Sessions
What can i expect in the sessions?
Initial session
I offer a free 20-minute session on the phone or online, via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
This gives us the opportunity to meet one another and for you to tell me about yourself and the personal difficulties that have brought you to therapy. You will also be able to ask any questions and assess if you feel comfortable with me. I will let you know what you can expect from therapy and check that I am able to offer the help that you need.
At this point, we can proceed to arrange a further appointment, or you can have some time to consider what you would like to do. There is no obligation to continue.
Further sessions
If you decide to work with me, we will begin by exploring what has brought you to therapy and decide how we will focus the sessions and work together. We will both agree to a therapeutic contract to outline what goal you would like to achieve. We can review and adapt this goal as our work together progresses.
what is the time commitment?
Commitment
How long will this take?
Session length & frequency
Each session lasts for 50 minutes.
The modality of therapy I offer is most effective when we agree to meet on a weekly or fortnightly basis, with limited absences throughout our work together. This ensures that we are mutually committed and focused during our work in therapy. I am happy to discuss your preferences in the initial consultation and come to an agreement that works for both of us.
number of sessions
We will work for as long as is needed for you to resolve your difficulty. I suggest that we work together for four sessions and review how we feel the therapy is going. From this point, I will regularly check that you feel that the therapy is right for you.
You are free to end the therapy at any time, but in order to conclude the relationship in a healthy way, I require one week's notice.
Location
where can i find you?
Face to face sessions
My practice is based in a garden office, which is separate from my home with private access. Please note that there is no access to a toilet during your appointment, except in an emergency.
The practice is located half a mile from Bramhall village centre, close to the Manchester Eastern Link Airport Road (SK7). It is also within easy reach of Woodford, Hazel Grove, Cheadle Hulme and Handforth. It is easily reached by bus services, train and car. Free street parking is available nearby.
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ADDITIONAL NEEDS
Please discuss any additional needs with me in advance so that we may discuss how we can work together.
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Online sessions
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When working online, I use Microsoft Teams. The confidentiality and security of your therapy remains central to all parts of the process. I will always ensure I work from a confidential space and you will be responsible for ensuring privacy at your end. You'll need to be able to shut the door on any noise, ensure that no one interrupts us and turn off telephones and other forms of contact.
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To learn more about online therapy, click here.
Payment
what is the payment and cancellation policy?
payment policy
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I use a ‘pay to reserve’ policy. When the agreed appointment time is reserved for you, I cannot accept any new clients for that reserved time slot.
Payment for your first session is required after our initial consultation, to reserve your appointment time. In your first session, I will ask you to make payment for the next appointment, should you wish to continue with therapy. Therefore, there will always be payment made one week in advance of your ongoing appointment. This ensures that I run my practice effectively, by confirming bookings in advance and receiving payment for the time I set aside for each client.
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cancellation policy
I require 48 hours’ notice, if you cannot attend an appointment. Please note, if you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, the fee is payable in full. This cancellation policy applies to work commitments, illness and any unforeseen circumstances. In the rare circumstance that I must cancel our appointment, there will be no charge and I will endeavour to rearrange the appointment at a time that is convenient to you.
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I appreciate that there will be limited times where you need to miss our agreed appointment time due to other commitments, such as a holiday. If you are unable to attend our sessions for a period of more than two weeks, I cannot continue to reserve your appointment time each week without payment. You can choose to pay for any missed sessions beyond the two weeks to reserve your appointment time, or I will offer the appointment time to another client. You may return to therapy at any time, but please be aware that the same appointment time may not be available on your return.