Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we get. If you don’t find an answer to your questions here then contact us to find out more.
Where is Colchester Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice?

Our therapy services are run from a private location just east of Colchester. Parking is free. Discretion is assured. Once we have agreed our first appointment we will send you full directions.

How does a session of counselling and psychotherapy work?
When we first meet our first session will focus firstly on your presenting concern and what you would like to achieve or explore in Counselling. We will discuss that for a proportion of the session and then formulate, with you, a way forward, based on what we can comfortably work together with.

You will then be able to decide if that fits your needs and if you wish to proceed. If so a brief explanation of the counselling methods we feel would be most appropriate are then described and agreed upon.

Further counselling sessions follow a similar format. The most important thing is that both you and we know where we are heading towards.

How many sessions will I need?
This all depends on what you wish to explore and the depth you wish to work at. Some clients come to work through issues to get some understanding as to what’s ‘going on’ in their world and might take 6 or more sessions to work through this.

Some clients wish to explore not just one issue but their wider life experience. In this case therapy might be ‘ongoing’. Work in progress you might say! Open ended contracts often play a part in our therapy services.

How much do sessions cost?

Colchester Counselling charges for therapy sessions at the following rate:

  • Individual Face to Face Counselling & Psychotherapy: £85 per session (50 minutes)
  • Online (Zoom, FaceTime, Skype) Counselling & Psychotherapy: £85 per session (50 minutes)
  • Couples/Relationship Counselling & Psychotherapy: £115 per session (60 minutes)
  • EMDR – Eye Movement Desentisisation and Reprocessing: £95 per session (60-70 minutes)
  • Counselling & Psychotherapy Supervision: £50 per session (60 minutes)
  • Academic Mentoring (£45 per hour)

Specific Programmes, such as the Anger Management Programme: Please check the Fees page.

Can I do Sessions Online or by Telephone?

Yes, you can connect with us for online counselling and psychotherapy sessions, CBT, coaching, and clinical supervision, and also via telephone or Live Chat.

We use a variety of platforms to connect, such as Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp and Zoom.

Contact us to arrange your first session.

What about if I cancel?
We require 48 hours notice of a cancellation of your session by email, phone or text, or the full session fee is payable, and will be due at your next session.
How long does a session last?
Individual sessions last for 50 minutes. When working with younger children we find that 45 minutes is often enough time to work in such a focussed way.

Couples counselling lasts for 60 minutes.

Other specialised programmes vary in length, such as Anger Management, where sessions can last up to 120 minutes each.

Can I book either daytime or evening appointments?
Yes. We offer daytime and evening sessions. Below are our appointment times.

Monday to Thursday: First appointment – 9.30am. Last appointment – 7.30pm

Friday: First appointment – 9.30am. Last appointment – 1.30pm

Saturday: First appointment – 9.00am. Last appointment – 10.15am. Saturday appointments are limited,

How do I make payment?
Payments can be made by cash, BACS, or credit/debit card. Unfortunately we no longer accept payments by cheque.

BACS payments are due in advance of your session. Cash and card payments are due at the end of each session.

 

Do you accept therapy paid from insurance companies?

Our therapists are all professionally registered, so yes, we are able to accept insurance payments. You will need to get referral through your insurance company and confirmation that they will be covering the full amount of your fees.

If you are Aviva, Vitality, or AXA PPP Healthcare insured, then we can provide specific cover for your fees. You will need to let us know at the time of booking that you intend to use your insurer for payment.

How do I know you are respectable therapists?
Colchester Counselling only offers counselling and psychotherapy with registered members of the UK Council for Psychotherapy. There are no higher credentials in the UK for counselling and psychotherapy.

Our therapists are also educated to Doctoral degree level as a minimum. They have trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches and so are able to adapt to what type of therapy best suits your needs.

In addition to this our therapists are all educators and trainers at the highest level in the UK and internationally, with many tens of thousands of client hours behind them.

Rest assured, you will engage with a therapist with a vast level of expertise and experience.

Are you DBS (formerly CRB) checked?
Yes. You can access therapy with a DBS checked (previously CRB checked) therapist at Colchester Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice.
I have other questions!
Great. Get in touch with us either by messaging us here, or calling us on 01206 841650.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you.