Frequently asked questions regarding Counselling
How much does it cost?
My charges, per session, are £48 for an individual and £60 for a couple.
I have a limited number of concessionary places available; please feel able to ask about these which we can then discuss.
What is the length of a session?
Counselling Sessions are 50 minutes long.
How often do I attend?
Sessions normally take place weekly. Regularity is important for productive therapeutic work. The standard format of weekly sessions helps you make gradual and steady progress.
What days and times are you available?
I work Monday – Friday. Day time and evening appointments are available.
Do I have to pay for missed / cancelled counselling appointments?
I require 48 hours notice of cancellation, otherwise I charge for the counselling session.
How long do I come to counselling for?
The duration of Counselling can vary from 6 sessions to even a number of months for more focused problems, and from 6 months to a number of years for more in depth problems. Longer term counselling offers a therapeutic relationship; it is more than simply the development of skills. Problems often arise in relationship to other people, and a therapeutic relationship offers the opportunity to re-work issues that have arisen.
What is a Therapeutic Relationship?
A therapeutic relationship provides you with focused attention. It is based on offering core conditions, i.e. Acceptance and Empathy.
When you feel focused on, accepted and understood, you are more likely to be able to accept and support yourself.
“True empathy is always free of any evaluative or diagnostic quality. This comes across to the recipient with some surprise. "If I am not being judged, perhaps I am not so evil or abnormal as I have thought.”
― Carl R. Rogers
The therapeutic relationship enables patterns that have developed in relationship to others, to become present in the counselling room, and to be re-worked in a non judgemental supportive space.
The therapeutic relationship also enables more hidden feelings and thoughts to come to the surface to be worked with.
Are the sessions confidential?
The work in which we are involved is confidential. I will only break the confidentiality if I come to believe there is high risk to yourself or others or if I am required by law to do so.
Beginnings
In the first instance I would suggest you meet with me for a couple of sessions to see how we relate and to assess the issues you wish to work with.
To discuss how counselling may benefit you please contact Jackie Parkes on tel: 0121 454 2209 or mob: 07796 836739 or email: