Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions which I hope help you to make an informed decision. Each of us is an individual, but if this general information does not answer your requirements or if you need further assistance please contact me direct, I will be delighted to help you.
What services do I offer?
I offer 50 minute face to face sessions. This is time for you to talk about whatever it is that you feel the need to say out loud. I do not diagnose, but I am here to listen, reflect, and enable you to gain some clarity and perspective on whatever it is you wish to bring.
If mobility is an issue, I can offer home visits, however, this is dependant upon where and would be in discussion with you. We would need to have somewhere with no distractions or interruptions to ensure privacy and full confidentiality. This includes being away from any members of the household. These are 50 minute sessions.
Online sessions are offered too, I will email a secure link for you to join at an agreed time. As a client you need to ensure that you are somewhere where you feel safe to talk freely and without distractions. These are 50 minute sessions.
Walking therapy – this can be organised on an individual basis. As before these are of 50 minute duration.
Where are the face to face sessions held?
One option I can offer is a beautiful counselling room at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne on Saturday mornings – other days may be available. It has the advantage of good parking, an onsite café and a welcoming smile at their front desk. Importantly, it means that the hospice receives a small financial contribution (from me) to their coffers. Full disclosure, I am also a volunteer bereavement counsellor there. This does not limit me to bereavement counselling, but enables me to offer a peaceful and friendly environment in which you can speak and be heard about anything that is troubling you. If Eastbourne is unsuitable, I have access to rooms in Lewes and Seaford which can be arranged to mutually suit us both on other days.
When are the sessions?
Please call to discuss times and dates, whether face to face, online, a home visit or walking.
Do you provide free consultations?
If you are uncertain if counselling is for you, or whether I am the right person for you, I may offer a free first session so we can get a feel for how we will work together. After that, my usual rates would apply.
How can I book?
Email: info@jillybyfordcounsellor.co.uk or you can contact me via phone/text or WhatsApp – 07949 310 224.
What is the cost?
Session are of 50 minutes duration and cost £50 per session.
Counselling is an enriching and beneficial thing which I understand not everyone can afford, with that in mind I do offer a limited number of sessions at a reduced cost, which can be discussed on an individual basis.
How do I pay?
Ideally all payments are made via BACs before each session. With agreement, cash and cheques are accepted too.
What is the cancellation policy?
Situations arise and life can get in the way, so of course I understand if you need to cancel or rearrange a session. I would ask for a minimum of 24 hours notice so we can arrange an alternative session. If it is less than 24 hours I reserve the right to a full cancellation fee.
This works both ways, if I needed to cancel I would endeavour to give you as much notice as possible and offer a mutually convenient alternative time, or refund the cancelled sessions fee if less than 24 hours notice given.
Data Protection
Brief factual records of client sessions are made and stored with full confidentially. They do not have the client’s name on them. These are not shared with anyone.
As part of my own mental wellbeing in personal practice, if and when issues arise these may be discussed in supervision, but client names are not used. My supervisor, like me is held to the same high ethical and confidential regulations all BACP accredited counsellors adhere to. In an incredibly rare event, a court of law could issue a subpoena, but this would be a highly unlikely situation.
All information is held in adherence to GDPR regulations. Clients have the right to see their notes. If at the end of our sessions, if a client would like them deleted, this can be arranged (it is usual to keep records for up to 5 years).
Safeguarding
If I feel there are safeguarding issues I would not contact any health professional such as a GP about a client without their prior consent – unless it is judged that the client is at serious risk of harming themselves or someone else. In this case, I reserve the right to break confidentiality, but I would endeavour to discuss this at the time with the client. If a client reveals that someone else’s safety is at risk from a third party, I will encourage and support the client to report to the relevant authority. If the client declines, I reserve the right to break confidentiality.
Ethical considerations
As a Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, I am bound by the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I am required to have regular supervision in order to maintain good clinical practice, putting the care and safety of clients first. Details about clients may be discussed with the supervisor, who is also bound by the principle of confidentiality. Clients are not identified by name.
To support working in a safe environment I ask that clients attend each session free from the effects or influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. Should this happen, I reserve the right, in accordance with the ethical framework, to end the session if it has already started and contact the client again after the session when we will agree another date to meet. Please note should the session be cancelled due to the above, the session will still be charged.