£70

FAQs

What can I expect?

The aim of therapy or counselling is to provide you, the client, with a confidential opportunity to explore personal and relational issues in safety. The role of the therapist is to help you through this process without judgement or telling you what to do, although goals may be set and worked towards. If at any time I as the therapist feel that I can no longer help you, or that you may need the assistance of someone with a different specialty, I will offer to refer you onto someone that can help.

How regularly will we meet?

Sessions tend to be weekly or fortnightly, but I do understand clients have busy lives so I try to be flexible with scheduling appointments. I offer sessions in person, via video or telephone call. If you require more than one session a week this is something I can also accommodate.

Where are you based for face to face sessions?

My therapy room address is: Victoria Abbott Therapy, Room 4, Floor 3, 72 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8HA

How long are sessions?

Sessions are typically one clinical hour (50 minutes). This is the standard for psychotherapists and counsellors in private practice and allows for time at the end to process payment/make notes and prepare to start the next client on time.

What is Supervision?

I accordance with the BACP ethical framework I have supervision monthly. My clinical case load is discussed in supervision to maintain practice standards and safety. This process gives me the support and guidance I need to be a fit practitioner.

What if I miss or cancel an appointment?

Diarised missed or cancelled sessions by the client will be charged in full and the client will be expected to make payment at the next session if not before.

Will our sessions be confidential?

This is a key aspect of the therapy relationship, and everything discussed in the therapy sessions is kept in confidence. To ensure open exploration of the concerns that you have brought to therapy, I the therapist will maintain confidentiality in accordance with an ethical framework for good practice at all times.

​Confidentiality can only be broken when there is evidence that the client may:

1. Threaten harm to yourself or to another person.

2. If I the therapist believe a child or protected adult is at risk of harm or abuse.

3. If the courts instruct the therapist to give information.

4. If you, the client share information about a proposed act of terrorism or other illegal act

Is therapy right for me?

I offer an initial session of 30 minutes by telephone, free of charge, as an opportunity to explore this. We will discuss how we will work together, e.g. the number of sessions, confidentiality, fees and any questions or concerns you may have. You will also have the chance to talk about the circumstances that bring you to counselling and your hopes and expectations. At this point there is no commitment and you can take time to think about continuing with counselling.

How long will I have counselling for?

It is very difficult to put an exact number on the amount of sessions you will need. Everyone and every situation is different. Some people only have a few sessions, whilst others may need longer term support. I would generally advise that we meet for an initial session and see how we get on; from then on we can plan for seven further sessions with regular reviews. Planned endings are always preferable but of course you can finish counselling whenever you wish; breaks in counselling can be useful too.

How do I pay for sessions?

You can pay for our sessions via bank transfer and you will need to make payment in advance on the day of your appointment.