Frequently asked questions
You are bound to have lots of questions if you're thinking about seeing a counsellor or psychotherapist for the first time. You might find answers to some of them below.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Fill in the form on the Contact page, email or call us. We will then arrange an assesmsment session [30 minutes / £25] with your chosen therapist. If you are looking for lower cost therapy with one of our trainee counsellors, The Clinical Director, Helen, will do the assessment with you.
Is there a waiting list?
At The Wellbeing Garden, we strive to refer you to one of our team as soon as possible. There may be a short wait while we match you with an appropriate counsellor/psychotherapist.
Can I choose my therapist?
Yes, all our therapists are on the Meet the Team page and you can read about your chosen therapist there. If you opt to see one of our trainee counsellors, we will match as appropriate.
How much are the therapy sessions?
Therapy session fees vary depending on who you would like to see. If you choose one of our qualified therapists, they have their own set session fee written in their profile. When requested or required, sessions with a trainee counsellor will cost £35 per session.
How long are the sessions?
Each session will be 50 minutes. In some cases, when requested, we can offer up to 90 minute sessions.
How often will I see my therapist?
The Wellbeing Garden recommends you see your therapist weekly. There are occasions when fortnighly sessions are recommended or requested. Please speak to your therapist about this.
What should I expect from my first therapy session?
Your first session is for setting expectations and starting to build trust between you both. It is also a chance to see if you and your therapist are a good fit to work together. You don't have to continue with your therapist if you struggle to relate to them. If this is the case, please reach out to The Clinical Director, Helen, and she will try to match you with another therapist.
Will everything I tell my therapist be confidential?
In most cases, yes. Confidentiality is an important part of building trust with your therapist.
But, there are some exceptions, which help your therapist to work responsibly. These should be clearly explained by the therapist in your first session and can include:
Exploring aspects of the work with the therapist's clinical supervisor
For your safety - If your therapist believes that you are at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else, they may need to inform your GP, healthcare professional or someone esle.
When the law requires it - in some specific situations, your therapist is required by law to break confidentiality. For example, in the case of terrorism activities.
If I need to cancel an appointment, will there be a cancellaton fee?
We seek a cancellation fee [full cost of the session] when there is a missed appointment with less than 48hours ntoice. We seek half the agreed fee if notice is more than this. Please also speak with your therapist as their agreement with you may differ.
Can I see a therapist remotely?
Yes, of course. The Wellbeing Garden will always strive to meet your needs and if a remote session is needed, we can use Zoom, Teams or telephone. Please talk this through with your therapist if required.
Is there parking?
The Wellbeing Garden encourages sustainable commuting and is opposite the bus stop that comes directly from Bath. We are also near the Batheaston/Bathampton cycle route. If you're bringing a car, there are some free spaces on the road nearby.
