Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose to go private?
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Choosing a private practitioner comes with two major benefits:
Firstly, the therapeutic process can be started within days of first contact, instead of waiting weeks or even months to begin the process.
Secondly, the length of the therapeutic process is decided by you. Whereas, in many public sector organisations there are restrictions around how many sessions you will be offered.
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What happens in the first session?
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The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, to ask any questions you might have or share any reservations. It will be a very relaxed session where we can explore how we can work together, what I offer and discuss what you want and need from counselling. I will carry out a short initial risk assessment with you in the first appointment, then we can arrange a suitable time and date for our next session.
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What is counselling? and does it work?
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I truly believe you get out of therapy what you put in (this is not taking away how difficult this is and I can help you with that), it takes work and sometimes it can feel incredibly difficult to process your emotions and experiences. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it does get easier with time.
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Counselling is a process that helps people express themselves to a professional person outside of their situation. Sometimes it can help them make choices or reach decisions about how to handle their concerns.
Your counsellor will encourage you to talk about what is troubling you and listen to what you have to say. The aim is to help you become clearer about both the extent and the effect of the problem, and maybe to help you recognise possible solutions – ones that will work for you.
Part of the work might involve considering what you are thinking, feeling, and doing (or not doing), and how thoughts, emotions, and behaviour all interact together.
Part of the work might involve you finding internal resources for changes in thinking and acting, and in making the changes that you have decided on.
In counselling, endings are important. If, for whatever reason, you decide to end the process, please come, and discuss this with your counsellor, so that you can have a final session reviewing whatever we need to and ending the process satisfactorily.
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Each session will last for 1 hour and will occur weekly at a mutually agreed time at the counsellors’ working premises.
It is important for effective therapy that you try to maintain regular contact by attending sessions regularly. I always try to be as flexible as possible, but you might find your therapy isn't as affective if regular sessions aren't upheld.
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How do I book?
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You’ve already made the first step; the next step would be to contact me either by email at emmakellycouselling@hotmail.com or by phone/text on 07933957478.
We can have an informal chat about what you are wanting from counselling and if after that you feel you would like to go ahead then we can make a suitable appointment either in person or over the phone. I do not expect you to go into full detail – just a general chat about how I can help you.
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How much do the sessions cost?
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The cost is £50 per 1 hour session, I also offer a discounted rate for block bookings of 5 sessions which is £235.00 saving you £15 off the individual session fee.
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It is completely up to you if you prefer to book in blocks or per session.
What do I do if I need to cancel?
I do ask for 48 hours’ notice for cancellations otherwise I have to charge for the missed session, this charge is waived in exceptional circumstances. You will be provided with a written contract.
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What does being an Accredited Professional member of the NCPS mean?
I have achieved a high standard of knowledge, experience and development in counselling and psychotherapy to achieve accredited professional status with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) - PNCPS (Acc.) With over 44,000 members, the NCPS is the professional body that regulates counselling and psychotherapy in the UK, with the goal of improving the standards of therapeutic practice.
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What do I do in a crisis?
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Please note that I am not a crisis counsellor, what this means is I am not available 24/7 when clients feel at crisis point. This doesn't mean you cannot contact me in my working hours to arrange a sooner session if you feel you need help and we can discuss this further. I will always try to fit you in where possible or help you obtain immediate support. Please do not suffer alone.
The experience of one person and their perception of a mental health crisis is as unique and individual as the person and for what one person may feel is manageable may for another feel completely devastating. A mental health crisis may take a number of forms including, but not limited to, anxiety or panic attacks, psychotic experiences such as hallucinations, feelings of paranoia, relapses of a serious mental health illness or thoughts of suicide or acts of self-harm.
Useful Contacts in Case of Crisis:
If you don't feel you can keep yourself safe right now, or are seeking immediate help you can:
Go to any Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. Call 999 and ask for an ambulance to take you to A&E. Ask someone else to call 999 for you or take you to A&E.
If you need urgent support but don't want to go to A&E, you could: Call Samaritans on freephone 116 123 – they're always open and are there to listen. Contact your GP surgery and ask for an emergency appointment. Contact NHS 111 (England).
Still have more questions? Then please do get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer them as soon as possible.