Questions about therapy
We have tried to anticipate your questions but if something you want to know isn’t covered here, do get in touch. We will answer your query — and add the information to this page if it would help others.
What does it cost?
Most therapies are conducted in a series of single sessions usually once a week. Our costs are:
- a single session (50 minutes):$80
- a single session for couples (50 minutes): $80
- a double session (a rare occurrence- 100 minutes):$160
- block bookings of single sessions: $450 for six sessions, $700 for 10 sessions (non-refundable)
Can I claim for treatments with you on my medical insurance?
You may be able to claim if you have medical insurance cover. YOu must check with your insurer to see waht conditions they have and what types of counselling they cover. Please note that I am not a chartered psychologist.
How do I pay?
Normally clients pay by cheque or cash at the end of the session (it helps if you could prepare your cheque before the session; please make it payable to Avilon Counselling.) Clients may pay by credit card by clicking on the button below
What happens if I can’t make my session?
We know that plans can change but we ask all clients to give at least one working day’s notice of cancelling their session; we appreciate being given more notice if possible. If you can’t give at least one day’s notice, you will be charged for the session. We do not charge if you go on holiday and you have not booked any sessions.
How long is each session?
Each session lasts for what is known as a therapy hour which, traditionally, lasts for 50 minutes. This misnomer might seem misleading but it allows the therapist time between sessions to write up your notes. If you arrive late, that time is lost; the session will end when it would have done, at the end of the 50-minute slot booked by you.
What times are your appointments?
We see clients between 11am and 8pm from Monday to Friday. Saturday appointments may be arranged in special circumstances when no other tme is possible. Most clients have appointments at the same time every week so some slots may be full but we will try to find a time that works for you.
How many sessions will I need?
We try to help our clients make changes as rapidly as possible and most clients accheive their goals in 10-15 sessions. It is hard to predict what will happen in any individual case, however, since the counselling process is a cooperative venture and depends on both the client and the therapist.
Which therapy should I choose?
Some people have an idea of the therapy they want; others don’t know. We ask all clients to be open-minded as we prefer to discuss your situation and consider what would be best for you before recommending options. Equally, we are flexible in our approach and if an issue turns out to be more or less deep-rooted than either of us expected, other therapies or treatments might be more appropriate. A summary of therapies we provide is in a separate section on this website.
Do you offer telephone or on-line therapy?
Yes, we do but it is unusual and only if we think it is appropriate for you.
Do I have to lie down on a couch?
No.
I’m worried that I will leave my therapy session looking upset in public
We always try to ensure that you leave the therapy room in a calm and collected state. We do this by guiding the therapy session to a conclusion by winding down from emotionally heightened moments.
What happens when my therapy ends?
We know that long-term therapy, in particular, has a huge impact on clients. When your treatment is coming to an end, you can rely on your therapist to suggest a way of winding down to your final session so you can adjust to life without therapy. We always contact our clients after their course of sessions is over, to see how they are.
What about confidentiality and privacy?
It is a given that whatever a client discusses with their therapist is confidential. Our clients are supervised, according to the rules of the professional organisations we belong to. We will sometimes discuss clients with our clinical supervisors, to be sure we are taking the right approach, however, we are all bound by professional rules on confidentiality to maintain your privacy.
"Peter took us from the lowest point in our marriage and gave us the forum and advice
from which we are completely back on track. We are now looking forward to what amounts
to a fresh beginning with each other and a huge thanks has to go to Peter for that.
He made us think about and approach things in a way we would have never been able to do
on our own" 
