F.A.Q.

We are experienced, qualified, registered and insured counsellors and psychotherapists. Kay and Roger are EMDR practitioners.

Every therapist working with Place to Talk Therapies has been selected because of their training, experience and way of working. 

Each therapist maintains their own professional registration and membership, professional indemnity insurance, ICO registration, Enhanced DBS certificate and regular clinical supervision.

We actively engage in regular continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance our professional practice.

Each therapist's qualifications, professional registration and CPD are listed on their profile in the Team section.

→ Meet the team

Where lower-cost counselling is offered by a trainee counsellor, they are carefully selected, in the final stage of professional training, and work under regular clinical supervision with support from the wider team.

→ Lower-cost Counselling service
Counselling is a collaborative and empowering process. The goal is to help you build resilience, gain self-awareness, develop coping strategies, and improve your overall mental health and wellbeing.

Your first session will include an initial assessment, exploring your history, relationships (past and present), and mental wellbeing. We'll discuss your goals and expectations together, so we can agree the most appropriate way forward, and we'll review this regularly as we go. Sessions may involve talking through emotions, relationships and experiences, practising coping techniques, and setting goals.

Sessions are usually booked for the same day and time each week, and normally last 60 minutes. We try to offer flexibility where we can. Counselling can be short or longer term, and after your first session, you can book a regular weekly slot.

Counselling can cover any area of life. At times it can feel a bit like untangling a giant knotted ball of string, so patience and commitment are often needed. It can take a little time to settle into the process, and it's worth knowing that working through issues and emotions can sometimes feel harder before it feels easier. For most people, this is temporary, and gives way to steady improvement.
Payment can be made by BACS transfer and is required in full 48 hours before your session. International payments can be made via Wise, and are likewise required 48 hours in advance.

You can block-book your sessions, or agree a rolling weekly or fortnightly schedule with your counsellor.

Subject to availability, you can book different days or times each week to accommodate shift work or other responsibilities.

If you're unable to attend a booked session, please notify your counsellor as soon as possible, and with at least 48 hours notice where you can. We'll do our best to find an alternative date or time.

Late notifications will be charged the full fee.

We can occasionally offer reduced-fee sessions for students or those on a low income. Please feel free to ask about current availability when you enquire. 
Yes.

At Kay's office: there is free and unlimited parking on the road opposite, or on surrounding roads. Please do not park on the driveway (unless pre-agreed), as access is required.

At Roger's office: free on-road parking outside.

At Helen's office: free on-road parking outside.
No.

Session times are staggered, so you shouldn't meet anyone arriving or leaving their session. Please don't arrive earlier than your booking start time.
Generally, it's inappropriate to have anyone else in the session other than the counsellor and client, unless it's specifically a couples session. Family sessions are not currently offered.

If you have children, you'll need to arrange care for them while you're at your appointment.

If a family member or friend is driving you to your appointment, they're welcome to wait in their car outside the building, or find a local cafe nearby where they can get a drink while they wait.

No. Most clients self-refer. However, we can accept referrals from GP’s, charities and other local counsellors.
Kay's office: the counselling room is on the ground floor. There's a gravel driveway, and 2 low steps at the front door. The front door is wide, but the property is not accessible for a wheelchair.

Roger's office: on the ground floor. Doorways are not accessible for a wheelchair.

Helen's office is on the ground floor and wheelchair accessible, with some limitations. A gravel path at the side of the property leads to the therapy room, and there are two low steps at its entrance.
Your privacy and confidentiality are taken seriously. For UK clients, personal data is handled in line with UK GDPR and data protection legislation. This includes how your information is stored, used and protected.

For clients based overseas, we take care to ensure that your information is handled securely and with the same high standard of care. Privacy protections can vary between countries, and in some regions, internet communications may be subject to monitoring or government surveillance. We use secure systems and take every reasonable step to protect your privacy, though local laws or infrastructure may sometimes limit how much confidentiality can be guaranteed.

If you're joining from outside the UK, it's worth choosing a private, secure space and a secure internet connection where you can.