Affinity Counselling

How long will I need to come

There is no set answer and this depends on what you want. This would be determined via our assessment session (see below), and from this place we would normally contract for a given period of time (typically six weeks) and review periodically to ensure that the direction of work is meeting your desires. Some clients work on focussed topics, such as bereavement, divorce, career, stuckness and depression and others for years, focussing on personal development and support in life and as counselling students.

First session:

Our first session is a ‘look see’ session where we would explore what it is that you are seeking. To meet one another and see if your needs and my skills match. It may be that other or additional support may be needed or that the time is not right for you.

Frequency:

Sessions are normally weekly, unless it is agreed that more contact time would be beneficial, due to a significantly more challenging or difficult period, which would only be one or two weeks.

Termination:

A minimum of two sessions is required to terminate for all but very brief, short term work (six to twelve weeks), and considerably longer for long term work (i.e., more than one year).

Confidentiality:

All sessions are confidential and records are kept securely. Sessions are conducted according to the Codes of Ethics and Practice of the BACP.

Limits of confidentiality:

In exceptional cases, where the safety of the client and/or others may be at risk, I reserve the right to contact the client’s GP, the emergency medical services, or police. I may also need to make disclosure's if a court of law compelled me to give evidence. If I do take such action, I will inform my client at the time, if at all possible.