or family– so ideally a secure and quiet environment should be sought. You might find it useful to use headphones for privacy.
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You might find it useful to have some pens and paper handy for all our sessions (as well as a copy of any questionnaires or handouts that we are using).
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We will regularly review progress to help determine how things are and the duration of our work together. It is also important that therapy does not end abruptly so we will aim for an agreed final session.
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We may also use mobile phone text messages or/and email to re-organise dates and times.
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It is a good idea to allow a little time before and after your sessions, instead of going straight onto the next thing.
Here is a quick checklist for your first session
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device in working order and charged
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private space
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meeting time and link
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my contact details
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pen and paper
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tissues
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a beverage of your choice!
Guidelines in an emergency
Anyone who feels that they are experiencing a crisis and feels in need of immediate support may want to contact one of the following:
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the Samaritans (24 hours UK phone number) or the Befrienders International. You can also email the Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org (visit their site to do this)..
Signs of crisis may include feelings/thoughts about suicide or about harming others. If If you are in crisis, it is vital that you take immediate action for yourself.
Please follow the sessions menu links for intake information.