Please note, I currently have no available appointments.  If you would like to be referred on, or to go on my waiting list, please contact me.  Warmly, Lynda

Questions and Fees

I remember having lots of questions, pop into my head when I was thinking of contacting a counsellor - including about fees.  Ive answered some commonly asked questions for you here - but if you have a burning question that isn't answered, please do contact me.  No question is too silly!  Just click on a question below to see the answer.

What Are Your Fees?

£65 for 60 minutes / 1 hour

£97.50 for 90 minutes / 1 ½ hours

£130 for 120 minutes / 2 hours

Please note that I provide a full hour/60 minutes of therapy, and not the more standard 50 minutes.

At the start of your therapy, payment is made in advance, to reserve your appointment.  You will then receive an invoice on the Monday prior to your appointments for the next session.

Please pay prior to your session, by bank transfer.

Read on for the answers to more questions.

How Can I Reach You?

Using the contact page on the website

By phone, WhatsApp messenger, or text:
07503 704482

By email: hello@lyndabritchford.com

You can contact me using the above details if you have any questions that arent answered on this page.

I Cant Make It To A Session.  What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

I have a standard cancellation policy – cancellations with at least 24hrs notice will not be charged. Eg, if your appointment is at 3pm Wednesday, please cancel by 3pm Tuesday.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the normal rate.
If we are able to reschedule your appointment at a mutually agreeable day and time within the same calendar week, no additional fee will be necessary.

Please be aware that while I will try and accommodate this if I can, it is unlikely due to other client appointments. If I am unable to reschedule with less than 24hrs notice, I will ask for the full fee to be paid. Your therapy session is a space that is reserved for you. If you dont attend, I will have still prepared for your session and will use the time to hold you in mind, and reflect upon your therapeutic process and journey.

Does Therapy Take A Long Time?

There is no simple answer to this, though its a commonly asked question. Some people find a short course of therapy (6-12 weeks) is enough to resolve whatever is troubling them. Other people benefit from, and choose, long term therapy. This is something we will check out together and is dependent on what you feel you need. I see many clients long term if that is what they choose. You are free to end therapy whenever you would like.

 

Im Unsure What We Will Talk About?

We will talk about whatever you want to. The therapy session is guided by you, and what you bring to therapy. (I won't ever tell you what to talk about or set the agenda). Sometimes it takes a while for people to build up to talking about what is troubling them, and thats okay, its normal.

Often people will talk about more minor difficulties, whilst building up the trust and relationship to talk about the more private stuff troubling them. Sometimes people also sit quietly for periods in therapy, and thats okay too. The time is yours, however you would like to use it.

Is My Therapy Session Confidential?

Yes, everything you talk about in the therapy room is confidential. The only time this changes is:

If you disclose that you will cause serious harm to yourself or to another person.

If I/we believe a child or protected adult is at risk of harm or abuse.

If the courts instruct me to give information.

If you share information about a proposed act of terrorism or other illegal act.

I am also required by my professional bodies (NCS, UKCP), to have clinical supervision, where cases are discussed. I will not use any details which could identify you.  

You can find out more about privacy and my website privacy and cookies here.

If you come for therapy, you will also be given information about how your privacy is protected by me.  If you have further questions or concerns about confidentiality, please do get in touch.

 

When Can We Have Sessions?

I am pretty flexible and offer both daytime, and early evening sessions - we will arrange sessions to suit your schedule.  

Im Late For A Session, What Happens Now?

Sometimes unforeseen circumstances happen, and we are late, it happens to us all. However it is important to plan so that you get the most out of your session, by arriving on time.

I will always need to close the session at the allotted time, as there may be other clients booked in after your session. If you are late arriving, I will contact you 10 minutes after the start of your session to enquire after your wellbeing.

Will I Need To Come Every Week?

To gain the most benefit from counselling, it is usually recommended to have weekly sessions. Sometimes as counselling progresses towards the end of our time together, we can agree to reduce sessions to fortnightly, as part of a planned closure.

Some people find hourly sessions aren't long enough for varying reasons, and prefer longer sessions fortnightly. This is something we can explore together if you think this would be preferable to you.

Ultimately, this is your time and your therapy, and we will explore what works best for you, to get the most from your therapy.

Do My Problems Have To Be Really Bad To Come To Counselling?

