Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book an appointment? 

Please drop me an email via acecupscounselling@outlook.com. It's helpful to include some information about what you are seeking help with, and general availability. I aim to respond within three working days.

 

We can set up a brief (10-20 minutes) introductory telephone call at no cost. I can tell you a bit about how I work, and it's a space to ask questions about therapy, what to expect, or any other questions you may have. This phone call is optional, if you'd prefer to proceed with an initial appointment that's fine. 

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How do I prepare for the first appointment?

No preparation is required, although you may wish think of any questions you have about the therapy process. You may also like to think about what you want to explore in therapy. 

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If you are attending an online/telephone session, please ensure you are in a quite space where you won't be disturbed. 

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What can I expect of the first appointment?​

We begin by going over the therapeutic contract—an agreement that ensures you know what to expect of me in our sessions, as well as what is expected of you as a client. (For example, setting a regular day and time, what happens when either of us cancel, etc.) I send over the working agreement in advance of our first appointment.

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I then explain a bit about myself and my way of working. It’s a space to ask questions about therapy and what to expect. We can spend some time agreeing on how we want to work together—some people want short-term, targeted work for a particular issue. Others are happy for the sessions to be free and open-ended. It’s totally fine if you don’t know how you’d like to work—we can figure that out as we go along.

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Finally—we dive in! You’ve likely shared a bit about yourself in your referral and now is the time to share your story, in whatever way you like. Some like to start with their early life and work progressively, others like to explore whatever feels most important on the day of the session. There are no rules! It might feel intimidating to immediately open up to a stranger and I want to stress that you don’t have to right away. We go at your pace.​

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If you feel we're not the right fit after the initial appointment there is no obligation to continue with sessions. If you wish to proceed with regular therapy, then my usual cancellation policy applies. 

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Therapy is expensive. Do you offer a lower rate than advertised?

The lowest rate I offer is £50 per session. If you're unable to afford this, I can recommend other low-cost services. 

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Do you offer fortnightly/monthly sessions?

I only offer weekly sessions. Therapy can often make difficult experiences feel more alive and present, and sitting with this for two weeks without support can be extremely challenging. At worst, it poses risks to your safety. In my past experience of working fortnightly with clients, most of the session is spent catching up on life events, leaving less space to explore and reflect on how you're feeling. For these reasons, I believe weekly therapy offers the most effective approach.​

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Is your home office accessible for those with mobility issues?

Unfortunately my home office has steps at the front and back of the building and so is not accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs.

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For those with mobility issues, my office is located on the 5th floor and is accessible via lift. In the event the lift is not working, I can offer an online/telephone appointment instead. If we are unable to rearrange a suitable time, there is not charge for the session.

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Can I book an appointment with you if I'm not based in Edinburgh?

I can offer online or telephone appointments to anyone in the UK. I cannot offer appointments to those based internationally due to the limitations of my insurance.

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I'm not into spiritual stuff. Is that always part of the work you offer? 

Any integration of tarot is completely optional. I am a fully-trained and registered BACP therapist and offer robust therapy without the inclusion of tarot. 

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I am experiencing a mental health crisis. Can you help with this? 

Ace of Cups Counselling is not a crisis service. If you feel you are in immediate danger or require urgent assistance, please call 999 or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency unit: Find your nearest A&E.

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Samaritans

116123

 

Edinburgh Crisis Centre

080 8010414

 

LGBT Health and Wellbeing

0300 123 2523

 

Talk to Frank (drugs and addiction)

0300 123 660 or text 2111

 

Mind.org also have lots of information on how to manage when you are experiencing a crisis.