FAQs

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions answered:

 







Are you a member of a professional body?
Yes, I am a member of the professional body British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), specifically for conventional ways of talking therapy.
I am also member of the professional body Complementary Medical Association (CMA) for contemporary techniques I use combined with talking therapy.
Both professional bodies I am a member of have quite similar regulations and rules (BACP's Ethical Framework and CMA's Code of Ethics) I abide to, so I can offer you the best service possible.

What is a professional body?
A professional body is an organisation with members who are practising a profession or occupation. They ensure that their members deliver a standard quality of service, that their members are informed about outcomes of relevant research for an example so that their members are equipped with and apply the most recent knowledge and techniques available.

What is the difference between counselling and therapy?
The terms ‘Counselling’, ‘Therapy’ or ‘Psychotherapy’ are interchangeable. They all indicate that communicating in a language, talking, is at the heart of the treatment or therapy.
‘Counselling’ usually refers to short-term talking therapy and helps when you have a specific challenge or current issue, like a loss or something you struggle with that is not necessarily based on previous experiences or rooted in your past.
In ‘psychotherapy’ or ‘therapy’, you would be working on deeper issues rooted in past experiences or past affecting different parts of your life now. 
Counselling Therapy offers psychotherapeutic counselling, short-term and long-term treatments.

How can I get in touch with you?
You can get in touch with me by email. Send a message to
shirley.amatsakio@proton.me and I will get back in touch with you within two working days (Monday to Friday).
If you would like me to give you a call, please add your telephone number in your email to me, and best times to call you.
If you prefer to call, please send me a text message at 077 36 32 92 77 when I can call you back.

Do you offer remote sessions, via video-calling or by phone?
Yes. I am qualified to offer remote support. I use Zoom for video-calling, and I can also support you by phone.

What are your qualifications?
I hold a Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling, a Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Certificates in Holistic Coaching and Therapy (body-mind-soul connected interventions like Mindfulness and Qigong), Certificates in Trauma-Informed Psychotherapeutic Interventions, Teacher Training Certificates in Qigong (body-mind connected interventions), general Adult Teacher Training Certificates, Foundation Degree in Psychology, BA in Education (Educational Psychology).

Where do we meet for in-person therapy?
If you choose to have face-to-face counselling or therapy, we meet at the Haelan Clinic in Crouch End, North London (N8 8DT).
If you are physically unable to walk up the stairs at the Clinic where I practise, we will have remote sessions.

What is your confidentiality policy?
All the information you share will be kept secret.
There are some exceptions which I will explain in the assessment session and will be mentioned in the contract we sign if we decide to work together.
Please read Counselling Therapy's Privacy Policy to learn more.

What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel an appointment 48 hours prior to your next appointment and you will not be charged. If you cancel within 48 hours, you will be charged.

Can I book a treatment via my insurance company?
Your insurance company may cover the costs for counselling/therapy. Please contact your insurance company. You can submit the costs through them.
 

Read more about what Counselling Therapy can do for you, what I offer
Email me at shirley.amatsakio@proton.me to get in touch with me, or text message me at 077 36 32 92 77 when I can call you back.

[Source image]