Nicole Marais
Psychotherapy - Counselling - Coaching

Many people who come to see me ask me how to ‘do therapy’ and what the ‘rules’ are. I usually respond with something like - whilst humanity is our ‘glue’ each person is an individual so how one person talks about an issue may be different to another and it is those differences that make us who we are. Some people are introvert, some extrovert and so on – so there is no one way to ‘do therapy’.

So as you can see a psychotherapeutic relationship is unique however, it is also similar to other relationships in your life – in that it deserves the common courtesies you would extend to anyone. So I do have some guidelines as to how the first few sessions run, attendance, endings and payment.

1
In the first session, I take a few details such as telephone number, address etc and after that it will be mainly exploratory to find out what has brought you in to see me. Upon agreement to work together, we agree a length of time or undertake on-going work. In the sixth session I take a full case history to help me have a wider understanding to help you.

In on-going therapy - a four week notice period is required as endings are as important as beginnings and bring up their own issues – and usually remind us of other endings in our lives – no matter what the experience has been. Whilst we will be harvesting throughout the sessions – the teachings, learnings, and healings – endings also allow the opportunity to consciously harvest and bring a healthy closure to an important journey – tying up loose ends.

2
As with any appointment - such as going to work, meeting friends, picking up the children or anything else, time-keeping is important - it shows respect for you, the other person and indeed the event itself. Consistent lateness will be questioned as it may be out of awareness – i.e. something might be going on in your life that you are unaware of and it’s affecting your time-keeping, which may be part of a bigger unknown issue – for example – meeting everybody else’s needs except your own. Time will not usually be made up for late arrivals.

3
Regular attendance to the sessions is also important as it shows commitment to the work and to yourself. Consistency enables you to understand, learn, heal and integrate a new way of being. Holidays are important too! So yes do have them - a few weeks each year is usually very beneficial. I take a week over the Easter – a couple of weeks in the summer and a couple over the Christmas period.

4
When booking holidays, or if the need arises to move or cancel a session - 7 days notice is required. In exceptional circumstances this may be slightly reduced or a session may be converted into a telephone conversation. This will be discussed at the time of the session in question. Payment is required for missed sessions without the appropriate notice.

5
In the case of emergency – extra sessions may be bookable at short notice. My contactable office hours are 9am – 5pm Mon to Fri.

6
Clients sessions are as early as 8am – 9am and as late as 8.30pm – 9.30pm – Tues, Wed & Thurs. I also see clients on Monday evenings. Emergency sessions can be booked throughout the week – Mon to Fri dependant on availability.

7
I ask for payment (cheque or cash) to be made at each session unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

I trust this gives a ‘flavour’ as to how the first few sessions run, including attendance, endings and payment. I will go over this again in the first session and happy to clarify any further questions.


Fees
I operate a sliding scale for fees based on the individual's circumstances - usual individual fee is £60.00. Couples fee is usually £100.00 per 1hr session or pro rata for a longer session. They are payable at the end of each session by cash or cheque or monthly in advance. Some concessions are available - depending on circumstances. I also work with insurance companies.

Fees are revised on an annual basis.


Times
Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually on a weekly basis, and occasionally twice weekly if required - usually at the same time and place.


Cancellation Policy
7 days notice is needed for any date/time changes or cancellations. Otherwise the full fee is usually charged. There is some flexibility in the event of an emergency.

Shorter term counselling can be mutually agreed for varying times, i.e. 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and so on. This can be renewed as often as required.

4 weeks notice is required before ending longer-term therapy.

I do not charge if I am away or forced to cancel.