Guidelines
To make an appointment clients are advised to call (089) 426 0437 or send an email to frances@reflectionspsychotherapyandcounselling.ie outlining their immediate concerns and availability for appointments. It is very helpful if clients advise when is a good time to call for a brief chat to agree the best way forward.
Clients are advised to arrive on time (not too early, or late) for all appointments. Client appointments are for 50 minutes at an agreed time weekly. If clients arrive too early, the therapist may be working with other clients and be unable to let clients into the centre. This is to protect individual client confidentiality.
Clients are advised to arrive on time (not too early, or late) for all appointments. Client appointments are for 50 minutes at an agreed time weekly. If clients arrive too early, the therapist may be working with other clients and be unable to let clients into the centre. This is to protect individual client confidentiality.
Before attending for a first appointment clients are invited to complete a Confidential Client Information Form in as much detail as possible. This form is completely confidential and will not be seen by anybody else. Generally, it is helpful to complete this form and bring it to the first session, which frees up time to be used more effectively to find a suitable approach for each client. The purpose of the form is to get a realistic view of what is going on for clients so that a suitable plan of action together can be jointly agreed between therapist and client.
The form can be downloaded by clicking on the following link:
The form can be downloaded by clicking on the following link:
The cancellation policy requires one week’s notice if clients are unable to attend a scheduled session, otherwise the full fee is charged. If agreed in advance, it may be possible to offer clients an alternative time, if they are unable to attend at the usual day/time.
- All psychotherapy/counselling is confidential as laid down by the Code of Ethics for my Professional Body, IACP/IAHIP, with the following exceptions:
- If a client is involved in court proceedings the court may subpoena the therapist to give evidence. The therapist will be obliged to comply with the court order;
- If, in the therapist’s opinion, a client is seriously at risk of harming him/herself or harming somebody else, the therapist reserves the right to contact the client’s doctor and/or family so that steps can be taken to ensure the client’s safety or the safety of others;
- If a client gives the therapist any information about a child who has been, or is being emotionally, physically or sexually abused or suffering from neglect, or who is at risk of such abuse, the therapist is obliged by the Children First Bill 2014 to contact the Community Care Services, TUSLA.
It is not normally necessary to send text messages, emails or to call between sessions unless by prior agreement or if a client is running late for a scheduled appointment. In general, if the therapist sees any client in a public or social setting, the therapist refrains from engaging in conversation in order to protect client confidentiality.
Therapy sessions are normally attended weekly on the same day/time. Where possible an initial contract of six weeks is recommended. Following a review, a further contract can be agreed.
Clients are free to end therapy at any time for any reason, however it is highly beneficial to end therapy is a planned way and to attend a final session to review progress and discuss any referrals that might be beneficial for clients.
All services provided adhere to the ethical codes outlined by the Irish Association of Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy (found here) and the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (found here).
All therapists are fully insured as required by the professional bodies.
Fees are agreed in advance and the client agrees to pay the fee (in cash or by cheque) at the end of each session. Receipts can be provided at the client’s request.
If clients have been prescribed anti-depressants or any other medication they may wish to ask their doctor for a referral to counselling/psychotherapy as a treatment option. Clients should continue to take medication unless their doctor advises otherwise. Talking therapies in combination with medication can be very effective.
To ensure good practice and high standards, as laid down by the professional body, IACP/IAHIP, therapists are required to attend regular clinical supervision.
During the initial consultation session, the therapist typically will ask certain questions to find out some information about the client. This information helps the therapist make an initial assessment of the client’s situation. Questions might include:
- The reason for coming to therapy – the therapist may ask if there are any particular issues that led to seeking therapy. This gives the therapist an understanding of any immediate issues that may need to be addressed.
- Personal history and current situation – the therapist may ask a series of questions about a client’s life. For example, because family situations play an important role for individuals, the therapist may ask about family history and current family situation.
- Current symptoms – the therapist may ask if clients are suffering from particular symptoms and if those symptoms are causing difficulties in any areas of the client’s life.
- Relevant medical and psychotherapy history – the therapist may ask if there are any underlying medical conditions or if the client is on medication that may be affecting the client’s current mental/emotional state. In addition the therapist may ask if the client has previous history of psychotherapy or counselling and how it worked for the client’s benefit.
The therapist uses this information to gain a better understand the client’s needs and to develop a therapeutic plan in conjunction with the client.
Clients may wish to prepare for the initial consultation by considering these questions. In addition, clients may wish to ask questions of the therapist to ensure that the therapist is a good fit for their needs.
At the end of the initial consultation, if the therapist and client agree to work together, the therapist will outline a therapeutic plan, explaining how the therapy process works, advising the client on appointment times and a fee will be agreed.