
1) What kind of therapy do you offer? My therapy is simple yet effective: we chat to build up rapport and I listen carefully to understand you and gather information; if appropriate, I will help you set realistic and achievable goals for yourself – you choose how to accomplish this using your own resources; I will share and rehearse skills with you to enable you to move forward with your life; we will move forward at a pace that suits you and at no time should there be any pressure on you to say or do anything with which you feel uncomfortable.
I offer a wide variety of psychological approaches to suit the client. From humanistic to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques; mindfulness to solution-focused therapy. For explanations of these approaches and others please follow this link. I am also a registered member of the Human Givens Institute (MHGI) and I practise Human Givens therapy which considers those resources within all human beings that can effectively help us to meet our physical and emotional needs.
2) How many appointments do people need? This depends on the issue brought to therapy but I am committed to helping you in as few sessions as possible for long-lasting results. Sometimes this can be as little as one session, but as a general guide I see clients for between 2 and 8 sessions. I can also offer long-term therapy if needed. Appointments can be weekly, fortnightly or tailored to fit your own schedule and the therapy required.
3) Where and when will the therapy take place? I have a dedicated therapy room which is private, warm and comfortable. It is located in Carway, Carmarthenshire which is easily accessible from Swansea, Pembrokeshire and the M4. When you book your first appointment I will give you detailed directions. I also offer a limited number of local home visits (please ask for details). I can offer appointments on Monday (morning and afternoon), Tuesday evening, Thursday (morning and afternoon), and Saturday morning. We can discuss a suitable appointment during the initial consultation.
4) How will the therapy take place? I highly recommend that therapy is carried out face-to-face but I do realise that for some people this can be difficult. I can offer therapy remotely via the internet and a webcam, and also telephone – however this will be subject to an initial assessment because some psychological issues are best handled face-to-face. I also offer a limited number of home visits subject to consultation.
5) How much will it cost? Private individual therapy sessions cost £40 for 50-60 minutes. This is payable by cash, cheque or bank transfer on the day or in advance for all modes of therapy.
Employee assistance programmes (EAP), counselling organisations, charities, private health insurance – please contact me to discuss the session fee.
6) How do I pay? For face-to-face therapy, payment will be expected at the start of the session. For remote therapy, payment will be taken in advance of the session (details will be given).
7) What if I need to cancel? Please let me know as soon as possible by telephone, text or email. Cancellations within 24 hours of your appointment may have to be charged in full or incur an admin charge depending on the circumstances.
8) Are you qualified to offer psychotherapy and counselling? Yes. I studied and passed with distinction a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited Foundation Degree in Counselling at the University of Wales Trinity St David and Coleg Sir Gâr in South Wales, UK. I have also studied and passed with distinction the Human Givens Diploma in Psychotherapy – which is a highly prestigious and world renowned course of therapy training – and I am a Registered Member of the Human Givens Institute. In September 2017, I passed my Human Givens post graduate diploma giving me recognition as a Human Givens Therapeutic Practitioner. I have also attended many training courses (see ‘about me’) which add to my practice. I also hold a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Psychology (University of Derby) which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPsS).
9) Are you qualified to supervise? Yes. I hold the Post Graduate Diploma in Consultative Supervision from the University of South Wales (Newport).
10) What can you help me with? I can help with many psychological issues – please refer to ‘What I can offer’. Sometimes people find it difficult to pinpoint an exact cause for psychological issues so we can discuss this and tailor therapy to suit.
11) Will my details be kept confidential? Yes. All information will be stored securely in accordance with the data protection act and GDPR 2018. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office – registration number ZA136069 – and adhere to their rules and guidance. All client identifiable information will be separated from any notes taken during sessions and will be anonymised.
12) Could you tell me about your discount for those working in the emergency services, armed services and veterans? A discount will be applied to self-referred clients who belong to any of the emergency services (police, ambulance, paramedics, fire service, coast guard), armed services (army, navy, RAF, etc.) and veterans. Proof of employment or status must be provided. There is a limited amount of discount places available per week which may mean a delay in accessing therapy – I will be able to give you an idea of wait times when you contact me. Harbour Light Therapy reserves the right to apply or not apply the discount dependent on circumstances.
13) Do you offer concessionary rates? Yes. I do offer a limited amount of concessionary places. These would generally be given to someone on low or no income. Please contact me to discuss your circumstances and we can work out an affordable rate.
13) Can I stop therapy? Yes at any time. (See notes above on cancellations)