Practical Information and Fees

As at October 2024, I am currently not accepting new clients. Previous clients can contact me for more information about availability.

If a Core Process approach feels like it resonates with you, you will be able to search for alternative therapists via the ACPP website: https://www.acpponline.net

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Information that may help you.

Counselling or Psychotherapy, what's the difference?

The general distinction is that psychotherapy is longer term and therefore goes deeper into your life. If the issues troubling you aren't major ones, you may just need some short term counselling work, perhaps 6 - 10 sessions. On the other hand, you may have problems which have been troubling you for a long time, which are affecting your ability to enjoy and appreciate life and which are seriously disrupting your ability to function. Then you may need to consider longer term psychotherapy, for a minimum of six months and sometimes much longer.

How do I know Counselling or Psychotherapy is for me?

An 50-minute initial appointment is the best way to investigate into whether counselling and psychotherapy is the best route for you, and to see if we jointly feel there is a 'good fit' for our working relationship. There is no obligation after that appointment has been held. I charge £40 for this initial appointment

How important is it that I feel comfortable with you?

Very important. You are going to need to talk about things which may make you feel rather uncomfortable, so it's essential that you feel that you are supported and understood. You are encouraged to listen in to your feelings in the initial appointment, and if necessary go away and reflect on how it felt for you to decide whether this is the right therapist or practice for you.  Human beings don't all get on or are necessarily able to see each other's point of view. There needs to be a degree of psychological 'fit'. If you feel at any time that Red Crane is not right for you, there are other good psychotherapists whose work we know well that you can be referred to.

I may need to tell you things I am embarrassed about or ashamed about, how do I know you will keep my confidence?

I work under the professional standards of the UKCP, BACP and my accrediting organisation, the ACPP.  These all require that client confidentiality is fully maintained at all times, with certain exceptions. As a professional psychotherapist, I hold this ethical requirement very strictly.  Exceptions include where there may be an issue of potential serious harm to the client or another person or for legal reasons. More on this can be discussed at the initial session.

How often will we meet?

Counselling and therapy work best if you are able to come weekly if possible, at least in the beginning. If your schedule is such that this is difficult, or finance is a problem, then it is possible to negotiate working fortnightly after an initial period of weekly sessions.

How many sessions would we have?

It is suggested that clients have a minimum of six sessions. On the sixth of those, progress would be reviewed and it can be discussed what is needed, if anything, to continue. The practice is private and therefore there is no time limit or cap on the number of sessions.

Where are the sessions held?

The practice is in the west of Edinburgh, in the Drum Brae area. This is very accessible by bus as well as having ample free street parking right next to the property. See map above. I  also offer on-line sessions via Zoom (preferred) or MS Teams.