Stressworks

As a careful and responsible service, we feel that it is important to properly address what it is that you are looking for, whether we feel we are the right service to help you to achieve this, and to assess whether therapy is the most appropriate avenue of help available. In most cases, we find that it is. Just occasionally, however, it becomes clear that this is not the right time, or the right treatment, and we see it as part of our duty of care to take time to assess this thoroughly.

We see it as our professional responsibility to make sure that you receive appropriate help, and that you are in a position to make an informed choice about the best way forward for you personally. Therapy is a two-way committment, and everyone involved needs to feel happy and comfortable that it feels right. Part of ensuring this involves setting up an initial meeting, called an 'assessment session.'

We will arrange an initial appointment, an 'assessment session', in which you will be able to talk about what has brought you to therapy, and to experience what it is like to work with your therapist. It is also a chance for your therapist to formally assess your difficulties, what seems the best way forward, and for you to discuss this together.

There will also be plenty of opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have, and to clarify anything you are unsure about. You are under no obligation to attend any further sessions if you do not wish to do so, but you will be offered further sessions if your therapist feels this would be appropriate. If it seems that therapy is not the best way forward at this time, your therapist will assist you in trying to find more appropriate help.

If you get through to the answerphone, please do leave a message. We will always answer your call the same day, and will do so with great care and discretion. No message will be left on your answerphone or with anyone other than yourself unless you have given us permission to do this.

Alternatively, you can arrange everything entirely by e-mail if you would prefer. It is helpful if you can give as much detail as possible - for instance, when you are available, whether you prefer a daytime or an evening appointment.

Our fee is reflective of the level of experience and training we bring to our work with you, but is negotiable in special cases. We also offer a small number of reduced fee places for those who would find our standard fee beyond their current means. Sessions are 50 minutes long, and are charged at £50 (couples £60/EAPs £60.) Sessions are normally once a week, usually at the same time - although we are willing to look at other possibilities if this might prove difficult for you. Occasionally, greater frequency is advisable, and should this be the case, your therapist will discuss your individual circumstances with you before agreeing an appropriate fee.