About
About Psychotherapy and Counselling..
Psychotherapy and Counselling are gentle therapies, providing protected time and space to work through emotional difficulties with a trained professional.
About Mistral..
Mistral offers one-to-one psychotherapy/counselling for people over the age of 18, in a confidential and quiet therapy room. I am based in St Austell, and also carry out therapy in Mevagissey. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons especially when life's problems can feel overwhelming. Everything you have experienced is unique to you, and its this which is central to our work together. You determine the focus and pace of therapy and you can choose to stop at any time.
About me..
I'm a trained, experienced Psychotherapist/Counsellor and the work I do is based on the Person Centred approach. I'm a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and work according to their ethical standards. Throughout times in my life I've undergone personal counselling, where I gained a different perspective, helping me to manage some very challenging life events. My decision to train as a Psychotherapist reflects my belief that positive change is possible, if you are open to the process.
Counselling can be a positive and life changing experience, and if your ready, I'm here to work with you.
Mary
Mary Kingsford (Dip.Couns MBACP)
Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Psychotherapy and Counselling are gentle therapies, providing protected time and space to work through emotional difficulties with a trained professional.
About Mistral..
Mistral offers one-to-one psychotherapy/counselling for people over the age of 18, in a confidential and quiet therapy room. I am based in St Austell, and also carry out therapy in Mevagissey. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons especially when life's problems can feel overwhelming. Everything you have experienced is unique to you, and its this which is central to our work together. You determine the focus and pace of therapy and you can choose to stop at any time.
About me..
I'm a trained, experienced Psychotherapist/Counsellor and the work I do is based on the Person Centred approach. I'm a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and work according to their ethical standards. Throughout times in my life I've undergone personal counselling, where I gained a different perspective, helping me to manage some very challenging life events. My decision to train as a Psychotherapist reflects my belief that positive change is possible, if you are open to the process.
Counselling can be a positive and life changing experience, and if your ready, I'm here to work with you.
Mary
Mary Kingsford (Dip.Couns MBACP)
Psychotherapist and Counsellor
counselling can..
..allow you feel validated and listened to by an impartial professional. This may be the first time you have experienced this.
..can help increase self-esteem and encourage self valuation by helping you to believe that you matter.
..promote a greater self-awareness helping you to maintain perspective in the face of challenging circumstances.
..can reveal underlying issues that may be preventing progress, and provide techniques to overcome this.
..recognise that pain can be the source of the greatest healing opportunities, and helps you to develop tools to find a healthy emotional balance.
..can help increase self-esteem and encourage self valuation by helping you to believe that you matter.
..promote a greater self-awareness helping you to maintain perspective in the face of challenging circumstances.
..can reveal underlying issues that may be preventing progress, and provide techniques to overcome this.
..recognise that pain can be the source of the greatest healing opportunities, and helps you to develop tools to find a healthy emotional balance.
WHAT YOU CAN DO..
... TO GET THE BEST FROM YOUR SESSIONS..
1. Be honest with your therapist: Your goal is to show your true self without trying to hide aspects of your personality you may not feel good about.
2. Value your sessions: Placing value on your therapy will help you to value yourself. Life gets busy, but try to attend regular appointments to ensure therapeutic continuity.
3. Be open to the process: Research suggests that therapy is most effective when you feel a connection with the mental health professional treating you. Trust that through therapy you are moving forward, even if it doesn't feel that way.
4. Accept that change may take time: Psychotherapy is not an instant process but involves working with your therapist over time. Be patient with yourself, your therapist and the Counselling process.
1. Be honest with your therapist: Your goal is to show your true self without trying to hide aspects of your personality you may not feel good about.
2. Value your sessions: Placing value on your therapy will help you to value yourself. Life gets busy, but try to attend regular appointments to ensure therapeutic continuity.
3. Be open to the process: Research suggests that therapy is most effective when you feel a connection with the mental health professional treating you. Trust that through therapy you are moving forward, even if it doesn't feel that way.
4. Accept that change may take time: Psychotherapy is not an instant process but involves working with your therapist over time. Be patient with yourself, your therapist and the Counselling process.
How to book..
TO BOOK
Please contact me, including a brief description of what you would like to achieve through therapy. I will respond to you within 48 hrs by email offering a FREE introductory meeting where we can discus this further (please see the next page - "What to Expect"). I do not accept enquiries on behalf of anyone other than the person who is seeking Counselling, as its important that the first step is to take responsibility for seeking help for yourself.
* Please check your junk mail.
If you agree to proceed with Counselling sessions, the cost of a 1 hr one to one session is £55.00.
*There is a reduced rate if you book and pay for 10 or more sessions in advance.
Payments are to be made in advance of sessions. I accept Paypal, BACS and cash payments subject to Terms and Conditions (below). Please read these before booking.
Thank you.
Please contact me, including a brief description of what you would like to achieve through therapy. I will respond to you within 48 hrs by email offering a FREE introductory meeting where we can discus this further (please see the next page - "What to Expect"). I do not accept enquiries on behalf of anyone other than the person who is seeking Counselling, as its important that the first step is to take responsibility for seeking help for yourself.
* Please check your junk mail.
- Sessions are 1 hour long.
- The St Austell Therapy Room is accessed by a series of steps, unsuitable for people with impaired mobility. (I'm happy to discuss alternative options).
