Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment?

Send me an email, a WhatsApp, an SMS or give me a call. 

Availability

 I am able to offer flexible appointments, including early mornings, weekends and evenings.   (Please note that early mornings, evenings and weekends are charged at £45 per 50-minute session). 

Do you offer concessionary rates?

I pride myself on offering affordable counselling. However, I may be able to offer concessionary rates to students, or those on a low income.    (Please see fees and cancellation page).

As a BACP member, I can counsel a student member of the BACP.

How many sessions will I need? 

It is impossible to predict how many sessions you will require, but we can discuss this at our first meeting. I offer long-term, short term or one-off sessions depending on your requirements. 

Will you notify my doctor?

I have strict rules that protect your confidentiality. I will not discuss our work with anyone (other than in my clinical supervision where your name will not be disclosed).

This means that I will not tell your doctor about your counselling as a matter of course. However, If you want me to write to them, we will discuss this in session beforehand. If your health (physical or mental) appears to need intervention from your doctor (in rare circumstances) I may request your permission to write to them, but we will discuss this in session before I do so. So, as a general rule, your doctor will not be aware that you are receiving therapy from me. My counselling practice is independent of NHS primary care services. It is important that you feel safe and that you can say anything when we are in session.

Do I need counselling? 

We are all unique, and there is no sliding scale of needing counselling, everyone has their own pain and discomfort.  Do you feel there are things you might like to talk through? 

Confidentiality

 I take your confidentiality very seriously, and this will be discussed in detail at our assessment session before you tell me any personal information.

If there are other questions you might have, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Suzanne.Wood-Simmons@outlook.com 

07827 467058