Author: Lindsay Roadnight

Asking for help is never easy. Making the decision to seek professional help can seem daunting. I aim to make this process as easy as possible.

The most important factor for success in counselling is the relationship between the client and the counsellor. It is vital to find a counsellor that you feel safe and comfortable with. I feel the only way to know if you’re going to feel safe and comfortable with me, is to meet me and have a chat about what is going on for you. This is what an introductory session is for.

Do I have to sign up for a number of sessions?

No. An introductory session has no obligation for further sessions. At the end of the session, we will spend a few minutes discussing the best way forward for you. You may decide to return for regular sessions, or you might decide not to return. You can of course, take some time after the session to decide. It’s in your control.

Is it confidential?

Yes. The same confidentiality rules apply to an introductory session. To read more about confidentiality in a counselling session see my blog post here.

How long is an introductory session?

An introductory session lasts 50 minutes – exactly the same length as a regular counselling session.

What information do I need to provide?

Nothing. To book an introductory session I simply need your name, a contact number/email and the payment. You do not need to provide any information and you don’t need a medical referral. During the session, we will discuss your situation and I will ask relevant questions, but it’s up to you how much information you wish to share.

How much does it cost?

Introductory sessions are charged at the same rate as regular sessions. You can find my fees here.

How do I book an introductory session?

All you need to do is send me a message. You can do this through my contact form, or via email (counselling@willow-tree-counselling.co.uk) or you can phone/text me on 07496 784 532.

Confidentiality is a key part of any therapy. There is no legal protection for therapist confidentiality. I am a member of the BACP and as such I am bound by their ethical framework. Ethically, I am bound to protect your confidentiality, but there are a few exceptions which are important to understand.

Danger to self or others

If I believed you were a danger to yourself or to anyone else, I am ethically bound to take steps to protect vulnerable people. In order to keep people safe, I may have to breach your counselling confidentiality. Should I have any concerns in this area, I would always try to address them with you directly.

Therapist Supervision

As part of my BACP membership, I am required to have regular supervision. I discuss my case load with my supervisor. Both my supervisor and myself are bound by the BACP ethical framework.

Court Orders

As I mentioned above, therapists’ confidentiality is not protected in law. Therefore should a therapist be asked by a court to provide information they are legally obliged to do so.

Confidentiality is a one way street

While your therapist is ethically bound by confidentiality, the same restrictions do not apply to clients. You are free to discuss (or not discuss) anything about your therapy with anyone you like. Some people find it useful to discuss

Sometimes the world can seem like a very small place. If you were to see me outside of the therapy room, I would not approach or acknowledge you. I’m not ignoring you, just leaving it up to you whether you would like to say hello.

If you have any questions regarding the confidentiality of therapy, please contact me and I would be happy to discuss these with you.

During the pandemic, I am doing everything I can to ensure I can continue to provide counselling and psychotherapy services safely.

Remote Sessions

If you are unable to attend my counselling office in person, for any reason, I am happy to offer remote sessions via online video chat (zoom).

In Person

I am able to provide in person sessions at my office in Worcester Park. If you are currently attending sessions in person and either you, or anyone in your household, develops symptoms of COVID-19, please contact me to arrange a remote session. If I, or anyone in my household, develops symptoms I will contact you to discuss further.

Below are the safety precautions I am taking.

Government Guidelines

I am following all the relevant guidelines, both nationally and locally. Should the advice changes, this may result in short notice changes to my practice.

Safety Procedures

I sanitise the counselling room between each client. All soft furnishings are sprayed with anti-bacterial spray and all hard surfaces are cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes. I frequently wash my hands.

Social Distancing

I have set up my room to allow for social distancing in the counselling room. This means there is a space of over 2 meters between the chairs. In addition, there are two large windows that can be opened for ventilation.

Face Coverings

As per the Government advice, face coverings are required when entering and leaving the counselling room. Once we are seated, your face covering may be removed as we will be able to maintain social distancing for the duration of the session.

COVID Agreement

If you decide to attend the office in person, I will ask you to sign a COVID agreement to show you are aware of the procedures I am following and that you agree to the conditions under which in person sessions are offered.

Willow Tree Counselling is featured in this month’s edition of Borough Business Magazine (Issue 17 – summer 2020). In the ‘Ask the Expert’ feature, Lindsay Roadnight talks about how business can help staff adapt to changes brought about by the COVID-19 crisis.

You can read a digital version of the article here (page 21).

If you’d like to know about how counselling could help support you or your employees, drop us an email.