Frequently asked questions
SESSION BOOKINGS
How do I know if I need to book a session?
Sometimes we wonder if what we’re going through really warrants talking to someone and seeking professional help. Below are some indicators for when it would be a good time to reach out and book a session.
- When past experiences are still influencing you – You feel hindered and weighed down by disappointing, hurtful or traumatic life experiences. You’re stuck in negative cycles that keep repeating themselves, or you’re struggling to make and sustain positive changes.
- When present experiences are influencing your present functioning – You experience relational conflicts and strain, feel emotionally overwhelmed, exhausted and confused.
- When you struggle in your spiritual life – You feel frustrated or disconnected in your walk with God, struggling to grow, trust Him or hear God’s voice. If it feels like you’re constantly under spiritual attack or in a winter or wilderness season.
- When you desire to grow – If you desire to grow in your relationships and communication skills, establish healthy boundaries, learn how to resolve conflict in a healthy way, or acquire healthy coping skills.
What if I’m uncertain if counselling, play therapy, or inner healing is the right approach for what I’m needing?
You’re welcome to click here to schedule a 15-minute consultation call where we can talk about what you’re seeking help for and if this is the right approach for you.
In the event that it’s not the right approach for your needs, I’ll provide referrals where possible so you’re able to receive the help you need.
How do I book a session?
To book a session click here and select a date and time that suits you best.
Alternatively, you can email hello@ashlynndenning.co.za, to request an appointment and I’ll get back to you with some appointment options as well as.
What if I can’t make a pre-scheduled session anymore?
You’re welcome to reach out on email or whatsapp to reschedule your appointment to a date and time that suits you best.
Should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment in less than 24 hours before your scheduled session, you’ll be liable for 50% of the session fee. There will be no charge for any appointment rescheduled that exceed 24 hours.
What if I’m running late for my session?
In the event that you arrive late to your session, it will still end on time and not run over into the next person’s session. The duration of your session does not commence at your arrival time, but at the pre-scheduled appointment time.
What if I forget and do not arrive for my session?
You will unfortunately be charged the full amount of the session fee as that time has been reserved specially for you.
Will I receive an appointment reminder?
What is your cancellation policy?
There will be no charge to cancel or reschedule an appointment up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time.
- Within 24 hours: Cancelling or rescheduling your appointment within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment will result in a 50% session fee charge.
- Missed appointment: In the event that you don’t arrive for your appointment, you’ll be charged the full session fee amount.
ONLINE BOOKINGS
What platform is used for online sessions?
Online sessions will take place either on Google Meet or via a Whatsapp video call. The preferred platform will be established when booking your session.
When will a link be sent to me for my online session?
Should your session be taking place on Google Meet, a link will be included in your appointment reminder which will be sent to you the morning of your appointment.
What do I need for an online session?
All you need is
- A device, either laptop, tablet, or cell phone.
- A stable internet connection.
- A quiet and safe place free from distractions, interruptions, and listening ears.
- Earphones are optional, but a great idea to help block out other noises and distractions.
What about confidentiality in online sessions?
With regards to your counsellor, what you share in an online session will be guarded with the same level of confidentiality as an in-person session.
However, the online client is also responsible for safeguarding the confidentiality of their sessions, by managing their environment and where the online sessions are conducted.
The counsellor is not liable for any breach of confidentiality in the event someone, in the client’s vicinity, overhears their online session due to their choice in location for their session.
PREPARING FOR A SESSION
What can I expect at the first counselling session?
During your first session we’ll run through some logistics of the counselling room and process. This will include paperwork (informed consent form), confidentiality, counselling room orientation, and note-taking among other things. You’ll be able to share more about yourself and the reason you’re seeking counselling.
At the end of the session, the counsellor may provide some observations and suggestions. If required, we’ll schedule the next appointment, and the counsellor will pray for you before you leave.
What must I bring to my counselling session?
You’re welcome to bring any notes or lists you’ve made of concerns, struggles or topics you’d like to discuss. It’s also beneficial to bring a notebook and pen to jot down any helpful insights, revelations, or important points you’d like to remember and go over after your session.
If you’ve chose to pay for your session in cash, you’re welcome to bring the amount and hand it to the counsellor at the end of the session. An invoice will be sent to you shortly after reflecting the payment received.
How do I prepare myself for a session?
- Reflect: Take some time to reflect on your life and what situations, people, or feelings have been bothering you lately. You could ask yourself, on a scale of 1-10 where am I emotionally, spiritually, relationally, cognitively (thought life), and personally.
- Notes: Write down anything specific you’d like to discuss during your session. This could include a topic, thoughts, feelings, or situations.
- Questions: Make a note of any questions you might have whether it’s about the counselling process or what you’re going through and experiencing.
- Openness: Be prepared to share openly and honestly, knowing whatever you share will remain confidential. The more you share, the more helpful it will be. Remember, you’re meeting with someone who is there to help and support you, not judge and condemn you.
- Nerves: Going for counselling and opening up to someone may be an unfamiliar and unknown experience. It’s normal to feel a little nervous, but don’t let anxiety take over. Practice mindful deep breathing and check the thoughts running through your mind are grounded in faith and are factual.
- Receive: Be ready to hear and receive observations and perhaps some practical suggestions even if they may be challenging to hear. Remember, if there’s something you’re struggling to receive, we can always have a conversation around it.
