Your first session
During your first session you will be invited to talk about the your difficulties, your history, your needs and wishes, your personal life circumstances, the reasons that have led to the development of your difficulties and the way in which your current difficulties affect your life. The counsellor / psychotherapist will also ask what you hope to gain from therapy and you may wish to establish some therapy goals.The first appointment is not only about gathering information, but is also about coming to a better understanding of your difficulties. Following this appointment if counselling or psychotherapy will be beneficial, further appointments can be arranged.
Not about couches
At Lewis Psychology you certainly won’t be asked to lie on a couch and free associate while your therapist sits silently.
Therapy is an active and collaborative process.
Modern therapy often involves more than talking and may include practical exercises, reflection activities, mindfulness approaches, communication skills or activities designed to support change between sessions.
Number of sessions
Some issues can be helped in a relatively short period of time and others may require longer term support.
How many sessions you need depends on the nature, complexity and severity of your circumstances.
Ultimately, you decide how many sessions you attend and how frequently.
Professional Standards
All counsellors and psychotherapists work within recognised professional and ethical standards and have completed verified training accredited by UK national awarding bodies.
Theoretical approach
It is not necessary to understand different therapy models in order to benefit from therapy.
Our therapists draw on a range of evidence informed approaches and tailor therapy to the individual rather than expecting individuals to fit a single model.
Research consistently shows that one of the strongest factors in effective therapy is the quality of the relationship between client and therapist.
Confidentiality
The content of your counselling or psychotherapy sessions is confidential.
Your therapist may discuss your case confidentially with their clinical supervisor in order to support safe and effective practice.
Regular supervision is a professional and ethical requirement.
If your therapist believes there is an imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others, additional support may be sought.
Wherever possible, your therapist will discuss concerns with you before taking action.
Legal exceptions to confidentiality may apply.
Record Keeping
Your therapist will make brief notes after each session. Notes are securely stored using encrypted systems. Case notes can be accessed by your therapist and our data controller (Teresa Lewis). Records are retained in accordance with legal and professional requirements.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
All personal data is processed for the purpose of delivering professional psychological services.
Records may include:
• Contact information
• Relevant health and medication information
• Session notes
• Outcome questionnaires
Records are stored securely for up to 7 years unless legal obligations require otherwise.
Access to records
All clients have the right to:
- Request access to their medical records
- Request transfer nof records to another provider
- Request deletion of data where legally permitted
- Request correction or inaccurate information
To make a request please contact our office.
Session fees
For more information regarding our pricing structure for self funding clients visit our Fees page.
If you are a HR manager or other third party referral agent please contact us on 01902 827808 for more information regarding our corporate pricing structure. Alternatively fill out our online contact form
Cancellation procedure
Your appointment time is reserved especially for you. We understand that sometimes appointments need changing; that unfortunately life can get in the way. Therefore we respectfully request a minimum of 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduled appointments. Late cancellations reduce opportunities for other clients to access appointments
Age limit
Counselling and psychotherapy is available to everyone aged 18 and above.
There is no upper age limit.
Childcare
We do not provide childcare.
Languages
All services are delivered in English only.
Visitors with disabilities
We aim to make our services as accessible as possible.
Please contact us before booking if you require additional support and we will discuss how we can help.
Accessibility
Appointments are delivered online and clients can access sessions from their own home or another private location.
If you require adjustments to support access, please contact us before booking and we will discuss available options.
