What can I expect?

I hope the following is helpful. I’m always happy to answer any questions you have.

What happens in the first session?

Most people are a little apprehensive about meeting a psychologist for the first time. The first session is always about getting to know one another. I will ask lots of questions focused on helping me learn about your life and the problems causing you concern, but most importantly my focus is on making sure you feel comfortable. Your job is to begin to share your experiences and think about whether I am the right therapist for you, to decide if I am someone you can work with. The aim of the first session is to gather together an understanding of difficulties to then be able to make a plan regarding the way forward.

Are sessions confidential?

Yes, although there are always limits to this. For example if I were concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else then I would need to share this with others. I would always endeavour to let you know what I was sharing and with whom. Likewise, if there are other professionals involved in your care then sharing information to be able to work alongside one another, can of course, be highly beneficial and is encouraged.

How much do sessions cost? As a helpful guide a 50min session fee £135. The cost of therapy, assessments (including psychometric assessment) and supervision do vary and are always agreed before we start work. There can be additional costs for reports. The work I complete in other countries is charged at different rates. Payment is expected on the day of each session. Payment for extended assessment is required in advance.

If you have health insurance then fees can vary according to the insurance companies policy.

What if I need to cancel a session?

I ask that you give 48hrs notice. If less than 48hrs notice then the session will be charged at the full fee.

Where do sessions take place?

Sessions in Bath take place in comfortable rooms at the Apthorp Centre, where there is free parking and a quiet waiting room. The walk from Bath Spa Station is about 30mins and takes you through the lovely Victoria Park.

How many sessions will I need?

This is always a difficult question to answer! A few people benefit from 1 or 2 highly focused sessions, the majority of people find it useful to see a psychologist for several months whilst others find it beneficial to see a therapist for longer term work. The frequency of sessions is something we can decide together, but often starts weekly and then moves to 2 weekly and then monthly. The number of sessions is about making sure we have worked through challenges but also doing no more than needed.

Can you offer online therapy?

Yes. This might be for people who prefer online sessions, wouldn’t be able to get to in person sessions or after face-to-face sessions would like to continue online. Online therapy means I can offer help to anyone, wherever they are in the country or the world! I use both Zoom and Teams.

Further information:

Protecting your personal information is especially important. I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and comply with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. You can read my full privacy statement here.

I hold professional liability insurance and enhanced DBS (Criminal Records) clearance.

Where to go?

Apthorp Centre, Weston Rd, Bath Somerset, BA1 2XT, UK

Appointment times:

Day-time (Thursday all day, Friday afternoon) available, in person & online. Evening appointments available online.
 

Contact:

katiehowells@life-in-mind.com