faqs
How does counselling and therapy work?
Talking to a trained professional therapist can help you to explore your thoughts, feelings and emotional difficulties and get to know and understand yourself.
A therapist can support you to achieve lasting change through awareness of beliefs, patterns and habitual behaviours which may be keeping you stuck.
Counselling can be a powerful, life changing experience which can help you to overcome social or emotional challenges and fulfil your potential.
How do I start counselling with you?
Your first step is to contact me by email to arrange a free, confidential phone call. We will discuss what you are looking for and how I may be able to help. The next step is to book an assessment session and if we decide to continue to work together, we will then arrange a time for regular, weekly sessions
How long will I need to come for counselling?
The length of time you would need to come for counselling very much depends on your unique circumstances.
Psychodynamic counselling tends to be open-ended and longer term. This type of counselling suits those who are wishing to work at some depth with lifelong or deep-seated issues which may originate in childhood experience.
Each person is unique and has different needs. Some people can take more time to resolve issues or grow than others.
It’s best to be open-minded about how long you will come for counselling. I encourage you to discuss this regularly with me throughout the process.
How much does counselling cost?
Psychodynamic Counselling sessions cost £65
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Counselling sessions are confidential, and I am ethically bound to keep what you share with me private.
There may be very rare exceptions to confidentiality as set out in the BACP Ethical Framework and these would be discussed clearly with you in your assessment.
How do I know if I need counselling?
You might reach out for support from a counsellor because of a crisis or difficult life event, or because you feel that you are struggling with issues which are impacting your life and relationships.
You may want to work with a counsellor to gain clarity about an issue, change unhelpful patterns of behaviour, untangle complex feelings or embark on a journey of self-development.
People often feel self-conscious about seeking counselling and worry that their issues are not severe or important enough. In reality, anything you choose to bring to counselling is welcome and important to me. Your unique set of experiences and circumstances will always be treated with the utmost respect and significance.
What happens in a counselling session?
During the assessment session, you will be encouraged to share the reasons you have reached out for counselling. We will discuss your history and your current concerns and issues and I will help you to understand how I may be able to support you. If you decide you would like to work with me, we will discuss terms and conditions and the practicalities of regular counselling.
As a counsellor, I provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore whatever issues you wish to bring. I am highly trained to listen to you, reflect with you and support you.
Are you fully qualified?
Yes. My core clinical qualification is a post graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling.
I am currently undertaking an additional training in Jungian psychotherapy.
I have additional training in working with grief and bereavement.
I also hold qualifications in Nutrition, Mindfulness and Mindful Eating teaching, and I regularly attend lectures, courses, conferences and workshops to improve my knowledge base and keep up with current developments and research in counselling and psychotherapy.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work to their ethical framework and code of professional conduct.
Why do I need to attend weekly sessions?
The standard structure of psychodynamic counselling sessions are regular, weekly appointments at the same time and place. This enables us to build a trusting relationship and for you to make steady, gradual progress which means you see tangible results. Your appointment time is yours exclusively for the duration of your counselling, it will never be used to see someone else, even if you are unable to attend.
Will a counsellor be able to support me in a crisis?
Many people seek counselling at times of crisis or following a significant life change or event. As a counsellor, I can support you through such times within the structure of your scheduled appointment time.
In case of emergency, where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, you will need to seek other, more immediate resources such as contacting your GP, the Samaritans (call 116 123, www.samaritans.org), or, if necessary, emergency services.
How do I pay for sessions?
Payment is made by direct bank transfer, details and instructions are given when an appointment is booked.
Payment for the assessment is expected prior to the session.
Regular weekly sessions are invoiced at the end of each month. Please discuss with me if these arrangements would be difficult for you.
Why do I have to pay for missed/cancelled sessions?
It is my preference to work with a relatively small number of people in my private practice. This way I can ensure a high standard of therapeutic experience for each individual.
For this reason, once we have agreed to a mutually convenient session time and day, it’s unlikely I will be able to offer alternative session times.
In order to reserve your exclusive session time, there is a cancellation policy. I will discuss this cancellation policy with you prior to your first appointment. Missed sessions outside of the agreed to terms will be charged at the full fee.
Contact Me
alex@alexandrastevensoncounselling.co.uk
Malvern | Worcestershire
