Sessions and fees
GEMMA HUDSON
COUNSELLING
SESSIONS AND FEES
Initial Assessment Session
The first session is an assessment session and provides you with an opportunity to discuss issues you wish to explore and what you hope to achieve from counselling. It will also help you get a sense of what therapy with me will be like. There is no obligation to proceed following the assessment.
You may want to see me for a specific issue that you may feel requires only a set number of sessions, or you may want to leave it open ended - either way we will review after an agreed period to see where you are and go from there.
What happens in the counselling session?
I attentively listen with sensitivity and help you to explore and understand the difficulties and then help you to develop your own resources to cope with them. At the end of a set number of counselling sessions there is usually a better understanding of how to cope with existing and future difficulties.
Attending sessions each week may bring up a number of difficult experiences. In order to get the most out of counselling it is important that you try to attend each week.
Is counselling confidential?
Confidentiality is paramount within counselling, as a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy I adhere to the ethical framework. All records are strictly confidential and are kept securely. If you have any queries about any aspect of confidentiality and/or record keeping please feel free to ask.
Sessions
All sessions including the initial assessment session last 50 minutes and take place weekly.
Sessions are available Monday to Friday, the first appointment is 8am and the last one is at 8pm.
Payment
Each session cost £65. Payment is due before or at the time of the session.
Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or telephone sessions
Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and telephone appointments are additional options available for people with constrained timetables. This approach is suitable for frequent travellers, people with prolonged working hours in highly demanding jobs and for those who would much rather the sessions in the comfort of their own home.
Cancellation Policy
There is a minimum of 48 hour cancellation period, otherwise the above fees apply. Notice of holidays is given two weeks in advance, unless there are unforeseen difficulties or circumstances – which will then be discussed.
Contract
I agree to provide you a safe, non-judgmental space which is confidential. However, this confidentiality becomes limited if I feel anyone is at risk of harm, then I will consult with you and take appropriate action.
I work to the professional and ethical guidelines of the BACP – please see www.bacp.co.uk/ethicalframework
I receive regular supervision, by a supervisor who is independent and works to the BACP ethical framework.
I am fully insured to work in private practice and provide you with an agreement that we both sign when therapy begins.
I undertake frequent continuous professional development, training courses and read research to keep my knowledge and work up to date and beneficial to clients.
What next
I know it can be difficult to make the first step. If you want to talk more about the process then give me a ring or send me an email.
If you have decided that you would like to have an initial assessment meeting you can also contact me, and I can let you know what my current availability is.
