FAQ

What to expect?

It is completely normal to be extremely nervous to attend therapy. It may be your first time or you thousandth time; getting to know someone new and talking about really difficult and painful things can be scary. It does get easier to meet once you've met Elizabeth and you've established a plan the initial nerves do decrease over time. Techniques can be established to help manage these emotions when you meet. 

If you are attending for your teenager, Elizabeth recommends that you attend the initial assessment on your own to allow you to speak freely without censoring yourself. If it feels like a good fit, she will meet with you and your teenager the following session. 

The clinical hour is 50 minutes. The Initial Assessment where more extensive background information is obtained, Elizabeth recommends you interview her while she completes the session to determine if you feel it's a good fit for you and your family, she can provide diagnostic impressions and explore goals and establish a plan with you that best suits your needs. 

There are occasions that the session may go longer. As the material discussed in session can be very sensitive and bring up emotions. Techniques such as Containment and grounding exercises will be taught to utilize prior to session completion. You are welcome to take a few minutes to ground yourself after the session.  There are instances when you may have to wait a few minutes for your session, and I appreciate your patience.

How much are the sessions?

The hourly fees are as follows:

The Initial Intake: £100

Individual Therapy: £100

Family Therapy: £100

Phone Calls: First 15 minutes are a courtesy. A conversation for longer than 15 minutes becomes a phone session, and the hourly   rates apply. (This also apply to consulting with other providers, school personal, or other team members)

Court Fees: to be determined with the therapist and paid in full prior to attendance, unless a different agreement is established prior to therapist's attendance.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefings: to be determined by therapist prior to attendance.

What are the advantages of seeing a private Psychotherapist compared to EAP or the Pastoral Team at my teenager or young adults school?

Having onsite therapy can be convenient at work or school.

However, for many people it’s a healthy boundary to separate personal issues from where you learn or work.       

It’s a chance to have a separate space to speak about anything that’s bothering you without the pressure to return to work or school obligations. No bells ringing in the background or colleagues knocking on your door.

Confidentiality is guaranteed unless permission to share your details is given.

Its designated time set aside for YOU.

You will be seen within 7 days from your initial contact.

Elizabeth will consult with your employer or school if the need arises.

Will you share what I tell you with others?

Elizabeth complies strictly with the ethical and legal regulations from BACP. In terms of confidentiality and privacy. Elizabeth cannot prescribe medication, and if medication is recommended, she will refer you to your General Practitioner or Psychiatrist. She believes in collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and consultation is available. What we talk about in sessions is confidential and that no information may be released without my written consent except in the following circumstances:

l)  information during evaluation or treatment which indicates that you present a clear and present danger to myself or specific other.

2) unreported Abuse

3)  as mandated by Law

4)  TECHNOLOGY USE: please be advised that confidentiality is not guaranteed when using text, email, telehealth, or another device.

To provide quality services to you and your family, please be advised that Elizabeth is required to participate in monthly supervision to comply with BACP ethics and framework for best practices. I am required to provide client initials and age. The consultant is also legally bound to keep the information confidential.

Confidentiality and children/teenagers: when I work with children/teenagers I provide parents with general information to allow the child/teen the opportunity to speak freely about any topic, knowing it will remain private unless there are concerns. If the concern needs to be addressed immediately, we will bring you back and tell you at that point. If it is a discussion that can wait, or if it is more appropriate for you to come in individually without your child/teen, we will schedule a session as soon as we can. Part of my role is to become that trusted adult outside the family where teenagers can chat about all aspects of being a CYP, or any uncomfortable topic with an informed adult. Elizabeth often dispels myths and provides education to navigate this challenging stage of life. 

If you have a recent incident that would be beneficial for me to be aware of before the session, please send a text informing Elizabeth that you have sent an email. In the email, please describe your concerns, understanding that I cannot guarantee confidentiality. This preserves the safety of the therapeutic environment.

The goal is to ensure you are safe, able to work through whatever you need to process, and find ways to enhance your quality of life.

Where do we meet? 

Initially sessions are completed via Zoom or Doxy.me, Elizabeth will send you the link prior to session. Elizabeth will rent a space that suits you and your families needs.

What if I can't attend my session?

NO SHOW POLICY: Once a session is scheduled you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide 48 hours advance notice of cancellation. If your session has not been cancelled 48 hours in advance you will be responsible for the cost of the session. Please call, text, WhatsApp, or email if you are not able to attend 48 hours in advance to allow your time slot to be offered to another person/family who is waiting for services. If you cannot attend please avoid payment and cancel within the required timeframe.