FAQs
Counselling fees reflect the significant investment therapists make in providing high-quality, ethical care. Counsellors in private practice have additional costs that include room rental, professional insurance, accreditation fees, monthly supervision, and ongoing training (at least 30 hours of continuing professional development per year) to maintain best practices. Additionally, counsellors follow guidance from accrediting bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which suggests a sustainable client workload of 15-20 hours per week to ensure high-quality support and prevent burnout. The work doesn’t stop when the session ends – the therapist also engage in clinical reflection, write clinical notes, and attend individual and peer supervision to reflect on their clients and practice.
The number of sessions your child may need depends on their individual needs and progress. As a minimum, I recommend at least six sessions to allow time for trust to build and the counselling relationship to develop. On average, children engage in therapy for about a year, but some may need shorter-term support, while others benefit from longer-term work. We will regularly review progress to ensure therapy continues to meet your child’s needs.
Every 6-8 weeks, we complete a short written questionnaire to assess your child’s progress, alongside ongoing reviews of their goals and engagement in therapy. I also offer a brief check-in with parents at this stage to discuss any observations, concerns, or changes. Parents are always encouraged to share any urgent matters or updates between sessions to ensure the best possible support for their child.
I do not provide formal diagnoses; however, with my clinical expertise, I can recognise signs that may indicate the need for further assessment for neurodivergence or psychiatric conditions. If I observe anything that suggests additional support might be beneficial, I will discuss my observations with you and your child, offering guidance on next steps and, if appropriate, referring you to relevant professionals or services for further evaluation.
Safeguarding your child is my top priority. While our sessions remain confidential, I will only disclose information to you if there is a direct and immediate risk to your child’s life or well-being. This includes situations where they have taken active steps to end their life or are involved in terrorist or serious criminal activity. If your child discloses any form of abuse by an adult, I am legally required to report this to MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) and the local safeguarding authority, as well as inform you and my supervisor to ensure their safety and well-being.
You can usually reach me via email – kaya.winney@gmail.com, and I will strive to respond to emails within 48 hours. For urgent queries outside of my office hours (Tue-Thur 10am-1pm) , parents are welcome to call me directly. To maintain trust and transparency with your child, I will always let them know if you’ve shared any updates with me.
I normally work through half terms unless a child requests a break. I take two weeks off around Christmas and Easter and a short break in August. Families will always receive at least two weeks’ notice of any holiday breaks. I also try to avoid breaks longer than three weeks whenever possible, as extended gaps can disrupt engagement in therapy and impact progress.
The 30-minute initial consultation is an opportunity to explore whether counselling feels like the right fit. The session structure varies depending on whether it is for a child, parent, or adult.
For children, parents will join for the first half to discuss therapy goals, child’s developmental history, family background, and current challenges. In the second half, I will spend one-on-one time with the child to build rapport and understand their perspective.
For adults and parents, we will reflect on significant life events, challenges, and what you hope to gain from counselling.
After the session, you can decide whether to proceed, and I will follow up with the next steps.
Ending therapy is an important part of the journey and a process in itself. For long-term work (1+ years), this typically takes 4-6 weeks, allowing the child to reflect on their progress, discuss any remaining challenges and prepare for the next steps. I strive to provide children with a ‘good’ ending—one that feels thoughtful and empowering. Together, we review their growth, complete a progress questionnaire, and explore recommendations for the future, ensuring they leave with a sense of closure and confidence in their continued emotional well-being.
I offer counselling reports in two formats:
- A short report (2 pages) for £50, summarizing key themes, progress, and recommendations.
- A more extensive report (4 pages) for £100, providing a detailed overview of the therapeutic work, insights, and future considerations.
If needed, I can also communicate with your child’s school or GP via emails or letters. However, attendance at any external meetings will be charged at the hourly session rate.
A typical Reiki session lasts about 50 minutes. During this time, I gently place my hands on or near your clothed body. You may experience sensations such as a tingling, deep relaxation, warmth or coolness—or you might not feel anything at all. Many clients notice a bit of thirst after the session, so it’s advisable to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol 24 hours before and after your treatment. Taking some time to rest afterward can help you fully enjoy the benefits of the session.
Preparing for a Reiki session is an important part of the healing process. Before your session, take a moment to set an intention—a clear focus for what you wish to receive or release during your treatment. In our first session, we’ll also complete a brief medical history form, so please take a note any medications or supplements you’re taking. For optimal results, please avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least 24 hours both before and after your session, and wear comfortable clothes to help you relax fully.
Reiki isn’t a miracle cure, but many clients report feeling more relaxed and enjoying better sleep after a session. Occasionally, you might experience some physical symptoms or within 24 hours of treatment—this is typically just tension or pain coming to the surface to be cleared, and there’s no need to be alarmed. In my clinical practice, after 5-10 sessions, clients often find that their physical symptoms have alleviated or disappeared entirely, with noticeable improvements in focus, memory, and overall energy levels, as well as decrease in symptoms of anxiety and low mood.
