Making an Appointment:

Please note for the moment only online appointments are possible.

To make an appointment simply call 086 608 42 92. It is probably better to make direct contact and have a brief chat to establish how we can work together. Texts will not be answered. Please make the call yourself! (enquiries from third parties on your behalf will not be entertained; including grannies, parents, partners etc).

If you can’t call send an email to john@dublintherapycentre.ie letting me know what is happening for you and what times you are usually available. You might also let me know when is a good time to call you for a brief chat to see how we can work together.

Please ensure you arrive on time online (not early or late) for all appointments. Client appointments are for 50 minutes at an agreed time weekly.  If you are too early I may be working with other clients and will be unable to speak with you.

If you choose to work online with me will you make sure you can be somewhere you can talk freely, I have some clients who live in busy places and often call from their car, others from a spare room and some while out walking. Will you also make sure you have access to water and tissues (just in case).

I do not take on all clients who call me – I only work with clients with who are interested in creating positive change in their lives. This also depends on how well we can work together. If I feel that I cannot be of help to you I can happily refer you to other therapists where asked.

If you make an initial appointment and do not show up without giving 24 hours notice further appointments will not be arranged for you. Please note cancellation fee applies. Basically, if you are not ready yet better to make appointment at a later stage, leaving the space available for other clients. A call is also needed to cancel appointment.

The cancellation fee is 100 percent of the usual therapy fee. Please ensure that you don’t cancel at short notice to avoid this charge.

Assessment / Client Intake Form:

Before attending your first appointment I will ask you to complete a client intake form.  Please fill in as much detail as possible.  This form is completely confidential and will not be seen by anybody else. Note this form is not needed currently due to the covid 19 situation.

Click here to download this form as a PDF file

Generally, it is better to complete this form and bring it to your first session (or to email it in advance). This frees up time to be used more effectively to find a suitable approach for you. The purpose of the form is to get a realistic view of what is going on for you so that we can formulate a suitable plan of action together.

Duration of Therapy:

The suggested minimum time I work with clients is 6 (50 minute) weekly sessions. Your therapy is then reviewed with you to monitor progress. I am particularly interested in reviewing therapy on a regular basis to ensure that your therapy is effective. Therapy is expensive and I like to feel that you are able to see how it works for you thereby giving you value for your money and time invested.

Confidentiality:

Therapy sessions are confidential which means I cannot discuss your specific personal details with anyone unless:

–          You are in danger of causing serious harm to yourself or others. (Wishing them harm is probably ok! – just don’t act on it).

–          You are in danger of being seriously harmed by others.

–          In any circumstances (e.g. court appearances) confidentiality will not be breached before discussion with you.

Ethically, I choose to work with a supervisor which involves discussion around how we work but your anonymity is never compromised.

Appointment Times:

Please ensure you are online on time (not early or late) for all appointments. I have had to state this again here. DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY – Client appointments are for 50 minutes at an agreed time weekly.

If you need to cancel a session try to give as much notice as you can. Full Fees will be charged where less than 24 hours notice of cancellation is given.

 In the Therapy Room and Online:

Going to a therapist is a brave step and it can be hard to speak openly to a total stranger.  Try to be open -minded and be yourself; I warmly welcome all of your behaviours, personality traits and experiences.  This includes but is not limited to: Being sad, frightened, depressed, verbal, angry, shouting, raging, crying, aggressive, manic, anxious, stressed, chilled out, using bad language, relaxed, happy, laughing etc.  I haven’t got a complete list but basically almost anything is ok here –

The only major ‘show-stopping’ rule I have about client behaviour is No physical violence towards the Nice Therapist (though this might be tempting at times!). ah yes, sometimes being online is safer! 🙂

Please arrive alone unless agreed in advance.

Please arrive sober and not under the influence of drugs. What you do after the session is your own business.

If anything else strikes you that needs clarification send me a mail or call me.  Thanks.

Other Contact Outside of Therapy:

Please refrain from sending me SMS messages, emails or calling between sessions unless by prior agreement. It is ok to send text or call if you are running late.

Generally, if I see a client in a public or social setting I refrain from engaging in conversation. This is to protect your confidentiality.

Magic Wand Therapy:

When you come to therapy you will need to get involved.  This really needs agreement and active participation, including doing some therapeutic things outside the session. I cannot ‘make’ you better without your involvement.

If you come to me for therapy please be aware that you will need to take responsibility to do the work. I don’t have a magic wand.  Experience suggests if you do the work you will feel better – that is what you want isn’t it?

Fees:

The agreed fee is payable before each session. Fees are payable in by Bank Transfer, Revolut or by cheque in advance.

Receipts can be provided where required. If you need a receipt please tell the therapist during the session. Receipts sought after therapy may incur an administrative fee.

Some insurance companies may cover part of your session fees. Please check with your insurer as policies vary. I have had some clients who have been able to have part of the fee covered. (Check with them and also what info they require on a receipt).

If you find yourself short of money – COME TO YOUR SESSION anyway.  It’s better to continue YOUR therapy and I tend to be able to negotiate around money. I provide a number of low cost and free sessions although there tends to be a waiting list.

If you are a current or previous client and fees become an issue tell your therapist.  Again we can negotiate and have a commitment to looking after current and former clients.

Medico Legal Reports:

Please note that therapists working at Dublin Therapy Centre will not prepare Medico Legal Reports.  Typically, Medico Legal Reports need to be prepared by a Medically Qualified Psychiatrist and our therapists are highly qualified in psychotherapy, counselling and NLP but are not medics.

Psychotherapy sessions are highly confidential and confidentiality will only ever be breach to conform with legal requirements. If there is a need to breach confidentiality this will be discussed with you as client. Generally, this only happens if you at risk of harming yourself or another person. Although occasionally, courts may seek reports in criminal or custody cases.

Psychiatric Patients:

If you are currently under the care of a psychiatrist we will need a letter of referral from a suitably qualified medical practitioner to confirm that counselling,  psychotherapy or NLP are suitable treatments for you. This is to ensure that your treatment at Dublin Therapy Centre is compatible with your medical diagnosis. Many psychiatrists prefer a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach which is available at this centre. I am happy to discuss possible treatments in a general way with any medical practitioners without breaching confidentiality.

Clients taking Anti-Depressants:

If you have been prescribed anti-depressants or any other medication you may wish to ask your doctor to refer you to counselling as a treatment option.  Please continue to take your medication unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Talking therapies in combination with medication can be very effective.

Other Boundaries:

If you book a session arrive on time (not early), make a commitment to do the work both in the room and where reasonable outside when tasks are agreed.

No calls, emails or SMS during therapy unless agreed with your therapist. This is to encourage you to be independent but calls can be agreed where you may be having a rough time. If in need please discuss with John

I have a commitment to arrive to see you; if you did too that would help. If you don’t arrive without notice no further appointment will be given.

Fees to be paid before each session.

Please feel free to ask any questions to clarify any of the above.

If you feel anything should be added to these guidelines please feel free to make helpful suggestions via email.