- Parking for one vehicle is available on the road, directly outside the property.
- Counselling in Mevagissey is by arrangement on request.
If you agree to proceed with Counselling sessions, the cost of a 1 hr one to one session is £55.00.
*There is a reduced rate if you book and pay for 10 or more sessions in advance.
Payments are to be made in advance of sessions. I accept Paypal, BACS and cash payments subject to Terms and Conditions (below). Please read these before booking.
Thank you.
what to expect ..
In your first Free Introductory meeting, you may feel anxious, and unsure what to expect - this is ok. I will introduce myself and ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
I will ask you what you would like to achieve through Counselling. You can share with me as much or as little as feels right for you. I will not judge or criticise you, and you are free to leave at any time during the session. We will review the mutual Contract together which outlines our commitment to respect each other each other, as well providing guidelines for cancelations etc.
You can ask any questions and raise any concerns that you may have. There is no pressure, to proceed to paid sessions if it does not feel right for you. Counselling is a process and change can happen over a period of time and it is important that you are in a comfortable and safe space when in therapy. However, if you want to go ahead with Counselling, then we can arrange a date and time to start your first therapy session with me.
I will ask you what you would like to achieve through Counselling. You can share with me as much or as little as feels right for you. I will not judge or criticise you, and you are free to leave at any time during the session. We will review the mutual Contract together which outlines our commitment to respect each other each other, as well providing guidelines for cancelations etc.
You can ask any questions and raise any concerns that you may have. There is no pressure, to proceed to paid sessions if it does not feel right for you. Counselling is a process and change can happen over a period of time and it is important that you are in a comfortable and safe space when in therapy. However, if you want to go ahead with Counselling, then we can arrange a date and time to start your first therapy session with me.
Contact
Membership
I'm a Registered Member of the The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which is the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK.
F.A.Q
How do I know if Counselling will help?
The simple answer is - you don't! Its something only you will know when it happens. However, a certain amount of patience and commitment is required and open, honest communication.
Are you qualified to practice?
I'm an Registered member of the the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and I operate within their standards. I undertake regular CPD training and supervision ensuring that my work is safe and ethical.
What if I need immediate help?
Counselling is not an Emergency service. I am not available outside of sessions for any other reason than to arrange or cancel a booking. If you need immediate help for your mental health, or are having suicidal thoughts please contact the Mental Health Crisis Hub on 0800 038 5300 (FREE).
For medical emergencies please call 999.
For medical emergencies please call 999.
If I don't know what the problem is, then how can you help me?
I can help you explore difficulties in identifying the feelings you are experiencing and ways to express them. With the right therapeutic approach this can form the basis of our work together.
What if its 'not for me'.
This is something I will be happy to discuss with you and there is no pressure for you to book further sessions if it does not feel right for you.
Is my information shared?
All client information and session content is strictly confidential. I do not keep records other than contact details which is discussed with you in the Contract during our first session.
What if I don't want to talk?
I recognise that talking about your experiences and feelings can be daunting and it can be difficult to find the right words. You may find that drawing or writing things down can help. The Counselling room is a confidential space and the session time is yours. There is no pressure for you to speak if this is not comfortable for you.
Terms & Conditions
CANCELLATION POLICY
Psychotherapists are licensed healthcare providers under professional registrations. Once you enter into therapy you are expected to attend regularly. This is your time to attend or not, but it is chargeable time. Please read the following carefully. By continuing with sessions or bookings you accept and agree to adhere to this policy.
Cancellations
- Cancellations should be by email or text (not phone call or voice message unless urgent).
- If you arrive early, please wait in your car, or under the porch until your appointment time. Similarly, if you arrive late, I can't extend the session to compensate. If you let me know that you are running late by SMS Text or email, then I will accommodate a part session where possible.
- If you are over 15 minutes late and have not contacted me, I will assume you are not coming and will consider that as non attendance.
- I operate a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel an appointment more than 24-hours in advance, you will not be charged for that session. If you cancel within the 24 hour period, you will be charged for that session, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- I recognise that emergencies happen, even if they are rare. If a genuine emergency prevents you from attending, and also from letting me know, I will consider waiving or reducing the cancellation fee.
- In exceptional circumstances I can arrange a virtual or telephone session instead of meeting face to face (if this is appropriate).
- On the event that I have to cancel an appointment I will try to re-arrange the session at a time that best suits you. I do not charge you for appointments cancelled by me.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you know the location, route and time needed to attend.
Non Attendance
- If you fail to attend without appropriate notice, you will be charged for the missed session.
- If you provide an adequate reason for non attendance without notice (ie exceptional circumstances), you will be offered another appointment.
- Two non attendances without notice will result in termination of the Therapy Contract Agreement and you will not be accepted as a returning client for at least 6 months.
Payments
- Clients will be required to pay the full session fee in advance via PayPal, Cash or BACS. A receipt will be provided.
- You must settle the cost of missed sessions before being offered another session.
- If you fail to honour session fees, or if it becomes clinically inappropriate for you to have further therapy, we will not be able to offer further sessions, and will refer you back to your GP, or to another service if applicable.
Complaints Policy
- If you are dissatisfied with the service provided, and you feel able to, please discuss your concerns with me as a first step. I will respond professionally and advise you to the best of my ability.
- If we are unable to come to a satisfactory conclusion to your complaint, I will advise you to contact the BACP Customer Services.