FAQ

How do I know if I need counselling or therapy?

Only you will know that, and maybe you don’t know, maybe you would like it, Or maybe you would just like to take a look, and that is ok too.

How do I contact you initially ?

You can email me on alexandra@mekoshacounselling.com Sometimes a client will need GP, Primary Mental Health Care or Community Mental Health team support or further mental health support and counselling will not be appropriate at this time, if this is the case I will be transparent and decline working together and send links in order for a client to access support and encourage GP engagement. If we decide to work together I can then send you a contact/screening form and we can go from there.

What is your way of working  ?

I work in an Integrative way – this means I use different schools of thought and theory,  e.g not just CBT or not just Psychodynamic depending on what my client’s needs are and their response to the process. Person Centred means the client leads the way, as opposed to the therapist being in the driving seat.

Are you a counsellor or a therapist and what is the difference?!

I am both and that is because it is what is offered that is slightly different. They are pretty much the same but Counselling tends to be more short term for specific issues (like anxiety, stress, OCD), and Psychotherapy longer term for more complex, historical issues (family, relationships, self-esteem) but these are very much interchangeable and I don’t mind which I get referred to as

What are your qualifications and training ?

I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. A member of the BACP. My training includes BRIEF Therapy, Grief Recovery Method, Online Counselling Diploma  OCST 1, Mindful Space, Cultural Competency, Gendered Intelligence, Emotional Eating, Chronic Dieting, Binging and Body Image, ACT, Suicide Awareness, Flash, SAFEtool, React, TRiM, Autism Collective Training.

What is a contract and why do I need to sign it ?

The contract in counselling usually refers to the initial agreement between the client and counsellor, which sets out some of the rights and responsibilities of both parties. It has two distinct parts: the business part, which sets out the ground rules or framework for the work, and the therapeutic side, which sets out the client’s expressed needs and choices. Both parts need to be given careful thought as they form the basis of ethical and legal commitments between practitioner and client. By signing the contract, the counsellor agrees that they are competent to meet the client’s goals and the client agrees to the conditions laid down. In essence, the contract sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

How do I pay ?

Payment is via Bank Transfer made before the session.

How often do we meet ?

Usually once a week or once every two weeks – we can work that out if we decide to work together. It needs to be regular and committed to, with reasonable adjustments when necessary

How do I cancel and what are the guidelines?

Cancellation needs to be 24hrs beforehand, ideally 48hrs before. Less than 24 hrs unless exceptional circumstances will mean payment will still be taken as that slot cannot be filled. This is clarified in the contract.