Julia Perkins MBACP
BA (Hons)
Dip.Couns
Relate Trained (L5 CPCAB)
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I make an initial enquiry?
I will contact you within 48 hours and arrange to have a free 15 minute phone or online Zoom conversation to briefly discuss your needs, and assess the best way forward to help you.
This means that before committing to any further sessions, you will be able to ask me any questions you have. This will also give us an opportunity to see if we feel comfortable to work together as being able to build a trusting counselling relationship is very important for positive therapeutic outcome.
If you decide you would like to go ahead, we will agree a regular day and time for ongoing sessions, and decide if these will be online via Zoom or phone.
How do you deliver therapy?
Online Counselling via Zoom or Phone.
I am based in Kingston Upon Thames in Surrey and am working online or via phone, so am now able to offer my services both nationally and internationally. I have undertaken additional training in working ‘remotely’ and have much experience of counselling this way.
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How long is a therapy session?
Individual session - 50 minutes
Couples session- 50 minutes
Frequency of sessions?
Sessions are usually weekly, especially in short term therapy or in the initial stages of long-term work. However, fortnightly is sometimes considered appropriate too depending on need, so please feel free to discuss this with me.
Going forward, I also offer less frequent catch-up/refresher sessions for some Clients once an initial course of therapy has been undertaken. This can be helpful for those that feel they would benefit from being able to still ‘touch base’ again on a regular, but more occasional basis. I believe in adopting a flexible approach that puts the needs of the Client uppermost.
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What happens if I miss a session?
It is politely requested that you give as much notice of absence as possible please -and a minimum of 24 hours notice is required otherwise payment will still be due, except in the case of emergency or unexpected circumstances.
Advance notice of holidays is requested please.
How much do you charge?
Initial Contact-15 min phone call
Free
Individuals
£70 per session
Couples
£85 per session
Concessions/reduced fees offered for low earners, students and trainee counsellors -I have a certain number of sessions set aside for these-please enquire about session availability and negotiable rates.
How do I make a payment?
The payment for each session is required in full please, via BACS transfer, either before or on day of session.
How many sessions will I need?
This is entirely up to you and depends on your particular presenting needs and the course of the therapeutic process. There is no ‘usual amount’, and I offer both more specifically goal-orientated short term counselling as well as more in depth long-term therapy. Counselling can be as brief as 6 sessions or continue for months or even years. I will regularly review progress with you. You may begin with weekly sessions; and later decide you would prefer to continue less frequently, this can be arranged.
You are free to end therapy at any point or continue for as long as you wish. You may also decide to take a break from therapy and return at a later date- this can also be accommodated. As stated above, I believe in adopting a flexible approach that puts the needs of the Client uppermost.
You say you’re a Registered Member of the BACP-what does that mean?
The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) is the leading professional body for setting and maintaining standards, regulating and accrediting practitioners in the UK. The BACP Register is a public record of counsellors and psychotherapists who demonstrate high standards of proficiency, professionalism and ethical practice; required quality standards cover training, supervision, and continuing professional development.
It was the first psychological therapists' register to be accredited under the Professional Standards Authority's accredited register programme. This government-backed scheme aims to protect the public by helping them to choose health and care professionals who are competent and trustworthy.
Being accepted as a member of the BACP means that I have attained a level of approved training and been assessed by them as ‘proficient to practise’. As a registered counsellor, I abide by their Ethical Framework which ensures that I provide you with a professional, competent, informed and ethical service.
If you have any questions about counselling or psychotherapy which I have not addressed here, please just type your query into the contact form on this website and I’ll be very happy to provide you with an answer.