Supporting the journey to a better you ...
... one step at a time
Do you feel as though life is getting on top of you?
Could you benefit from a place to take some time out? ... to explore your thoughts and feelings ... to get back on a front foot again.
There are times in all our lives when we feel we have lost our way, we need a listening ear or we simply want somebody to work together with to help us reach the next step in our journey, whatever that may be. Maybe that sounds like you and you're looking for someone to help you take that first step, or maybe you simply want somebody to share your concerns with, in a safe space and really feel heard.
Taking that first step...
Consider the stepping stones. Each stone is only a small step but they are a step in the right direction. We can go at your own pace, one step at a time or we may wish to take greater strides. And on the odd occasion we can even take a step backwards. However we travel, you can be assured that I will be there for you, as your counsellor, throughout the entire journey.
Of course, counselling is a collaborative process, but this time is all about you and you will have complete control throughout psychotherapy - whether face-to-face or via Zoom or telephone.
How I can help...
Whilst many counselling services are restricted to one style of therapy, as an integrated counsellor, I offer an holistic service which incorporates a variety of techniques and modalities, uniquely combined to match your presenting issues.
I also work across all mediums including face-to-face, online and telephone as well as 'asynchronous' methods such as email or even text.
About Me
Truly Integrated Counselling - tailored to individual needs
I am a fully qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor and mentor registered with The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society - Prof.Dip.PsyC MNCPS(Acc). I am also a BUPA Registered Therapist and approved by Anxiety UK.
I am able to provide a safe and confidential environment for you to speak, to feel and to be heard and valued as an individual, in what can be a scary and challenging world.
I am subject to the NCPS's regular monitoring of my professional qualifications, continual professional development, insurance and professional body membership, in addition to complying with their ethical framework and professional standards.
I have experience of working with individuals, couples and families with a wide range of concerns. I find this work really rewarding and it's been a privilege to work with all of these clients.
Client Endorsements
Contact
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07811964855 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
MY LOCATION
I offer a safe and confidential counselling space within my own home or, for those with mobility difficulties, I can always come to you within the Billericay, Brentwood and Basildon area. * I conduct sessions via Zoom or phone from my own private office and assist clients in assuring their own confidentiality when connecting from their home. All of which means you can be sure that, as your counsellor, I am providing the very best methods and service to assist you on your individual journey throughout the therapeutic process.
My counselling practice is within easy reach of Billericay, Hutton, Basildon, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Wickford. All psychotherapy sessions are confidential and in compliance with GDPR guidelines.
Confidentiality and GDPR
If you have referred yourself for counselling then no one apart from myself, David Cooper, would know you have attended or what was discussed. If you feel that someone may need to know information about your counselling sessions then I ask you to make this clear at the commencement of therapy. For example, if you have been referred to me by another party it may be in your interest for there to be some liaison.
Exceptions:
In certain circumstances, I may have to make exceptions to the general rules of confidentiality and personal information may be passed on without consent:
- If I believe there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.
- When I cannot contact you but believe that you may be in danger. For example, if you had not been seen for several days and colleagues and friends felt concerned.
- Where there is a legal requirement to disclose information. This could be because it has been ordered by a court, or because the law requires, for example under the Terrorism Act 2000 or the Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 and to report harm or intention to harm a child, either by the client or a third party.
Notes and Record Keeping:
My policy is to keep minimum notes and records. The information I do store includes but may not be limited to:
- Personal information, such as your name, date of birth, address etc.
- Background information that might be relevant to the counselling process.
- Your signed contract with me.
- Confidential case notes (describing the main focus of the session with any important information).
You can request in writing to see your personal information that I hold.
Any notes I may make after a session will be anonymised and securely stored in line with GDPR compliance. I retain this information for 7 years unless it is requested by you that I destroy them beforehand. Any specific personal reflections and supervision notes are destroyed as soon as they have fulfilled their purpose or at the end of our therapeutic relationship.
If you have any concerns about this policy on confidentiality and note-keeping, you are welcome to discuss it fully prior to commencement.
Under the General Data Protection Regulations 2018, you have certain rights. These are:
You are allowed to see your notes. This is facilitated by making a formal request.
Records are kept for 7 years after termination of therapy and then destroyed.
You may request to have your records amended (change of name and address etc).
In the case of clients under 18, records are kept for 7 years after the child turns 18.
Under GDPR, you can request your data to be erased. However there are exceptions to this.
In the case of counselling records, insurance companies and ethical bodies ask for records to be available for the period of time as outlined above.
As part of an Initial Consultation I may ask details regarding your health. This is classed as ‘Special Category Information’ for which you need to give your permission.
Clients paying via bank transfer need to be aware that their name may be shared with my accountant, bank, HMRC or any other professional who requires access to my bank statements to carry out their lawful business.
All therapy is undertaken under the law and ethical guidelines of the practitioner's own country of residence.
Currently, I only work with clients based within the United Kingdom.
FEES & AVAILABILITY
Initial Consultation and Assessment - 30 mins to 1 hour - £30
Individual Counselling -1 hour - £60
Couples and Family Counselling - 1¼ hours - £70
Group Counselling - 1½ hours - £40 (per person) / min' 3 people
Corporate - Individuals - 1 hour - £70
Asynchronous Counselling - max of 3 messages per week - £15 per text or email
- Payment is by cash or electronic transfer.
- Prices may be subject to change with consideration given to ongoing clients.
Cancellation Policy
If notification is within 24 hours the full rate will be charged, outside of that no charge will be made.
* Face-to-Face home visits are limited to within a 10 mile radius of Billericay and include Basildon, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Wickford, Hutton, Shenfield, Stock, Pitsea, Burstead, Ramsden, Langdon Hills and surrounding areas. A nominal charge may apply.
"When I let go of who I am, I become what I might be" - Lao Tzu
"If you are facing in the right direction all you need to do is keep on walking" - Buddha
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