Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule an introductory call before I book my first session?
We can arrange a 15 mins brief phone call before you decide to book a session. This phone call is the space for you to ask any specific questions and to see if we are a good match. You will not be charged for that.
Can I book a session for a family member or friend?
Strongly recommend the person who needs or wants therapy to contact Janet by himself/herself/themselves. Janet will only book a session after the person has expressed willingness and interest in starting therapy. However, as a family member or friend, you may let Janet know how she can reach the person if he/she/they have difficulties in contacting Janet by themselves.
Is counselling/ psychotherapy confidential?
Yes, all personal information will be kept confidential unless you give consent for your information to be shared with other professionals (e.g.referral to other Psychologists to Psychiatrists or communication to your GP), or in situations where the therapist notice any safeguarding or crime-related issues. Janet will explain clearly in your first session and she will state clearly in your therapy contract.
Is there anything I have to prepare before the 1st therapy session?
There's nothing particular you need to prepare for therapy, apart from checking the location and transportation if you're meeting me in-person.
Is there anything I have to be aware of if I choose to have therapy session remotely?
A stable wifi/ broadband and a private space are necessary for online therapy sessions. If someone else is in the same house/ apartment with you, using a headphone is recommended.
In terms of devices, using a desktop/ laptop is highly recommended. If mobile phone is the only device that is accessible, turning off notifications in the phone setting can minimise the chance of interruptions during therapy.
Will I be charged if I cancel my sessions?
You can cancel or reschedule any appointment booked without any charge as long as you give 48 hours’ notice. Policies for rescheduling, lateness and cancellation will be stated clearly on the therapy contract before you start therapy.
Can I book a session in early morning, late evening during weekdays or at the weekend?
On weekdays,
The earliest appointment is 8am for online session and 9am for in-person session.
The latest appointment is 6pm in the evening.
At the weekend,
Janet only offers online therapy on Saturday morning and she doesn't work on Sunday.
Can I do fortnightly or monthly sessions instead of weekly sessions?
If you're new to therapy, weekly sessions are highly encouraged. Janet usually only offers fortnightly or monthly sessions only to clients who have worked with Janet for a longer period of time (6 months+). The appropriateness of monthly session will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How many therapy sessions do I need?
Psychotherapy and counselling are different from medical treatment. There is no standard number of sessions that fits all individuals. Hence, the number of sessions varies depending on personal circumstances and needs. Janet usually does regular reviews with each client to ensure that the potential change in therapeutic goal(s) or a need in re-contracting will be discussed.
Can I stop therapy at any time?
You are free to end counselling/ therapy at any time. However, in order to look at what has been achieved and bring the counselling/ therapy process to an end. I would appreciate it if you could give Janet one or two sessions notice of your decision.
Is EMDR therapy suitable for me?
EMDR is a powerful trauma treatment recommended by NICE Guidelines and it could be effective on a wide range of issues. However, each approach has its limitation and people respond differently. Therefore, it is important to go through an assessment including medical and family history intake before we decide whether EMDR is right for you.
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We can arrange a 15 mins brief phone call before you decide to book a session. This phone call is the space for you to ask any specific questions and to see if we are a good match. You will not be charged for that.
Can I book a session for a family member or friend?
Strongly recommend the person who needs or wants therapy to contact Janet by himself/herself/themselves. Janet will only book a session after the person has expressed willingness and interest in starting therapy. However, as a family member or friend, you may let Janet know how she can reach the person if he/she/they have difficulties in contacting Janet by themselves.
Is counselling/ psychotherapy confidential?
Yes, all personal information will be kept confidential unless you give consent for your information to be shared with other professionals (e.g.referral to other Psychologists to Psychiatrists or communication to your GP), or in situations where the therapist notice any safeguarding or crime-related issues. Janet will explain clearly in your first session and she will state clearly in your therapy contract.
Is there anything I have to prepare before the 1st therapy session?
There's nothing particular you need to prepare for therapy, apart from checking the location and transportation if you're meeting me in-person.
Is there anything I have to be aware of if I choose to have therapy session remotely?
A stable wifi/ broadband and a private space are necessary for online therapy sessions. If someone else is in the same house/ apartment with you, using a headphone is recommended.
In terms of devices, using a desktop/ laptop is highly recommended. If mobile phone is the only device that is accessible, turning off notifications in the phone setting can minimise the chance of interruptions during therapy.
Will I be charged if I cancel my sessions?
You can cancel or reschedule any appointment booked without any charge as long as you give 48 hours’ notice. Policies for rescheduling, lateness and cancellation will be stated clearly on the therapy contract before you start therapy.
Can I book a session in early morning, late evening during weekdays or at the weekend?
On weekdays,
The earliest appointment is 8am for online session and 9am for in-person session.
The latest appointment is 6pm in the evening.
At the weekend,
Janet only offers online therapy on Saturday morning and she doesn't work on Sunday.
Can I do fortnightly or monthly sessions instead of weekly sessions?
If you're new to therapy, weekly sessions are highly encouraged. Janet usually only offers fortnightly or monthly sessions only to clients who have worked with Janet for a longer period of time (6 months+). The appropriateness of monthly session will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How many therapy sessions do I need?
Psychotherapy and counselling are different from medical treatment. There is no standard number of sessions that fits all individuals. Hence, the number of sessions varies depending on personal circumstances and needs. Janet usually does regular reviews with each client to ensure that the potential change in therapeutic goal(s) or a need in re-contracting will be discussed.
Can I stop therapy at any time?
You are free to end counselling/ therapy at any time. However, in order to look at what has been achieved and bring the counselling/ therapy process to an end. I would appreciate it if you could give Janet one or two sessions notice of your decision.
Is EMDR therapy suitable for me?
EMDR is a powerful trauma treatment recommended by NICE Guidelines and it could be effective on a wide range of issues. However, each approach has its limitation and people respond differently. Therefore, it is important to go through an assessment including medical and family history intake before we decide whether EMDR is right for you.
s