Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of counselling and psychotherapy methods do I offer?
For over 10 years, I have been offering clients online therapy sessions via SKYPE; Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime or telephone (nationally and internationally), in addition to Face-to-Face.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Understandably, these titles cause confusion. Essentially, there will be differences in training between a counsellor and a psychotherapist. Sometimes counselling will focus on a specific problem and the agreement between client and counsellor might be time-limited. Psychotherapy is usually open-ended and, therefore, may be more beneficial for clients with more complex issues or experiences - especially those related to childhood or trauma . I am a psychotherapeutic counsellor, offering short term counselling and open-ended psychotherapy.
How do you know if I am fully qualified?
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP Accredited) and I am on the BACP Register of Counsellors & Psychotherapists. For further information on the BACP, please visit: www.bacp.co.uk
What does 'confidentiality' mean?
Information you share with me is subject to the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice, which ensure confidentiality. As an Accredited Member of the BACP, I am required to have regular supervision. My supervisor is also professionally bound by the same Codes of Ethical Practice, and client identity is never revealed. The only exception to this would be if the client was in danger of seriously harming themselves, or others. In this case, confidentiality would be breached to ensure safety of the individual/s concerned, although this would always be discussed with the client.
NB: Regarding online counselling and psychotherapy, please consider the implications of breaches of online security, for which I cannot be held responsible. Please also find a private space in which to hold the session, in order to protect your confidentiality.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
May 25, 2018, The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into affect . It replaced the previous Data Protection Act in the UK. Please be assured that all your data is stored and processed according to the new GDPR regulations.
How long and how often are the sessions?
Sessions are usually weekly, lasting 50 minutes. By mutual agreement, we will arrange a day and time which then becomes your personal space for counselling. Short Term, or Brief Focused Therapy, may be agreed for 6, 8, 10, 12 sessions, for example. Open-ended therapy is also mutually agreed from the outset. Consideration is applied to clients who are shift-workers, freelancers, or work abroad.
What happens if I can't attend a session or go on holiday?
I will do my best to re-schedule a cancelled session if possible. If this is not possible, or you miss a session, the usual charge will apply. The reason for this is that once we have made a commitment to work together, your session time is reserved for you. I do not charge for planned holidays or breaks due to work commitments, if given a minimum of 2 weeks notice. NB: It is advisable to attend sessions even if you feel tired, upset, angry or depressed, as counselling support may be most helpful at these times.
How does counselling come to an end?
Usually, clients are ready to end when they feel they have achieved the goal/s which have formed the focus of counselling. An ending is always discussed and planned together. If the client has chosen Brief Focused therapy, eg 6 sessions, the ending will be mentioned at the penultimate session. If the client has been in open-ended therapy, eg for 18 months, the last sessions may be spaced out eg fortnightly or monthly meetings.
Availability
Tuesday-Thursday 9.00am-6pm
How much does each session cost?
Individual counselling: £60 - duration: 50 mins
Couples counselling or two client sessions: £90 - duration: 50-60 mins
I offer reduced rate sessions for students, key-workers and those on low income (subject to availability)
Clinical supervision rates
Individual face-to-face, SKYPE, Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, telephone supervision: £65 for 50 mins or £70 for 60 mins. 30 minute online supervision, negotiable during a crisis.
Please note, the 'clients' in the photographs are represented by models
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please phone: 07914 937 864 or e-mail me: info@irenabiedkacounselling.com
