Question 1

What is counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling offers you the opportunity to talk openly about your feelings, fears, concerns, or in fact anything which may be troubling you in your life, in a safe and confidential environment.  It enables you to focus solely on just you, without fear of being judged, and to talk about concerns you may have from the past, present or future. Through this process, you will learn about yourself and what you need to live a healthy and much more fulfilling life.

Question 2

What will be covered in the initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

The initial consultation provides an opportunity for us to find out if we can work together and if I am able to help you. We will discuss what you would like to gain from counselling as well as covering issues of confidentiality, appointment bookings, contracting, and of course, any questions you may have.
At the end of the session, I will let you know whether I feel I can help you with your concerns and encourage you to then go away and think about whether you have felt comfortable with me and you feel I have understood you - the relationship is vital and is the vehicle through which healing can be achieved.

Question 3

Does counselling involve giving advice?

Accepted Answer

Counselling does not involve giving advice.  It provides an opportunity for you to explore your concerns in a safe and confidential environment.  The process involves us working together (in various ways) with the aim of you gaining understanding and perspective in your life so that you can move forward in a healthy way.

Question 4

How many sessions will I need?  How often?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to predict how many sessions you may need, as everyone is unique with individual needs and problems. I am generally guided by my clients and am happy to work on a weekly or fortnightly basis or provide one-off sessions.  I am happy to work on a short-term basis  (up to around 6 weeks) or work with you for as long as is required.

I aim to review our work every 4 weeks which means that I encourage you to let me know what is working, what may be helpful or not helpful, how you feel the sessions are going and whether you have any questions around our work together.  This ensures that we are working in the best possible way to help you gain what you need out of the sessions.

Question 5

How can I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to book an appointment, please either ring me on 07388 689812 - if I am not able to answer your call please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as I am free. Alternatively you can contact me via the online form below - and again I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Question 6

How long do the sessions last for?

Accepted Answer

The sessions last for 60 minutes.

Question 7

What is the cost of the sessions?

Accepted Answer

I offer an initial session at a reduced fee of £35. If you then decide to continue, my standard fee is £55 per session, although I do accept a slightly lower fee (£50) for those who may find this difficult (ie. unemployed, low income, student).

Question 8

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

You can pay by bank transfer, card or cash - whichever works for you.

Question 9

What happens if I need to cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel a session and notify me within 24 hours no charge will be made.  If, however, notification is received in less than 24 hours then I will need to charge you the full fee. You can cancel by either leaving a text message on my mobile or sending an email.  I will always do my very best to accommodate any appointment changes, providing notice of 48 hours is given.

Question 10

Where are your premises?

Accepted Answer

I work from the first floor of commercial premises situated on Foxhall Road, Ipswich.  There is easy access and free parking available nearby.  Local public transport also serves the area.

Question 11

What personal details will you hold about me?

Accepted Answer

I will keep your name, address and contact information (such as your phone number/email), GP details and brief session notes.  These are COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL and stored in a secure location as required by the Data Protection Act 2018.

Question 12

What about confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Anything you choose to speak about in our sessions is confidential, within professional boundaries and the law.  This will be fully discussed with you during the first session.

Question 13

When are sessions available?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
I offer appointments online (via Zoom) or face to face from 8.00am - 4.30pm.

Question 14

What happens if I want to end the counselling?

Accepted Answer

You can end the therapy at any time, although it is advisable to have a closing session.

Question 15

Anita Jane

Counselling

The most commonly asked questions