Not at all. People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons, including just generally feeling a bit 'lost' and unsure of themselves, or a bit 'flat' and low in mood.


If its important enough to you, that you feel you need support - then counselling may help.

Is Therapy Is Right For Me?

Is there something specific troubling you which you don’t feel able to get support from friends or family for? Are you feeling low, lost, or that you don’t have a sense of purpose in life? You know something feels wrong, but cant put your finger on what it is?

The joy of therapy is that it gives YOU time for YOU. Time where you can explore whats going on for you, in a space that is calm, kind and non judgemental – and most of all, confidential.

What you say in therapy, stays in therapy. You have the freedom to express yourself without worrying about the feelings of friends or relatives, and the space to explore your thoughts, feelings and needs, whilst really being heard.

I Don't Feel I Have A Major Problem - Can I Still Benefit From Therapy?

People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons, including just generally feeling a bit ‘lost’ and unsure of themselves, or a bit ‘flat’ and low in mood. If its important enough to you, that you feel you need support – then therapy is likely to help.

It doesn't have to be a big traumatic event, or major depression or anxiety. Sometimes people just need some space to figure out what they want and where they are headed in life.

What If I Don't Want To Talk About Stuff?

Thats okay. You bring to therapy what you want to talk about. Often if something is difficult or traumatic to talk about, it takes people time to feel able to do so. I will never make you talk about something.

You can find out more information here.

Will You Think I'm Crazy?

This question isn't often directly asked, but I sense it can be an anxiety you might have when starting therapy.  I can reassure you that while people who attend therapy may sometimes feel that they are going crazy, I will not make that judgement of you.

I Question Whether Therapy Will  Work For Me?

If you find that the therapy isn't helpful to you, either because of the style of therapy, or mix of personalities, you are free to end therapy whenever you wish. All I ask is that you give me notice, so that we can end the therapy positively, and I can signpost you to other support services if you would like them.

I have a good network of therapy colleagues who specialise in different areas, and I will be happy to support you to find the right therapist for you. It is important to me, that your experience of therapy is a positive one which meets your individual needs.

Please Let Me Know How I Get Started?

If you would like to explore whether we can work together, please do Call, WhatsApp message, text or email me - whichever feels easier for you.

I aim to respond to all contacts within 48hrs. Please let me know how you would like me to respond, eg via call, text or email, and I will be in touch. We can then arrange a free 15 minute introductory call to explore your needs. 

This gives us the opportunity to answer any questions you may have, and see if I am the right person to work with you. There is no commitment to begin therapy, and it may be that I refer you to another therapist in my network who I feel would be more suited to you. 

The most important thing is that you have therapy with someone you feel connected to and supported by, and who has the appropriate skills to meet your needs.

Can You Work With Children?

At the moment, I work with people over the age of 18yrs.

However I have a network of appropriately qualified colleagues who work with children, and I will be happy to connect you with them if necessary.



Do Sessions Have To Be At The Same Time?

It helps most people if this is the case – it gives consistency and reliability, which most people prefer. However if for example you are a shift worker, or have lots of commitments, we can discuss working around those to meet your needs.


How Many Sessions Will I Need To Have?

I cant answer that one easily - it depends on the individual, and the difficulties they are experiencing. So this is something that will be discussed with each client on an individual basis - we can talk about this at the start of your counselling and agree a plan.

Some people find a short course of 6-12 sessions is enough, others benefit from long term or open ended counselling.

Is It Okay To Book Counselling For My Friend/Partner/Relative?

It can be really difficult when you see a friend or relative in difficulties and you think counselling may help them. Perhaps this is a conversation you could have with them, and suggest they have a look online to find out more - sites like the National Counselling Society, UK Council for Psychotherapy, and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, are good places to start.  Directories such as the Counselling Directory, and Harley Therapy can also be helpful.

Its important that the person themselves take that first step in contacting me. They can do this via my website, by email, or phone.

I Have A Question About Diversity & Inclusivity.

If you have worries or a question about diversity, inclusivity, and your needs - or my values, please do get in touch here.  I am happy to have a conversation with you, and hear your concerns or experiences.


My Question Isn't Answered Here....

If you have a question which isn't answered here, I hope you feel able to make contact with me, and I will respond within 48hrs.  You can connect with me here.


Please do make contact if you have any more questions about therapy or fees.  I look forward to connecting with you.