Naomi Hodges
Counselling and Psychotherapy
in Kingston upon Thames

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

These titles are generally used interchangeably, causing understandable confusion.
Essentially, there will be differences in training between a Counsellor and a Psychotherapist, though these will not necessarily be apparent to the client. Sometimes counselling will focus on a specific problem and the contract between client and counsellor might be time-limited to an agreed number of sessions. Psychotherapy is usually open-ended. This enables the therapist to broaden the focus of therapy, and to look closely at every issue which surfaces in the sessions.
For this reason, psychotherapy tends to be a longer process.
I choose to work in an open-ended way - with a broad focus on client issues - in the belief that this approach enables 'change' to take place at a deep rather than a superficial level.

How do I know if my therapist is fully qualified?

Increasingly, counsellors and psychotherapists are required to be members of a professional body, and obtaining membership generally entails providing evidence of professional qualifications. These professional bodies have websites containing names of members and details of Ethical Codes of Practice and Complaints Procedures.

I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - MBACP (Accred.).
I am listed on their website under the Home Page link 'Finding a Therapist'.
[Visit: www.bacp.co.uk]
I am also an Associate Member of the UK Association of Humanistic Practitioners (UKAHPP). I am listed on their website under the Home Page link 'Register of Members'
[Visit: www.ahpp.org]

What does 'confidentiality' mean?

This means that any information you share with your therapist is subject to Professional Codes of Ethical Practice, which ensure confidentiality.
I meet regularly with a Supervisor to discuss client cases. My Supervisor is also professionally bound by the same Codes of Ethical Practice, and client identity is never revealed. The only exception to this would apply if a client was in danger of seriously harming themselves, or someone else. In this case, confidentiality would be breached to ensure safety of the individual concerned, though this would always be discussed with the client.

How often are the sessions?

Sessions are usually weekly and last for 1 hour. By mutual agreement, we will arrange a day and time which then becomes your 'personal space' for counselling. This will only be changed by further mutual agreement.

What happens if I can't attend a session or go on holiday?

I will do my best to re-schedule a cancelled session if possible.
If this is not possible, or you miss a session, the usual charge will apply.
This is because, once we have made a commitment to work together, your session time is reserved for you. It is advisable to attend sessions even if you feel tired, upset, angry or depressed, as counselling support may be helpful at such times.
I will not charge for holiday breaks or breaks due to work commitments if given a minimum of 2 weeks notice.

How does counselling come to an end?

Clients are usually ready to end when they feel they have achieved the goals which have formed the focus of counselling. An ending is always discussed and planned together. This might involve 'spacing out' sessions to fortnightly or monthly meetings, to enable gradual adjustment. My concern is to meet the individual needs of each client when planning an end to counselling.

I am aware that this page may not have the answer to your particular question.

Please feel free to phone or e-mail me.
My phone number is:
020 8547 2979
My e-mail address is:
pandnhodges@blueyonder.co.uk