FAQs
Who do you work with?
I work with adults who are aged 18 or over. Please read the About Me page to understand more about my counselling approach.
I can support people with a range of issues including but not limited to:
Anxiety, Depression, Abuse, Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Family Issues, Divorce, Betrayal, Self Confidence, Low Mood, Eating Disorders, Loneliness, Attachment Issues, Self Harm, Suicide.
What is the process for booking a session?
If you would like to book a counselling session with me you can send me an email -selfcentrecounselling@outlook.com or send a message via the Contact page on this website.
I will aim to get back to you where possible within 24 hours.
Before booking an appointment with you I offer you a free twenty minute phone call where we can discuss what it is you want to get out of counselling. This will also give you a chance to ask any further questions and get a better idea of what it will be like for us to work together.
If you are then happy to proceed we will book your first appointment. I will try to offer you an appointment time that fits your schedule and work Monday - Friday between 10 am and 8pm.
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Where do you deliver your sessions?
I can offer you sessions in person. I have access to a room in Gateshead, Blaydon and Wrekenton Health Centres.
Please note I will need to book the room in advance of the session. Blaydon Health Centre is available for evening appointments. All centres have wheelchair access.
I also offer sessions online and over the phone. Online sessions are delivered via the VSEE app which is secure and free to download.
What are your fees?
Online and telephone sessions are £55 per hour.
I offer a discount for a block booking for online and telephone appointments. £250 for five sessions.
In person sessions are £65 per hour.
I offer a discount for a block booking for face to face appointments.£300 for five sessions.
Fees are kindly requested to be paid ahead of sessions. Details of how to pay will be sent over ahead of your first session.
Is what I talk about kept between us?
Everything we talk about will remain confidential, however there are limits to this. If you disclose information that raises concerns that you will seriously harm yourself or others, an act of terrorism or money laundering then we will need to discuss my legal responsibilities to report these concerns. Secondly, if you are part of an open criminal investigation, the Police or the Crown Prosecution Service can request any relevant and necessary information. Where possible this will always be in collaboration with you.
You should also be made aware that I do have a supervisor who helps me with my work. I meet with her on a monthly basis to make sure that I am on track with my work and she helps me to identify ways to improve my practice.
How do you store my data?
Ahead of our first session I will send you a copy of a contract outlining how I will store your data and asking you to give me written consent to do so.
During your time in therapy, I will need to keep a record of your personal information and contact details and your GP and emergency contact details. This information will be confidentially destroyed once your therapy has come to an end.
I use a software programme called Kiku to store client information on my computer. Notes are also kept of each session. These are anonymised and are stored securely in a password protected file within the encrypted Kiku system. These notes are for my use only and help me to keep track of everything that we discuss. These notes must be kept securely for 7 years after your therapy has come to an end, after which they will be confidentially destroyed.
You have the right to view these notes at any time. Having viewed your notes you also have the right to request amendment.
Once therapy has come to an end, you have the right to request that I delete all data that I hold about you (personal contact details and clinical notes etc). The only situations where I would not be able to comply with such a request would be if:
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It is necessary for me to retain these records in order to continue providing an effective service
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I am compelled to retain these records by a Court of Law or to establish, exercise or defend legal claims