Question 1

What issues or concerns can counselling help me with?

Accepted Answer

Counselling can help with a wide range of issues including: Addiction Anger Anxiety Bereavement and loss Depression and low mood Eating disorders Health issues OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) Phobias and fears Work-related issues Relationship problems Sexuality and gender Trauma Confidence and self esteem

Question 2

What happens during a counselling session?

Accepted Answer

Counselling provides a safe, confidential environment in which you can freely discuss whatever is on your mind. Although there are common themes that we might bring to counselling such as feeling worried, a relationship difficulty or a problem at work because our concerns are unique and personal to us there is no typical example of a counselling session. Whatever your difficulties I am highly trained and you can be assured that I will use my skills and experience to hear you and support you as we explore your concerns.

Question 3

What is CBT?

Accepted Answer

(Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) is a structured approach to therapy that has been proven to be highly effective in treating many of the concerns we all experience such as anxiety and low mood symptoms. There has been a lot of research conducted to measure how helpful CBT techniques are and the evidence gained has shown it is one of the most useful approaches to psychological problems. The effectiveness of CBT has made it the first choice for therapy in the NHS. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy involves learning new, more adaptive ways of thinking and identifying and changing unhelpful behaviours that may have been keeping your problems going and preventing them from being resolved. Practising these skills between sessions will help you to consolidate this learning and has the potential for achieving real and lasting change in your life.

Question 4

What kinds of people have counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is available to everyone and at any time. Counselling is not only attended by adults but by couples, individuals, families and children and teenagers.

Question 5

I am keen to find the therapist that is right for me. Can you tell what your personal approach is to counselling?

Accepted Answer

It’s really important to feel comfortable with our choice of therapist. Finding someone who feels warm, trustworthy and sincere is every bit as important as professionalism and qualifications. Assuming we attend counselling to bring about change in our lives it can be very useful to work with someone who can offer us fresh insights or support us in challenging unhelpful patterns of thinking.

Question 6

How many sessions of counselling or CBT will I need?

Accepted Answer

This can depend on several factors including the nature of your concerns and what you would like to achieve in therapy. As a guide, I tend to suggest working in blocks of 10 sessions followed by a progress review. Further sessions can always be provided if needed.

Question 7

How do I book an initial session with you?

Accepted Answer

You can book a session easily via the contact form on my website or by phoning me on 07921 524167.

Question 8

Do I need to book a block of sessions?

Accepted Answer

There is no requirement to book a block of sessions although I am happy to discuss this with you if you would find this helpful. Alternatively, you can book on a session-by-session basis or try one of my single session appointments.

Question 9

How do I make payments for my sessions?

Accepted Answer

Payment can be made via online banking prior to the start of the session and an electronic receipt can be emailed or texted to you. I will provide you with the bank details at the time.

Question 10

I have private healthcare insurance – how do I arrange this for my counselling?

Accepted Answer

The answer is - yes you can. To do this you would need to make a phone call to your insurers and gain confirmation from them including an authorisation code. Then simply contact me to book your first session. I am registered with all the main healthcare insurers including Axa PPP, BUPA, WPA, Nuffield, Vitality, Cygnet and Healix.

Question 11

What is your session cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you decide to cancel or change an appointment I ask you to kindly give 48 hours prior notice. Please note that cancelling with less than 48 hours prevents the session from being made available to other service users and in these circumstances the full session fee becomes payable. Please note that all session fees are non-refundable.

Question 12

What professional bodies are you a member of?

Accepted Answer

I am an Accredited Counselling and Psychotherapy practitioner with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also an accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapist (CBT) with the British Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies. (BABCP). I am a Hypnotherapy practitioner registered with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR).

Question 13

My partner has suggested I would benefit from counselling but I’m not sure. What would you advise?

Accepted Answer

The decision to come for counselling is a very personal one and therapy will only be effective if we genuinely want to attend and not because we are influenced by a partner or relative. If you interested in counselling but still a little unsure then booking one of my  single sessions will give you the chance to discuss your needs fully and decide what feels right for you.

Question 14

Is there anything I need to prepare or bring to counselling?

Accepted Answer

The only thing we really need to bring to counselling is ourselves. Having had counselling myself I know that it can feel a bit unnerving meeting a stranger for the first time. These feelings are very normal and I will do everything I can to help you feel at ease.

Question 15

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy state;  “Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change and/or enhance their wellbeing”. BACP.co.uk

Question 16

I would like to try Hypnotherapy but I am nervous about what happens in Hypnosis. Can you tell me more?

Accepted Answer

Having hypnotherapy is a very relaxing and pleasurable experience. Hypnotherapy is very safe and has been shown to be highly beneficial in addressing a range of issues.

Question 17

I am concerned about confidentiality – will any of my discussions be made available to my GP or employers?

Accepted Answer

All counselling is strictly confidential. The only exception to this rule would be if it appeared likely that you might cause harm to yourself or another person.

Question 18

How do I travel to Nicholas King Counselling?

Accepted Answer

How do I travel to Nicholas King Counselling? My practice is an 11 minute walk from Northwood Hills station. A map is available under the location section. On-street parking is freely available. The 282, H11 & H13 buses stop at Crossway on the Pinner Road (A404). Please note that although I do not have awaiting room I aim to see you promptly as soon as you arrive.

Counselling & Psychotherapy

Nicholas King

Individual Psychotherapy

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