What issues can counselling and coaching help with?

• anxiety
• workplace issues
• relationship issues
• depression
• low self-esteem and lack of confidence
• phobias and fears
• addiction
• decision making

What kinds of people seek counselling and coaching?

There is no barrier to whoever counselling and coaching can assist. I welcome you, regardless of your culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or employment group.

How do I start?

Start by booking a consultation, you can use the online form, phone or text me. I will set you up an appointment time at one of my offices in Chester or via Skype.

Can I speak to you on the phone or via Zoom before I choose you as my counsellor/coach?

Of course, for your therapy to be effective, it's important you work with a counsellor and coach you feel you can trust. That’s why I offer a free 30 minute phone or Skype consultation for you to discuss your needs and find out if I would be the right person to meet those needs.

How long should I expect to have to continue counselling and coaching?

The length of your treatment will very much depend on your unique circumstances and needs, with six sessions often recommended and a review after that.

Keep in mind that once you start sessions, new issues and angles can arise you were not aware existed that you then want to explore. It is of course possible to also see improvement faster than you expected.

Will my counselling and coaching sessions be confidential?

Yes, counselling and coaching sessions are confidential. The exception would be if you were to pose a danger to yourself or others, in which case the relevant parties would be notified.

Are you qualified?

Yes, I completed an intensive two year diploma course in Progressive Counselling and Coaching. Since then I have taken an Advanced Counselling Course.

Where did you train?

I was trained at the Open Pathway Training College and Retreat Centre by qualified and highly experienced teachers and counsellors under the guidance of Mata Yogananda Mahasaya Dharma. I adhere to a strict code of conduct that requires me to have regular supervision and refreshers to maintain the high standard expected.

Are you insured?

Yes, I have Public Liability and Professional indemnity insurance. I am a Seva Light Associate and part of a worldwide Referral Register.

I only want one session, are you be able to help?

Generally your first session will be used as an assessment and consultation, rather than for treatment. This allows you to identify your issues as you see them, and for me to start to gain an idea of what your needs are. So unfortunately, having just one session is unlikely to have any lasting benefit for you.

Do I have to keep having Counselling and Coaching?

You are under no obligation to proceed with counselling and coaching if you are either feeling better or it is just not right for you, you can stop at any time. At the end of your appointment, we have an opportunity to assess whether another appointment is needed, you may decide you need one in a week, two weeks, three weeks or a month. Sometimes when people are feeling better, they may book in a follow up appointment every 6 months. It is entirely up to you.

Does my GP need to refer me for an appointment?

No. You are free to refer yourself.

If you are a private practice, why do I have to provide my GP details?

Therapists request GP details for the unlikely event you had a medical emergency while attending therapy. In the case of a psychological or emotional emergency, I would seek your permission to contact your GP in the interests of your safety and/or wellbeing.

Can you prescribe medication and diagnose me if I need it?

No, neither counsellors or coaches are not eligible to prescribe medication or diagnose in any way. That is your doctor’s duty.

Will you be available for me in a crisis?

I will be available to you at your scheduled appointment time only. However, if there is space you can book in to see me for an emergency appointment. In the case of an emergency you will need to seek other resources. Contact your GP, the Samaritans (call 116 123, www.samaritans.org), or, if necessary, emergency services.

Can I use my health insurance to pay for counselling sessions?

No, I do not accept health insurance payments.

What hours you available?

Sessions are usually available on an hourly basis from 10 am until 6 pm with occasional late evenings upon request.

Sessions are also offered on Saturdays from 9:00 until 1:00.

Demand is high for sessions outside of normal working hours.

For couples therapy, do we have to attend all sessions together?

Ideally you will attend all sessions together as a couple. In instances where one of you is unable to attend, I will see the person who can attend. The issues that arise in this individual session will then be shared at the next session when both partners are present. Couples are able to see me one at a time if they feel that they need some time one on one with me.

Can I change or cancel my appointment?

Yes, if I have another slot available you can change but please give me 24 hours notice. I operate a 24 hour cancellation policy therefore if you fail to turn up to an appointment you will have to pay the full fee. Why? Because when a person doesn’t inform me of a cancellation I am unable to fill the slot at short notice. Of course if your reason for not coming to the session is due to a genuine emergency I will understand.

You will be sent an invoice for any missed or cancelled sessions that do not abide by the 24 hour cancellation agreement, invoices must be paid upon receipt.

How can I pay for a counselling session?

I accept cash or via online banking.

How much does it cost?

Initial Assesment: £60

Individuals: £40

Couples Initail Assesment: £100

Couples/ Relationships: £80

Why does the first session cost more than subsequent sessions?

First sessions last one and a half hours and it is a chance for me to understand your issue more deeply, subsequent sessions last one hour.

Do you offer concessions, discounts for students, or low-cost therapy?

I believe that everyone should have access to counselling and coaching and that money should not put people off. So please, talk to me if you are having money difficulties, I sometimes have availability for clients who pay on a sliding scale. If you want completely free counselling then you are best to get your doctor to refer you to an NHS counsellor.

Do counsellors and coaches or therapist such as you share any of my information?

Counsellors, therapists and coaches are committed to your privacy, so sharing your personal information is an extremely rare occurrence.

There are two exceptions. The first is if your counsellor/therapist was to become aware that you are an imminent danger to yourself or others, or that someone else is a danger to you. You would first be encouraged to seek necessary support, and if you were unable or unwilling to do so your counsellor/therapist has a duty of care to seek this support on your behalf.

The second exception is if your counsellor/therapist were to become aware that you intended to commit a major crime of any sort. In such a case they have a legal obligation to disclose such information to the relevant authorities.

*Note that for the purposes of therapy, personal drug use or addictions are not considered to be criminal activities (unless they involve anyone underage). They are seen only as areas to be addressed in counselling.

Is there any parking nearby?

That depends where you see me, if you see my at my home office the answer is yes, you can park on my drive.
If you see me in my Central Chester Office, you will have to find your own parking arrangements.

Are there any disabled facilities?

Yes, my therapy room in my home office is on the ground floor as is the rest room.
In my Chester office the therapy room is on the ground floor and also has a disabled restroom. There is a step into the office but we do have a tailored wheel chair ramp.

My partner, friend, or family member really needs therapy. Can I refer someone for counselling?

You may be very concerned about someone's wellbeing and would like to see them have counselling. But it really is best if the person in question can reach out for support themselves. I am able to take enquiries from you on behalf of someone else, but you should have their full consent.

If you really feel you must suggest counselling to someone, do it in as calm and private a moment as possible. Make it clear you support him or her and merely want to see them be helped in feeling better. Then leave them to make the decision for themselves.