Frequently Asked Questions
If you cant find the answer you were looking for, or have any questions or concerns then please don't hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to help and do my best to try and answer any questions I receive.
For more general questions about counselling and sex therapy, the sort of issues that can be tackled, and common concerns, the BASRT, BACP, and Relate sites are excellent resources.
About Michael
A. Yes. I have a certificate in couple counselling, a postgraduate diploma in psychosexual therapy and 20 years experience in private practice and with Relate.
A. Yes, I am a member of the British Association of Relationship and Sexual Therapists and of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Both organisations require evidence of qualifications and good professional standards and I am bound by their codes of conduct when working as a sex therapist or counsellor. Both provide a complaints procedure should you need it.
The services I provide
For more information on when and where I provide counselling, and how much I charge please see counselling services.
A. Provided you give at least 48 hours notice then there is no charge and I will rearrange the session.
If you give less notice then I reserve the right to charge part or all of the session fee.
A. The charge for a one hour session in the evening or on Saturday is £45 for an individual and £55 for a couple; weekdays during the day the charges are £40 and £50 respectively.
I am also able to offer a limited number of reduced-rate sessions for clients who are genuinely unable to pay the full fee.
A. You can pay by cheque or cash.
A. I provide receipts for all payments made.
A. You pay for the first introductory session at the end of that session.
If you wish to continue with counselling or therapy then I ask you to pay in advance for the next session and then to continue to pay in advance for each session, or if you prefer then you can pay for a block of sessions.
If you decide to withdraw from counselling or therapy then, provided you give at least 48 hours notice prior to the next scheduled session, I will refund in full any money I hold.
A. Yes. All clients are asked to sign a contract which sets out our joint commitment and your rights.
Counselling / Therapy
A. As a guide counselling typically lasts 6 to 12 sessions whilst sex therapy typically lasts 15 to 20 sessions, but the actual number depends on the issues being tackled and how you choose to work.
A. Each session lasts one hour.
A. The normal pattern is a session once a week but this can be varied if necessary.
A. Yes.
My counselling room is completely private and I follow the guidance of my professional bodies in the way I take and store notes.
There is a gap between sessions so that clients do not normally meet each other.
A. Research evidence shows that nearly all counselling clients report some benefit and most say they have been helped significantly.
I am a well qualified and very experienced counsellor and will do my best to help you and another key factor is how well you are able to participate in the counselling.
A. There is plenty of research evidence that sex therapy does work.
If you complete the therapy then it is highly likely that you will solve your sexual problem.
A. Sex therapy involves committing at least two hours a week to therapy outside the sessions.
You may be asked to do some short tasks between counselling sessions.
