Contact, Fees & Practicalities
Contacting Me
The best way to reach me is by email at: emmawestoncounselling@proton.me I'm not someone who texts or WhatsApps, so please email instead as I wouldn't want your message to go unanswered. All communication, including booking an exploratory appointment, is best sent by email.
I don't have capacity to take calls that haven't been booked in advance during my working week. My phone is on "do not disturb" while I'm working, and I have a call screening service active, so I don't answer unexpected or unsolicited calls.
My Availability
I work part time, Monday to Thursday.
7 Steps to Starting Therapy
1) Email me to request a 50-minute exploratory Zoom or phone call — an opportunity for us both to ask questions and for me to find out why you're seeking therapy.
2) I will reply with my availability.
3) You email back your chosen slot and pay at the time of booking, on the day of the booking. If the appointment is not paid for at the time of booking, it becomes available for others to book.
4) The exploratory call lets us discuss expectations and ask questions, helping us determine whether we're a good fit to work together. If we're not, I may be able to signpost you to someone or a service better suited to your needs.
5) After the call, feel free to think it over and email me when you're ready to book a block of therapy.
6) When you're ready to book some therapy, pay for your first appointment to secure your slot, and decide whether you'd like weekly or fortnightly sessions. I'll then send the working agreement that sets out how we'll work together.
7) This paperwork must be completed and returned before we begin as it sets out how we will work.
50-Minute Exploratory Appointment Fees
★ £40 (up to 5pm) / £45 (from 5pm)
★ 50-minute session (half the price of my standard fee)
★ Perfect for exploring whether we're a good fit
★ Available online or by telephone
★ Fees are payable at the time of booking to secure your slot.
★ If payment isn't received by the end of the business day the appointment is booked, the slot becomes available for others to book.
★ Your appointment is confirmed once payment is received.
Standard Session Fees
◆Standard counselling: 50 minutes — daytime £80,
evenings (5pm+) £90 (note that I have very limited evening availability)
◆Extended sessions: 90 minutes — daytime £120, for EMDR or deeper work
Transparent Fees
My fees are listed on my website and directory listings. I review them annually at the start of each year, with any increases likely to take effect from April (in line with the tax year), based on rising costs for insurance, utilities, office overheads, resources, clinical supervision, CPD, training, technology, online therapy platforms, and BACP membership and accreditation fees. I usually provide at least a month's notice of any increase.
All counselling and supervision fees are due 24 hours before each appointment, and sessions won't go ahead unless paid in advance (the fee remains payable).
Although I book appointments in blocks of 6, you don't need to pay for the block upfront, each session can be paid individually, 24 hours before the appointment time.
The Practicalities of Counselling Work
1) Sessions are usually booked in blocks of 6, typically the same time and day each week or fortnight, with a review at session 4 (and ongoing reviews beyond session 6 if you continue).
2) Standard appointments are 50 minutes; extended appointments are 90 minutes.
3) My cancellation policy is 48 hours.
4) Appointments take place over Zoom.
5) Policies such as confidentiality and GDPR are set out in the working agreement before therapy starts. My GDPR policy is also available on my website.
I run a busy practice, so I may not always have times and days to suit, sometimes there may be a wait for preferred slots.
Inactive Therapy and Closing Sessions
Therapy is a very subjective process: some people attend for months or years, while others may only need a few sessions, and therapy can end at any time for different reasons. If you no longer need or are able to attend, please reach out so I can ethically close your case and offer your slot to other clients. You're always welcome to return!
Response Times
Weekday emails (Monday–Thursday): usually replied to within 24–48 hours.
Weekend emails (received Friday or over the weekend): responded to on the Monday after (apart from public holidays). I aim to be responsive while maintaining healthy boundaries and a work-life balance.
Scheduling
I strongly recommend pre-booking your sessions a few weeks or months in advance where possible, so you can reserve the days and times that work best for you. Scheduled appointments support your therapeutic progress through consistency and make it easier to keep track of your own schedule.
Cancellation Policy
Full fees are charged for no-shows or cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice, as it isn't possible to book another client into that spot. Please cancel with a minimum of 48 hours' notice. Failing to show up within 15 minutes of a session start is considered a no-show and full fees are charged.
Crisis Support
I cannot provide a crisis service. If you're in crisis, please contact:
◆NHS 111: for mental health emergencies
◆999: for immediate crisis
◆Samaritans: 116 123 (free 24-hour phone line)
Supervision
❖ I provide integrative supervision for trainee and qualified counsellors and psychotherapists, as well as other health professionals.
❖ Fees are £60–£120, depending on requirements such as student concessions and the amount of supervision needed.
❖ Fees are due 24 hours before each appointment.
Reports and Accreditation
I charge my usual hourly fee for reports, and a fee of 3 hours' work for accreditation reports.
Concessions and Student Rates
I can offer a limited number of reduced-fee places for counselling and psychotherapy students, and others on lower incomes, for therapy, mentoring, or supervision. Reduced-fee sessions will likely require joining a waiting list, and places are limited.
Training, Groups & Seminars
For training, groups, seminars, or group supervision, please get in touch with your requirements so we can discuss what I can offer.
Mentoring
If you'd like support with your private practice, I also offer mentoring sessions and would be happy to discuss how I can help.
Ready to Book?
Email me at emmawestoncounselling@proton.me to check my current availability. I offer a half-price 50-minute exploratory online or telephone session so we can get a sense of whether we're a good fit.
Any questions? Please email me and I will do my best to help.
