Longford Counselling : frequently asked questions
That's me on the left. On the right is Professor Dave Mearns, of Strathclyde University. We don't dress like that every day - that was graduation day, in 2003! Training and Qualifications:
Today, I have around 2,000 hours of training in total, and I began counselling clients in 2002. My main qualification is a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling from Strathclyde University. I have completed courses in brief therapy, counselling children, and four different couple counselling courses, with nationally (UK) and internationally renowned trainers. I'll be happy to provide further details if you like. Every year, I engage in at least 30 hours of CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Counselling Sessions:
You are under no obligation to attend a fixed number of sessions. People often come weekly for the first few sessions, and then switch to having a session every 2 weeks. The choice is yours - you'll know when it feels right. It's important to remember that counselling is a PROCESS, and so it's a good idea to keep up the momentum once you have started. No one knows how long counselling will take. Often, 4 to 6 sessions can be very beneficial, although more could be necessary.
Fees and Payment:
Each one-hour counselling session costs €60 for individuals or €70 for couples.
If you want to use medical insurance to pay, tell your insurer that I am a BACP accredited counsellor, and see if they accept this. Ask them to contact me if you like.
I accept payment by PayPal - It's very simple, and I will never know your banking or credit card details. Click here for PayPal payment info.
Ethical Standards:
I am an accredited member of the BACP (the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and I follow their Ethical Framework for Good Practice. Re-accreditation takes place annually, so your counsellor is always 'up-to-date'. I meet BACP requirements for monthly supervision (also known as peer consultation).
I am on the UK Register of the Professional Standards Authority, the government body which oversees the medical and mental health professions in the UK.
Confidentiality:
Everything you tell me is strictly confidential. I may discuss your case with my supervisor, if I feel that will benefit your therapy. My supervisor is a professional counsellor, and observes strict standards of confidentiality. The only exceptions to confidentiality are if I think there is a serious risk that you might harm yourself or others, and when 'mandatory reporting' is appropriate - usually in cases involving child protection.
Who comes for counselling?
I see individuals and couples of all races, religions, nationalities, and sexual orientations - all are welcome. I see people aged 16 and above. To get the full benefit of counselling with me, you should be reasonably fluent in English.
Appointment Times to suit your needs:
Evening: 7:00PM most days
Morning: 7:30AM or 8:00AM every day
Weekends: evenings and early mornings
Cancellation and non-attendance:
Full payment is required if a session is missed or is cancelled without 24 hours notice.
PLEASE DO NOT USE EMAIL FOR CANCELLATIONS - I WILL NOT SEE IT IN TIME. PLEASE PHONE OR TEXT - THANKS.
More questions? Feel free to phone me on 085 114 5649, any day between 9:00AM and 9:00PM.