FAQ’s

Where are you located?

I’m based on the south side of St Albans in a quiet residential area. I’m a 5 minute drive from the M25, M1 and A414 (formerly M10).

What areas do you service?

My face to face counselling covers St Albans, Radlett, Watford, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead and surrounding areas (or as far as you are willing to travel from).

My online and telephone counselling covers all of the UK.

Do you offer online counselling outside of the UK?

No, for the simple reason that I’m governed by UK law and abide by the ethical guidance as set out by UK governing bodies.

How much do you charge per session?

It depends whether you want a one-off session or a weekly one. The price is currently set at £65 for a weekly 50min session. A one-off session of 90 mins will cost £100.

Face to face appointments can be paid either in cash, on a card reader or by bank transfer.

All online and telephone sessions must be paid for in advance via bank transfer.

Do you offer concessions?

Yes, I have a limited amount of concession slots that I keep aside.

You say your core approach is in Person-Centred. What does that mean?

Being Person-Centred means that I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and that each person possesses innate abilities to be the best versions of themselves. Alongside this is my core understanding that the best therapeutic outcome comes from having a relationship that is based on equality, respect and authenticity. You are the expert in your life and know what is best for you and so the sessions will be led by you. We explore what you bring to the session so that your self-awareness and autonomy can grow.

How often do I need to come?

Generally speaking, once a week for a minimum of 6 consecutive weeks. It can take a while to get to know one another and having this many sessions helps lay down the ground work and establish, foster and maintain the trust of relationship between therapist and client. Weekly sessions can also help move along the progress of what you are needing help with and having shorter periods between sessions means there is less catching up to do and a better chance to really get into the process of therapy.

Each person’s journey and process is different and so after the initial six week period there is an opportunity to review our work together and discuss any change or need for a more flexible approach. This might mean having fortnightly sessions or a monthly ‘check in’. It really depends on what your needs are at the time and whether you need short or long term therapy- both are valid. It’s important that we regularly discuss and review the therapy so as to accommodate your needs and arrange the length of therapy as is required.

I’m also able to offer one-off sessions at £100 for 90 minutes.

The choice to end therapy is entirely yours.

I don’t wish to have notes taken. Can I refuse?

Yes of course, you have every right to refuse. You have the right to have a copy of any information I hold about you but this must be requested in writing and a month in advance.

Are the sessions confidential?

Yes. I take confidentiality and your privacy very seriously. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality, an explanation which can be found on my GDPR statement. Please click here for further information.

How do I arrange a session?

You can either email me at alma@salixcounselling.com, use the contact page, or call me on my private and confidential number on 07305 796 089. For initial consultations you can use any of the above methods or head on over to the counselling directory here, search for me and use the ‘book intro call‘ tab to select a suitable time for me to get in touch. If you feel I’m the right person for you we can arrange sessions.

What happens at the initial consultation?

This 15 minute conversation gives us both a chance to ask questions and gather some information. It’s also an opportunity to see if I’m the right counsellor for you at this point in time.

Do you provide supervision?

Yes. I draw on Hawkins and Shohet’s seven-eyed process model and Inskipp and Proctor’s normative, formative and restorative supervisory model. Please click here for further information.