Book a consultation
You can make an enquiry to book an initial consultation via the contact page.
What happens during a consultation?
The first appointment you will be offered is called the consultation session and this lasts for one hour. Prior to this initial session, you will be sent a registration form to complete and either bring with you to your consultation, or return by email.
Depending on the difficulties you describe during the consultation, a number of therapy options will be discussed with you. Sometimes it may become clear during the consultation that therapy is not suitable for the difficulties you describe; if this were to be the case I would discuss this with you, and help you to find an alternative and more suitable source of support.
At the end of the consultation, you will understand the type of therapy that is being offered to you, what the focus of the sessions will be, and the initial number & frequency of sessions.
During your consultation, I will advise you of the waiting time for therapy to commence based upon any waiting list, your availability and preference for session times. However you will NOT be asked to agree to commence therapy there and then. You will leave the consultation without any requirement to continue with therapy. Should you wish to continue into therapy, you will then contact me after the consultation session to book in for further sessions. I will not contact you to follow up your consultation, as this fits with the principle of autonomy in therapy; the notion that you are in charge of the choices you make.
How much does a consultation cost & how do I confirm my booking?
The cost of a consultation session is £85.
To confirm your consultation session, you will need to return your completed registration form, and you will also be asked to pay for your session at least 24 hours in advance by BACS payment. If you cancel your session with less than 24 hours notice, or do not attend your session, you will still be charged the full cost of the session. However, if for any reason you need to cancel with more than 24 hours notice, you will not be charged the session fee.
Nicola Forshaw holds a Masters Degree in Counselling (with distinction), a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and a certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Nicola is a highly experienced trauma/PTSD therapist and is and is fully qualified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). She is accredited by BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy), and is also a registered member. You can verify Nicola’s registration and credentials at www.bacp.co.uk