Irene Pugh Counselling

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I talk about?
Absolutely anything...it's your agenda...I don't ask lots of questions about areas you don't want to go into.

How does "just talking" help?
Just talking is a beginning. It helps to have someone totally focused on what you are saying and seeing things from your perspective.

How long is a counselling session?
50 minutes.

How long do I come for?
This is your choice. We would make an initial agreement at a first session and then review that. Some people choose a set number of sessions, and others want to work on an open-ended basis. So whilst some clients come for four or six sessions, others may come for one or more years. Sometimes people have a fixed number of sessions and then return for another group of sessions at a later date.

Who knows about my counselling?
I tell no one about my clients. Confidentiallity is paramount in counselling, and the BACP ethical framework to which I work sets out the standards for client's privacy. In very extreme circumstances, which are outlined in a first session, I may want to talk to you about speaking, say, to a doctor. This happens very rarely.

How much does it cost?
It costs £25 for a first session.
At present my fees for subsequent sessions are £35 for counselling and supervision.

When are you available?
I offer both day time and evening appointments. Except in special circumstances, e.g. for shift workers, we would generally meet at the same time each week for the contracted number of weeks. I charge for missed sessions, although I always try to rearrange the session within the week if you have to cancel a session.

Where do we meet?
I work from a dedicated comfortable counselling room at the front of my house, which is in a quiet cul-de-sac. The room is private, light and has a very calm, pleasant atmosphere. There is wheelchair access. There is parking on the garage apron. I am located about five minutes from Junction 14 of the M1 or Central Milton Keynes and less than ten minutes from the A5. I am very easily reached from Bedford, Luton, Leighton Buzzard or Northampton.