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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions many people have about starting therapy and how we would work together. 

How many sessions?

The number of sessions varies dependent on the work we are doing. Cognitive Behavioural Therapies tend to be brief 12 - 20 sessions. This is based on research of best outcomes. However everyone's lived experience is individual. At the outset we will set goals for our work together and work to a set number of session in mind. You may only have the budget for a few sessions, or you may find our work useful and want to continue working on other aspects of your life.

If I want to go ahead what do I do? 

The relationship with a therapist is really important for effective outcomes. This is why I always have a 10/15 minute call with prospective clients so we can get a feel for how we might work together. After this call, you just need to let me know that you want to proceed and we will set up a session time. I'll also send you several forms to complete which you can complete securely online.

What do you charge?

I charge £60 session. Sessions last 50 minutes. For group sessions and programmes prices vary.

Do you work face-to-face or online?

I work online and in person. I work in person from my counselling room in Granton, Edinburgh. I also work online using Zoom. Every client has their own private Zoom link. Many clients mix in person and Zoom.

Can I go fortnightly or choose frequency of sessions

We will usually start off with weekly sessions. However I regularly move to fortnightly and then monthly sessions with clients. This is on a case by case business and we would decide together.

Do I have to do homework?

A therapy session is only 50 mins. In order to affect change or work towards healing or growth, we apply some of the insights and tools from these sessions to our lives. Lets call it out of session work.

Do you have a complaints procedure

At AndRising Therapy, I am committed to providing high-quality Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in line with the ethical framework of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). If you have any concerns or complaints, I take them seriously and aim to resolve them promptly and fairly.

This procedure explains how you can raise a complaint and how I will respond. You can request a copy of this policy in alternative formats.

1. What Is a Complaint?

A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction with any aspect of my service, whether justified or not.

2. Principles

  • Fairness and Respect: Complaints are handled professionally and without bias.
  • Confidentiality: All concerns are treated in line with data protection laws.
  • Timeliness: I aim to resolve complaints promptly.
  • Transparency: I will keep you informed throughout the process.

3. Who Can Complain?

  • Current or former clients (within 3 years)
  • Individuals on a waiting list or who have inquired about services
  • Representatives acting on a client's behalf

Note: Anonymous complaints may be logged but cannot be investigated. Complaints intended to harm (vexatious complaints) may be dismissed after review.

4. Informal Complaints

I encourage informal resolution first. You can speak to me directly or email me at siobhan@andrisingtherapy.com.

I will respond within 5 working days. If more time is needed, I will keep you informed.

5. Formal Complaints

If informal steps don’t resolve the issue, you may submit a formal complaint by:

  • Email or post (use subject line: “Formal Complaint - Your Name”)
  • Include: your name, contact info, issue description, dates, and your desired resolution.

I will acknowledge receipt within 5 working days.

6. How I Handle Formal Complaints

  1. Acknowledgement: Confirm receipt within 5 working days.
  2. Investigation: Reviewed in detail. If needed, I will contact you within 10 working days.
  3. Conflicts of Interest: Declared by all parties. An independent therapist may be appointed.
  4. Legal Proceedings: If legal action is active or pending, the complaint process may pause.
  5. Response: Full reply within 20 working days. You’ll be kept informed if more time is needed.
  6. Appeal: You may appeal within 14 days if new evidence or procedural issues arise.
  7. Outcomes: These may include supervision, training, or referral to BABCP.

7. Escalation

If you are not satisfied, you may refer your complaint to:

BABCP
www.babcp.com
Email: babcp@babcp.com
Address: Imperial House, Hornby Street, Bury, BL9 5BN

8. Support with Complaints

You may also seek help from:

9. Learning from Complaints

I keep records of complaints for 5 years. Feedback helps me improve and maintain the highest standards of care.

Last updated: July 2025

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