Lifeworks Therapy Lounge

Counselling, Psychotherapy and Clinical Supervision in Astley, Greater Manchester

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long will therapy take?

The number of sessions needed varies depending on the issues or concerns a client wishes to explore. For some, a single session is enough, but a realistic average is 10-12 sessions. There is, however, no limit and the decision is really down to you, or us, to decide together. After approximately 6 sessions, or so, I will review with you if therapy is still proving beneficial for you and that we are progressing toward your desired outcome.

Why do people go to therapy?

People seek counselling & psychotherapy for all sorts of reasons. For example, you may feel you want to talk to somebody in confidence about a personal issue, or to change patterns of unhelpful thoughts or behaviours. Our initial appointment is to determine whether a therapeutic relationship is developed between us and that you are happy to work on your issues with me.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

No, unfortunately I do not offer a sliding scale, however if you would like to contact me to discuss your situation, please get in touch.

What if I cannot make it to a session? What is your cancellation policy?

I would ask you to provide me with as much cancellation notice as possible. You can rearrange or cancel appointments up to 24 hours without incurring any fee before the appointment time. If you are unable to give 24 hours’ notice or you miss the session without giving notice, payment for a full session will be incurred. If you are unable to visit the office, for example due to travel or weather conditions, I will be available for an online session or will be happy to reschedule.

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

I may keep brief notes from our sessions, and these will be stored in accordance with GDPR regulations (2018). The content of your sessions will remain confidential within Lifeworks Therapy Lounge. I may also discuss our work together with my clinical supervisor; however he/she will not be able to identify you. There may also be times when I will need to share information about your sessions with appropriate people, which may mean breaching your confidentiality. For example, if what you share indicates that there is clear and imminent risk of harm to yourself or another. Or you have explicitly consented for me to do so. Or if there is a legal obligation for me to do so. If I feel there is a need to breach your confidentiality, I will always seek your consent first. However, there are times when this may not be possible. I appreciate that this may feel very scary to you, however, please be assured that this situation is rare, and I am more than happy to answer any questions that you may have about this.

What if I don’t want to talk about something?

You are under no pressure to speak about anything you don’t wish to disclose. These are your sessions, and you can go at whatever pace you like. It may well be that you just require a little further time. If you choose never to speak of something, that is your choice, however, I would ask you to consider why you may be choosing to withhold something and whether this is truly beneficial for you.

When can we have a session?

After your initial enquiry, via text, telephone or via email, we will arrange a mutually convenient time for a free 10 -15 minute telephone conversation. Following a brief chat, I will ask if you wish to book an initial session. I currently work on Fridays.

How will I schedule my appointments?

After the initial session, I will leave you to consider if therapy is right for you at this time, and will not put any pressure on you to make that decision right away. If you decide to go ahead, then contact me to arrange a further session, we will then book in at a mutually agreeable time for us both. From there on, we can book sessions as we go along.

What are your qualifications?
  • MA Counselling – University of Manchester.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapies – University of Bolton.
  • BSc.(Hons) Psychology – The Open University.
  • Foundation Year in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy – Leeds University.
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling – Salford University.
  • Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling – Counselling Tutor.
  • Certificate in Supervision – Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy.
  • Rewind Training – Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Merseyside.
  • EMDR – EMDR Masterclass.
  • Accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
  • Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
What about ethical practice?

There are various professional bodies (also known as member organisations) in existence that have taken on the role of self-regulation of counselling/psychotherapy. Whilst counsellors and psychotherapists are under no legal obligation to become a member of a professional body, membership will mean they have met certain requirements set by their professional body and must abide by a code of ethics and complaints procedure. I am a member of a variety of these organisations (BACP & BPS) and abide by the Codes of Ethics of each. This means that you can be assured of a high standard of practice.

I also carry Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance. I regularly undertake individual supervision, and to the prescribed levels recommended by the various bodies to which I am a member. I also participate in on-going personal and professional development.

Do you work with any insurance providers?

Yes, currently I have agreements with AVIVA, AXA PPP & WPA Insurance. I also work with Health Assured which is an employers assistance programme (EAP).

How do I pay?

Payment is due, via bank transfer, prior to sessions.

Anything else? Please just ask.