Questions and Answers
We have put together some information here that you may find useful as you think about getting in touch. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please send an e mail to the address at the bottom of the page.
What is the NCS?
The National Counselling Society (NCS) was set up in 1999. They are a not for profit organisation and the high standards of the Accredited Register are externally verified by the Professional Standards Authority. The organisation is bound by appropriate rules of governance including a constitution, codes of ethics, and a complaints procedure.
The Society was one of the first organisations to gain Accredited Register status with the Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register programme. They meet the robust and exacting standards set by the Professional Standards Authority with emphasis on public safety and assuring that the best interests of the clients are protected.
Being accredited under the NCS Accredited Register programme offers enhanced protection to anyone looking for counselling services which includes:
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Members of the public seeking a Registered Counsellor
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Qualified Counsellors seeking to become Registrants
If you're looking for a counsellor, you should now only choose one on an Accredited Register approved by the Professional Standards Authority.
What does Supervision Mean?
Supervision is a requirement of all NCS Accredited counsellors and therapists. It is a process whereby each month your case load is discussed with an experienced supervisor. This results in work being monitored to ensure that the therapist is working in an ethical way. It also helps the counsellor or therapist view things from a different perspective.
What happens when I get in touch?
I will contact you to arrange an initial consultation so we can discuss your needs, expectations and goals. If you feel counselling is for you we can then discuss when is a good time to meet, how many sessions you may prefer and how often we meet.
How much does a session cost?
Each session is £55, including the initial assessment, for a weekly appointment. Less frequent sessions may cost more. I also have a limited number of slots available at a reduced rate. Please discuss this with me and we will see what can be done
What if I can’t come or I miss an appointment?
Talk Together counselling requires you to contact us at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to attend a session. If you do not make contact within the required time you will be charged for the session missed, unless we can rearrange within the same week.
What happens in a counselling session?
It is your choice what you want to talk about and what you want from us. Every session is different and the aim is to tailor each session for you. We normally meet once a week for 50 minutes, usually on the same day at the same time but there is flexibility if you need it. We can also meet twice weekly or for a longer session if your prefer. I have availability throughout the week so feel free to discuss your needs with me.
Are the sessions confidential?
Ensuring and maintaining confidentiality is an essential aspect of counselling. Confidentiality is one of the foundations to a good working relationship. I do not discuss you with anyone outside of the sessions. Using a private counselling and therapy service means that the fact that you are receiving help does not appear anywhere on your doctors notes. To work within the guidelines set down by the BACP there are exceptional circumstances where the need to maintain confidentiality would be overridden. Namely if it was believed that you were to seriously hurt yourself or someone else, or that a child was at risk. At this point it would be my duty to seek aid from an outside agency. Please be aware this only happens in very exceptional circumstances.
As a requirement of good and ethical practice and a commitment to continuing comprehensive service I discuss on a monthly basis the clinical work I do with a supervisor. A supervisor would have no access to your personal details and is bound by the same guidelines on confidentiality. Supervision is a process that all Accredited Members engage in. It forms part of good practice and it is an opportunity to have my clinical work assessed. In an environment that is supportive and educational my supervisor and I are identify issues I may have missed or point out other areas of exploration