Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the first session?
The first session is intended to determine whether or not my service is appropriate to your needs and for you to find out if you can feel comfortable working with me. I believe counselling is first and foremost about the relationship between client and counsellor. The first session is about taking our first steps along that road, but only at a pace which feels comfortable to you.
Do you work with couples as well as with individuals?
I have a lot of experience of working with couples. The work can be challenging - often people do not seek help until things have got pretty tough - but it is some of the most rewarding work that I do.
How does the work differ with couples?
When working with an individual they are my only source of information and so it is relatively easy to take everything told to me at its face value. When working with a couple there are usually two different interpretations of the facts and so I have to focus hard on maintaining a balanced view. I try to see the couple's relationship as my client and so hope to remain impartial. It is important to work out where communication is failing in a relationship, and how to establish habits for improving understanding.
So how many sessions would I be signing up to?
My clients are never committed beyond the present session, I do not accept payments in advance, and there is no financial penalty for ending the course of therapy. However, so long as my clients wish to continue, I will keep their regular session time available.
But how long will it take?
It’s very difficult to say. It may be as few as three or four sessions, or some clients may want to stay in therapy for years, it so depends on the particular client’s or couple’s needs, personality, history and circumstances.
Do I have to come to your office for therapy?
No, I only work online or over the phone.
How much does it cost?
My usual fee is £60 per session.
How do I pay for a session?
Bank transfer is my preferred method.
Are concessions available?
They may be, this is something we could discuss at our initial session.
How long are your counselling sessions?
Each session usually lasts for one hour.
Where do you see clients?
I mainly work via Zoom or WhatsApp, but am happy to work with Skype or over the phone
What if I miss a session, will I be charged?
Not if I receive reasonable notice, or if there is some emergency.
What is business coaching?
The modern business environment can be very challenging and stressful. Having someone experienced to talk things through in confidence can help to unravel labyrinthine politics, and lead to clearer and more rational, effective decision making.
How may I be confident I will be safe in counselling?
I am a fully qualified counsellor. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling awarded by the CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CLICK HERE to visit their website). I receive clinical supervision from a qualified supervisor on a continuing basis (my supervisor's contact details are available on request). I am a member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and consider myself bound by their ethical framework and subject to their disciplinary code and procedures. I can be found on the BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (CLICK HERE to check the register).
What is David's theoretical orientation?
I work in an Integrative way which means that I draw upon the theoretical interpretations and techniques of each of the three main approaches to counselling (Psychodynamic, Humanistic, and Cognitive/Behavioural). I am also much influenced by existential therapy as developed by Irvin Yalom and others.
What does integrative counselling mean?
It means that I try to suit the style of counselling to the needs of my clients. For instance, sometimes, when it is appropriate to the problem, and acceptable for the client, I will help people to work with some deep emotional material. However, not every client is comfortable with that sort of approach, nor is it applicable to every situation, in which case I might work almost exclusively with thinking and behaviour patterns. What is most effective for a particular client is what is most important to me.
