Information

Frequently asked questions

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 phone call with the Clinical Lead who will discuss your specific needs and issues. She can recommend which type of therapy may be suitable and which therapist, based on their areas of experience and specialisms.  

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

  • Yes, you will be advised of your preferred therapist's availability and the cost of their sessions.

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 in advance of the session to confirm the booking.
  • Once you have attended the assessment appointment the assigned therapist becomes clinically responsible for your care moving forward.

Why are therapists sessions rates different?

  • The therapists' rates are graded in competency bands, which include years of experience, qualifications and additional clinical responsibility (supervisory practice).
  • There are 6 competency bands with individual sessions ranging from £45 - £70.  
  • The 3 hr intensive therapy sessions range from £130-£180. The 2 hr intensive therapy sessions range from £95-£125. Intensive therapy sessions must be paid in advance to confirm the booking.

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.
  • If you cannot attend a therapy session you should inform your therapist who may be able to arrange an alternative session.
  • For cancellations of an initial assessment appointment with less than 24hrs  notice, the fee paid in advance will be retained by Heart Therapy NI.  
  • Cancellation of a therapy session with less than 24hrs notice will incur a charge. The charge will be set individually by each therapist and stated in the therapy agreement during the initial assessment appointment. 

How long is a typical session?

  • An individual therapy session  is 50 minutes duration. 
  • There are options for intensive therapy sessions, which are longer, i.e. two and three hour sessions. These are for adults who have attended therapy previously and have specific issues to focus on. 

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.

How many therapy sessions will I need?

  • This varies depending on your circumstances. 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. 

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.

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.
  • Importantly, all therapists have a duty of care to follow up on any risk or safeguarding concerns disclosed during sessions, which is to ensure that you or anyone else mentioned is kept safe from harm. When a safeguarding concern occurs your therapist will discuss the 'release of information'. 
  • Your therapist will discuss confidentiality and its limitations during your initial assessment appointment.

I live outside of Northern Ireland but would like to receive online therapy through Heart Therapy NI - is this possible?

  • Yes, certainly you can get online therapy if you live in other parts of the UK and abroad. Your options can be discussed on request.