Heather Clunie
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you charge?
Sessions cost £50.
You can pay by bank transfer or PayPal.
How long will counselling last?
Sessions are 50 minutes long and we would normally meet once a week for at least the first few sessions.
Everyone is different, so it can be hard to say straight away how many sessions you will need or want. We will agree in our first session how many you would like and can review this throughout.
I recommend meeting weekly to start with, but we will find what works for you as an individual. I work both short and long term, and can talk this through with you when we make an appointment.
What will happen on a first session?
Starting counselling can feel like big step and sometimes it can help to know what to expect from the first session.
The first time we meet can be used to get to know each other a little better and to find out if we are both comfortable working together. We can use this time to decide if I am the right counsellor for you.
We will go over a counselling agreement which outlines what we can expect from each other and the practical details of counselling including confidentiality and cancellations.
I like to learn a bit about you and what led you to counselling. This is so that I can start to get an understanding of what you hope to gain from the sessions.
Together we can decide what you would like to focus on and how many (if any) more sessions you would like. At no point are you under any obligation to arrange more sessions.
How do you work?
I work primarily as a person-centred counsellor. This means that I believe you are the expert on yourself. I will listen to you with empathy and without judgement, and offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in reflection. I rarely offer advice, instead I will work with you to help you figure out how you feel and what the best way forward is for you. At times I may offer suggestions that originate from other theoretical bases if I feel they may help. However, these are suggestions only and you are under no pressure to accept them.
I aim to create a safe space for you to explore what you choose, at your own pace. I strongly believe that you have the capacity to grow and develop. I trust that you know yourself best, and that given the right environment and support you can find ways forward.
I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and abide by their ethical guidelines. If you are interested in finding out more about person-centred counselling, follow this link to the BAPCA (British Association for the Person Centred Approach).
Where are you based?
I am based in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK.
I am currently offering telephone and zoom sessions.
Is what I say confidential?
Largely what you say is confidential. However, if I feel that you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, I would have to tell someone such as your GP about that. I would usually hope to speak to you before I did.
When we first meet we can discuss confidentiality in more detail and you can ask any questions you may have.
How do I know your qualifications are valid?
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (BACP). My registration means that the BACP have checked my qualifications meet their standards of training and experience. Please click here to go to the BACP Register. It also means that I abide by their ethical guidelines. Please follow this link to the BACP website for a copy.
Are you working in person?
Unfortunately I am not currently working in person. I am however, offering zoom and telephone sessions.
How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me?
It can feel like a big step to start counselling and it is important to make sure that we are both comfortable and happy to work with each other. So please do feel free to book a free 15 minute consultation call or email and we can talk through any questions you may have.
Carl Rogers
'...the curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.'