Frequently Asked Questions

We have provided a list of common questions and information to help you decide if we are the right service provider for you

How will I know which therapy or therapist to choose?

  • When you contact Heart Therapy NI you will have the opportunity to have a free no obligation consultation with the Clinical Lead (intake coordinator) who will discuss your specific needs and issues. She can  provide information on which types of therapy and the therapists that may be suitable, based on their areas of experience and specialisms.  

If I have a preference for a particular therapist can I book them?

Yes, we will give you enough information to make an informed choice. But we will also be transparent if we think a particular therapist or therapy approach isn't appropriate to meet your needs. 

How much does therapy cost and why are therapists rates different?

  • The cost of individual sessions range from £50 - £75.  
  • The therapists' rates are graded in 6 competency bands, which include years of experience, qualifications and additional clinical responsibility (supervisory practice).

What happens when I book an initial assessment appointment?

  • Once you have agreed to attend an assessment you will receive a booking email with the details of the assessment; date, time, location (or online),  therapist, payment method and cancellation notice.
  • The payment for the assessment appointment must be made within 48 hours to confirm the booking.
  • Once you have attended the assessment appointment the assigned therapist becomes clinically responsible for your care moving forward.

How many therapy sessions will I need?

  • This varies depending on your individual circumstances, issues and needs. During the initial assessment you will make an agreement with your therapist on how many therapy sessions you will attend along with a review session to decide if you need further sessions. We can provide short and long term therapy. 

How long is a typical session?

  • An initial assessment session takes up to one hour to complete. An individual therapy session  is 50 minutes duration. 

Are the therapy sessions confidential?

  • Yes, the therapist has a responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of the sessions.
  • Therapists discuss client cases anonymously with their clinical supervisor to ensure continued professionalism and care.

  • It is important that all therapists uphold their duty of care by addressing any risk or safeguarding concerns that may be disclosed during sessions. This responsibility is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of you and any individuals mentioned. In the event of a safeguarding concern, your therapist will engage in a discussion regarding the 'release of information.'

  • Your therapist will discuss confidentiality and its limitations during your initial assessment appointment.

Are the therapists Access NI checked ?

  • Yes, all the therapists have either a private practitioner or Heart Therapy NI practitioner enhanced Access NI/DBS check. 
  • This is important for the safety of all service users and it is a requirement for therapists  to have when working in regulated activity.  

I am referring my child for therapy -who attends the assessment and do I come into the therapy sessions?

  • A parent or carer will attend an initial assessment appointment for a child primary school age (normally under age 12). The child does not attend the assessment appointment because often there are things discussed that may not be appropriate for the child to hear.
  • Sometimes a parent/carer of an adult or young person will attend the initial assessment if the client requires help with consent. This is in line with the Gillick Competency framework.
  • Normally a parent/carer wouldn't come into the therapy room but rather wait in the building. There are times when a parent/carer may be asked to attend part/all of a session and this would be for specific circumstances and needs and discussed with your therapist.

Does my therapist keep notes on what I say and do in the sessions?

  • Yes, all therapists are required to keep clinical notes which have to meet the standards of their regulatory or accreditation body and which comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
  • Clinical Notes for adults are retained for 7 years and for children and young people they are retained up to the age 25 years old. For children that are Looked after in Care (LAC) the years of the retention of clinical notes are extended.

What services do you not provide in Heart Therapy NI?

We are not a crisis intervention service. If you are experiencing a serious decline in your mental health or feel you are in a crisis, please contact Lifeline (24-hour helpline) immediately at 0808 808 8000.

What does it mean by HCPC regulated and BACP accredited?

  • At Heart Therapy, every therapist is rigorously trained to meet professional standards and specific qualifications in their chosen therapeutic modality. They uphold the regulatory and accreditation requirements set by their respective professional bodies. For instance, the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) regulates Arts Therapists, which includes protected titles such as Art Therapist, Art Psychotherapist, and Dramatherapist. Additionally, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy serves as a key professional body for counselling and psychotherapy practices within the UK.  Other professional associations that our therapists are accredited by are the Play Therapy UK (PTUK) and European Association of Somatic Experiencing (EASE).

What if I can't attend my session?

  • If you cannot attend the initial assessment appointment you should contact both Heart Therapy NI and your therapist. Where possible an alternative appointment will be made.
  • For cancellations of an initial assessment appointment with less than 48 hours notice, the fee paid in advance will be retained by Heart Therapy NI.  
  • If you cannot attend a therapy session you should inform your therapist who may be able to arrange an alternative session.
  • Cancellation of a therapy session with less than 48 hours notice will incur a charge. The charge will be set individually by each therapist and discussed during the therapy agreement in the initial assessment appointment.