FAQs

How long will counselling / psychotherapy take overall? + -

Each person has different counselling /psychotherapy needs. Some people benefit from just a few sessions while others may need to continue for longer. I offer short and long-term work depending on your individual needs. At our first meeting, we can discuss this and as therapy progresses review your situation at regular intervals.

Who is counselling / psychotherapy for? OR Who is therapy for? + -

Counselling and psychotherapy is for anyone who feels they might benefit from talking to a professional therapist about the problems they are facing.

Early intervention is key to feeling better about ourselves sooner, as often issues escalate into bigger issues without help and support.

What issues do we help with? + -

We cover most issues including : anxiety, Anger Management, Behavioural Issues, Bereavement, Career Guidance, Chronic Illness, Coping Skills, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Panic attacks, Peer Relationships, lack of relationship, Relationship Issues, Stress, Divorce, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Infidelity, Life Transitions, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma, Women's Issues

How will counselling / psychotherapy work? + -

Initially we will have a free no-obligations 30 min confidential consultation on Zoom, in which we discuss your reasons for thinking about starting therapy and what you wish to achieve from it. This session also gives us both the opportunity to assess if we are the right fit and if you feel comfortable enough to open share what’s going on for you. You will also have the opportunity to ask any other questions you may have.

Policies & Procedures

Cancellation Policy + -
  • Over 48 hours’ notice full refund,
  • between 48 hours and 24 hours notice 50% refund,
  • less than 24 hours’ notice no refund.
Client-therapist contract + -

This is an agreement between you and your therapist that sets out the terms upon which counselling is offered.

Terms and Conditions + -

Terms of this agreement are set out below.  These will be updated from time to time to reflect best practice, adherence to the BACP code of ethics and any legislative changes.

  1. Ruth is a member of BACP and adheres to their ethical code of practice.
  2. Ruth will share information deemed necessary for proper supervision and support (this may be in the form of individual or group supervision). Your anonymity will be maintained at all times.
  3. What you discuss with Ruth will remain confidential unless:
    • it is believed you may be at risk of harm or may cause harm to others.
    • she is required to provide information to those with the appropriate legal authority and justification, e.g., a police investigation or court of law.
  4. Ruth will make notes of the session. You can ask to see notes made about you. The notes:
    • will be kept confidential and stored securely.
    • will not be shared with any person except as detailed in the paragraph 2 and 3 above. Where possible, only relevant extracts of the notes will be shared.
    • will be destroyed five years after the date of the last session.
  5. If Ruth is concerned about your welfare, she will discuss this with you and help you identify what additional support you may need.
  6. It is your responsibility to check any information given by Ruth with other parties and professionals working with you, including relevant medical practitioners, legal advisors, social workers, Social Services departments, Health Authorities or other responsible person or agency working with you.
  7. Ruth will not advise you regarding any decisions you are taking.  These are your responsibility.
  8. Fees must be paid at the time of booking.
  9. You and Ruth have the right to terminate this agreement by giving at least one full week’s notice in writing. Termination of the agreement will not release Ruth from the terms relating to confidentiality contained in this agreement.
  10. We hope you will be delighted with the service we provide.  However, if you have a complaint, please contact Ruth Juster and she will work with you to resolve it.