Is counselling right for me? 

Anyone can come to counselling. Whatever we bring, we can all benefit when we can sit down with someone we trust and confidentially share our worries, problems, thoughts and struggles. 

We all have times in our lives when things get tough, we can all struggle. Emotional and mental health difficulties can affect anyone at any time. 

No matter what your personal situation or difficulties, I welcome the opportunity to hear your story. 

How often do I need to come to counselling and how many sessions will I need?

In nearly all circumstances, weekly counselling is the most effective. It helps us get to the heart of the challenges you would like to address, and supports connection, trust, continuity, and more genuine progress. However, towards the end of therapy, or to meet the individual needs of my clients, I can consider more flexible working. 

I am able to provide short, medium and long-term therapy. What is most helpful to you is most important, and is something we can discuss when we begin working together and throughout our therapy. Having said that, I recommend a minimum of six sessions, to help find the most benefit from the work we do.

What will we talk about?

I am a person-centred counsellor, this means that our time together is yours, we will only talk about what you choose to talk about, and we will only delve as deeply into the issues as you feel comfortable with. I believe that we each have what we need for change and personal growth already within us, I can support you on your unique journey. 

Is counselling confidential?

Gail Ann Counselling has strict privacy and confidentiality policies, and it is my priority to uphold your right to confidentiality. I will not share any content from our sessions with any outside party. However, if you disclose that either you or others are at risk of harm I will be ethically or legally bound to share the information with an appropriate agency. I will only do this in extreme circumstances and will always endeavour to discuss this with you beforehand.

Will my information be private?

Gail Ann Counselling has strict privacy and data protection policies concerning all information I hold about you. 

These policies are guided and upheld by The Data Protection Act 2018, which ensures that I look after all information which you have disclosed to me appropriately. GAC is registered with ICO.

I request and hold information including:

Your first name

Your family name/surname 

Your home address

Your telephone numbers

Your email address

Your date of birth

Your GP’s name and address

I will also ask for information concerning your:

Gender 

Marital status

Physical and mental health conditions and medications

Previous counselling received

Substance use

Risk factors (Self-harm? Thoughts of suicide?)

This information will help me to:

Maintain accurate records

Uphold my commitment to the BCAP’s Ethical Framework 

Respond to enquiries you may make

Protect you and other people and maintain safeguarding responsibilities

Maintain professional standards and boundaries

I understand that your personal information is valuable and private, and I will process, keep and use your information securely and confidentially. I will not share your information unless I have your consent or when legally required to do so. 

What if I want to talk to someone but I cannot travel to attend counselling?

At Gail Ann Counselling, I like to work with clients in person, however, I also work online locally and nationally. Clients share that they find this type of therapy incredibly helpful. 

All are bound by strict confidentiality and data protection policies. 

How do I find you?

My dedicated counselling room is in the centre of Bodmin town, it is easy to find, with nearby parking available. 

How do I pay you? Do you offer any discounts?

The fee is £45.00 per session, and each session is for one hour. I offer a limited number of discounts to certain groups. These groups include those under 25 years of age, counselling and psychotherapy students, and those working in farming and agricultural businesses. Please ask if you feel this may be relevant to you.

I send an invoice prior to each session and ask that payment be made via bank transfer at least 24 hours before we meet. The payment details are included in our initial contract.