Question 1

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

£45 for a 50 minute session.

Question 2

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

My client appointment hours are:
 
Mon 1pm - 9pm
Tue 1pm - 9pm
Wed - Closed
Thur 1pm - 9pm
Fri 1pm - 5pm

Question 3

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Adults

Question 4

What can you help me with?

Accepted Answer

An example of some of the things I can support you through:
 
Depression
Anxiety
Self-esteem/Confidence
Feeling sad
Trauma
Stress
 
If you're not sure or your issue isn't listed, please do still get in touch. If I cannot support you, I can sign post you to someone who can.

Question 5

How many sessions do I need to have?

Accepted Answer

This will vary for every individual depending on the issue/s you are wanting to work on. We can discuss this further in the first session. 
Ultimately, you can have as many sessions as you feel is necessary. It may be that after a number of sessions you wish to stop, to give you an opportunity to go away and reflect on what you've looked at so far. You may then decide to come back, or not. If you decide to end therapy with me, you can always choose to come back in the future if you want to.

Question 6

What type of sessions do you hold?

Accepted Answer

I work via:
Telephone
Video (using WhatsApp, MS Teams or Doxy.me).
Face to face in my home therapy room. This is on the first floor so if stairs are an issue please let me know so we can discuss an alternative. As well as the above as options, I can potentially come to you if that's more suitable.

Question 7

What should I expect in the counselling session?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is a very personal experience and journey so it will feel different for everyone.
 
Once you've made contact and agreed to book a session, I will send you my contract to read through, make sure you understand and agree, and return to me, along with a form with your emergency contact information. I ask for this so that, should you have a medical emergency during our session, I have a way of getting support to you (whether that is a friend/family member/emergency services).
 
During the first session, I usually ask whether you have any initial questions before getting started. The first few sessions are then asking you questions to get an understanding of what you want to work through, including how it's impacting you, what you want to achieve from therapy. After that we can work a bit deeper to understand where this issue may have come from, how you resolve it and how you can move forward.
 
I sometimes use creative techniques, such as drawing, however I always offer this the session before, to give you a chance to think about whether it is something you want to do.
 
I can give you homework if you feel it is something you wish to do between sessions. Sometimes this might be things like trialling different grounding techniques until you find one that works for you, or noting down your feelings during the week. Again, I won't insist you do this.
 
I work collaboratively with my clients, meaning that I can offer things, whether that's an activity or a route to discuss, but you will always be in control of deciding if you want to or not.

Question 8

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

As well as holding video and telephone session, I also hold appointments face to face from my home therapy room at:
46 Masefield Close
Wellingborough
NN8 3RH

There is on street parking in front of the house and nearby.

Question 9

Are sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality
In adherence with The National Counselling Society ethical code, I am obliged to break confidentiality if:
You or others seem to be in danger or at serious risk of being harmed.
I am required to do so by subpoena (Court order or instructions from a coroner)
You infer involvement in or knowledge of an act of terrorism, money laundering or drugs trafficking.
The client infers knowledge of or involvement in behaviours that may lead to harm or neglect to a minor or vulnerable adult.
Where possible I will discuss this with you first.
Further information can be found within the National Counselling Society’s Code of Ethics and at: www.nationalcounsellingsociety.org/about-us/code-of-ethics/safeguarding-policy

Supervision and confidentiality
The content of your sessions will not be communicated with anyone except for the purposes of supervision of my practice. During supervision no identifying information is used. My supervisor also follows the same procedures for confidentiality as I have outlined.

Question 10

What is your privacy policy?

Accepted Answer

Privacy Policy
Mellissa Hamley Counselling Services is committed to complying with the terms of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and to the responsible and secure use of your data. I have a legitimate interest in processing personal data to provide counselling services.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), reference ZA482633.
What information do I collect?
I collect personal information from you when you enquire about my counselling services to set up an initial appointment. This information includes contact details, your availability and other relevant personal information. At the initial consultation I will ask about your current personal, medical and social circumstances along with the issues affecting you now. I might also ask about your background and family history to allow me to decide about offering counselling to you.
What do I use your information for?
Your data will be used only to provide you with my services and to give you information relating to my services.
I will not share your details with any other person or organisation without your knowledge and permission unless there is a legal requirement or as detailed below.
Your Rights
If you would like to see the information I hold about you, or would like to correct, update or delete any records, please email me. It may take up to 28 days for this to be provided.
If you have any concerns about my use of your data, please contact me directly. I will do my utmost to resolve any concerns you have. If for any reason I cannot resolve the issues you may choose to contact the ICO directly.

Frequently asked questions