Here are some frequently asked questions about coming to counselling and psychotherapy. If however, you can't find the answer to your question, then please do contact me.
How long is an appointment?
Initially I offer a free telephone or video call for you to get a sense of me, to talk through the therapy process, what you would like to achieve from therapy, whether we are able to achieve this together and ask any questions you may have about psychotherapy, transactional analysis or me. There is no pressure to book an appointment at the end of this call. You are welcome to take some time to think about it if you need to. This will take about 15 - 20 minutes.
If we decide to work together then therapy sessions will last 60 minutes.
How long will therapy take?
This is a common question and there is no easy answer. It takes as long as it takes. Everyone is different. I offer both short term and long term therapy. You can continue therapy for as long as you like and we can agree when to end therapy. If you wish to end therapy earlier than we have agreed, please give 2 sessions notice to allow for a closure session.
You can also return to therapy if you wish to.
What are your fees?
Sessions are £50 per hour for individual therapy. For couples the fee is £70 per 90 minute session. Payment is required in advance to reserve your session time. You can pay by cash or bank transfer. I offer a number of spaces at a reduced rate for full time students. If reduced rate therapy is of interest, please contact me to discuss this further.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by contacting me on 07895 407159 or by emailing me hello@sharonbakerwellbeing.co.uk
What is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to attend your session, please let me know either by phone, text or email within 48 hours of your session. Cancellations made with 48 hours notice will not be charged. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice will be charged at the normal rate.
How does online therapy work?
I use an online platform called WriteUpp for video consultations. This is easy to use and doesn’t require you to download any apps. You will need an internet connection and a space where you will not be disturbed or overheard for the duration of our session. It’s also a good idea to have a drink of water and perhaps some tissues with you.
You will be sent an email with a link to your appointment about 15 minutes before the session is due to start. Once you click on the link, you will be taken to the “meeting room” online. You will be sent a text message to your mobile phone with a passcode to enter the room. Once you have done this and selected that you are ready to begin your appointment, I will start the session.
Details on what data and how your data is stored on this platform is contained within my GDPR policy here. .
If you have any questions about online working, please do not hesitate to ask me.
Will what I talk about in a session remain confidential?
I will not tell anyone what we talk about in session except in the context of my professional supervision and training. I will involve a third party when legally required and to maintain the safety of yourself or another person, for example, if I thought you were in danger of harming yourself or another person, if requesting by a Court of Law or in the disclosure of tax evasion or terrorist plans. I will endeavour to negotiate with you regarding the involvement of a third party.
You can read my General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Privacy policy here.
What will we talk about it a session?
We will talk about whatever is helpful for you. It is useful to think about what is on your mind before each session. You may wish to discuss past events or memories or something which is currently happening. Difficult experiences are oft​en very hard to talk about. If you do not want to discuss specific details or events, that's absolutely fine, you don't have to.