- Process: It’s important to make a conscious choice to commit to the process. It will require effort and intentionality. When you commit to your healing, growth, and freedom, you’re committing to becoming who God created you to be.
How do I prepare my teen for a session?
Talk about it: Have an honest conversation about why you’d like them to see a counsellor. It’s important to reassure them that seeking help when struggling mentally or emotionally is normal and beneficial. The same way you would ask for help from a teacher when you’re stuck with something in class.
Below are some helpful conversation starters:
- “I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling with …. lately. I really love and care about you, so I’d like you to see a counsellor who can help.”
- “So many people find it beneficial to talk to a counsellor to help them understand and manage what they’re feeling and find solutions to problems. I wonder if this is something you’d like to try, because I think it can make a difference to what you’re going through.”
- “You don’t have to go through this alone, I want you to have someone to talk to who can help you navigate things, so I’ve booked a counselling session for you. I really believe this can help you grow and feel better. Let’s talk about any thoughts or concerns you might have about it.”
Discuss goals: Encourage them to think about anything they’d like to achieve or discuss in counselling. Are there specific situations, feelings or thoughts they’re struggling with? If there was one thing they’d never have to struggle with again, what would it be?
Confidentiality: Encourage them to share openly and honestly about their experiences, knowing that whatever they share in counselling will be kept private and won’t be discussed by the counsellor or shared with their parents.
The limit and exception to this is
- If there is anything by law the counsellor is required to report.
- If they are hurting or endangering themselves or someone else, or someone else is hurting or endangering them.
Provide information: Explain who the counsellor is, why you chose them, what their role will be and how they can help. Show them the counsellor’s website to help familiarize them with the counsellor and what the counselling room will look like, so they know what to expect.
Logistics of first session: Let them know the date, time and length of the session. Where you’ll drop them off and pick them up afterwards.
What they can expect at the first session: At the first session the counsellor and adolescent client will have conversations in each of the following areas:
- Getting to know each other.
- The counselling process.
- Confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality.
- Reason for coming to counselling.
- What they hope to achieve through counselling.
How do I prepare my child for a play therapy session?
Talk about it: Using age-appropriate language explain what play therapy is and why you’d like them to go. It’s important to normalize seeking help when we’re experiencing very big emotions or going through difficult situations.
Below are some helpful conversation starters:
- “I’ve arranged a special playtime for you with a new adult friend. She has lots of fun toys and games and is really good at listening. You can share anything with her, what you’ve been thinking about, what you’re feeling, and she can help you feel better.”
- “Lots of kids go to play therapy, it’s a special and fun place to talk and learn about our feeling and what we can do to help us feel better.”
- “Going to play therapy is like building a puzzle. Sometimes our hearts and minds feel like a messy unmade puzzle, everything is everywhere, and we don’t know how it all fits together. She’ll help you solve the puzzle and figure out how everything fits together. Each time you go she’ll help you find the missing puzzle pieces and put them together to make a beautiful picture.”
Encourage Openness: Encourage them to share openly and freely about what they’re thinking and feeling. This is a safe place to share secrets where they won’t get into trouble. Remind them that their new adult friend is a great secret keeper. They’re welcome to bring their favourite toy or comfort item to the session.
Confidentiality: Everything that your child shares in play therapy will be guarded with confidentiality and not discussed with the parents. However, there are times when some secrets won’t be kept.
These times include:
- If there is anything by law the counsellor is required to report.
- If they are hurting or endangering themselves or someone else, or someone else is hurting or endangering them.
Provide information: Explain who their new adult friend is and why you chose them. show them a picture to create familiarity. You can also show them a photo of their new friend (the counsellor) and play therapy room where they’ll be playing to create familiarity.
Let them know that this is a special play session just for them, so you (the parent) will walk them to the playroom and introduce them to their new friend and then say goodbye. You can reassure them that you’ll be waiting for them in the car outside.
Logistics of first session: Let them know the date, time and length of the session. It can be helpful to establish a routine on play therapy days to help create a sense of stability and predictability.
What they can expect at the first session: At the first session their new friend will:
- Introduce the playroom, what we’ll do together and the rules.
- Talk about secret keeping and which secrets we keep and which ones we don’t.
- Getting to know each other through playing a game and asking some questions.
- Show them around the playroom and what toys, games and activities are available.
INVOICING AND PAYMENTS
How does billing and payment work for the sessions?
Invoicing: Shortly after your session an invoice will be email to the email address provided on your online intake form. The invoices are due upon receipt. Should a payment have been made in cash at the end of the appointment or via EFT prior to the appointment, this payment will be reflected on the invoice.
Payment: Sessions are payable in cash or EFT at the end of each session, unfortunately there are no card facilities available.
Will I be able to claim the sessions from medical aid?
Unfortunately, you will be unable to claim the counselling sessions from medical aid. It is for that reason that my fee is set at a rate that is accessible to those who don’t have medical aid.
Only psychologists and counsellors who are registered with the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) may claim from medical aid schemes, because the HPCSA is registered with the Board of Healthcare Funders.
I’m registered with the ASCHP (Association of Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners), a professional body for counsellors in South Africa, recognized by SAQA. Unfortunately, the ASCHP is not registered with the Board of Healthcare Funders.