Question 1

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

First step would be to arrange a consultation through the Contact form or email me directly at contact@bhavesh-kotecha.com. I will come back to you with some dates for the consultation and we can discuss appointment dates during the meeting.

Question 2

How quickly can you see me?

Accepted Answer

Usually within a week but my availability can change from week to week. I will give you an indication at our consultation.

Question 3

How long is a counselling or therapy session?

Accepted Answer

It’s customary for a counselling/therapy session to be 50 minutes long. I am able to provide longer sessions of 90 minutes depending on the circumstances. Longer sessions can be effective at the start of therapy when it feels like there is significant background history or other complexities to consider.

Question 4

How much does a session cost?

Accepted Answer

Counselling fees for in-person 50 minute sessions in St Albans or Shenley/Radlett are £70. Online session fees are £60. I offer a longer 90 minute session for £90.

I offer a very limited number of concessionary sessions for certain groups of people. Please enquire about these. Bookings are required to be paid for in advance by bank transfer or cash on the day (in-person sessions only). I can offer discounts for advance payment of bulk bookings – please enquire about this arrangement.

Question 5

How frequently will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Weekly sessions are preferable when starting counselling and my sessions are designed with this frequency in mind. This gives enough time between sessions for you to be able process and build up momentum. This also increases the likelihood of the counselling being effective for you as weekly allow sessions facilitate deeper work and immediacy.

Some clients transition to fortnightly sessions after making some initial progress and where pressing issues have had some resolution.  I am open to discuss an alternative arrangement if you feel that suits you better.

Question 6

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This is really difficult to know and is different for everybody. If you are limited in how many you would like to have please let me know in our consultation session and we can discuss whether this is workable.

Bear in mind that whatever the reasons bringing you to counselling, I will take time to understand who you are and the relevant aspects of your life that are impacting you. I feel it is important for us to build a trusting relationship and our early sessions will be focused around creating this therapeutic connection.

You can finish counselling whenever you feel comfortable to do so and I will be led by you on this. It is important for us to plan the ending so that we can reflect on what has come up for you and how you will take this forward.

Question 7

What if I need to cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

I recognise that sometimes things come up and you may not be able to attend a scheduled session. If you are able to cancel a session with 48 hours notice there will be no charge (and your fee will be refunded).​

Question 8

Do you offer online or in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

I offer both. Some people prefer one or the other, or a mixture of both. Online sessions will be via Zoom so you will need to have a reliable internet connection and a self-contained space where you will not get disturbed or interrupted.

Question 9

Where will in-person sessions take place from?

Accepted Answer

I work from Shenley/Radlett (WD7) and St Albans (AL1) and most of my in-person sessions take place from these locations.

Question 10

Do you offer any concessions or discounts?

Accepted Answer

I offer a very limited number of discounted sessions for counselling students, unemployed, those on universal credit or limited financial means. Please get in touch if you qualify and I will let you know if there is a available space or a waiting list.

Question 11

Do you offer a discount for bulk bookings?

Accepted Answer

I do! Please enquire to find out.

Question 12

What if I go on holiday and can't make a session?

Accepted Answer

Just make sure you let me know 24 hours before the scheduled session and it won't be chargeable.

Frequently asked questions