Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find the answer you were looking for, or have any questions or concerns then please don't hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to help and do my best to try and answer any questions I receive.
For more general questions about sexual addiction therapy, the sort of issues that can be tackled, and common concerns, the ATSAC site is an excellent resource.
About Michael
A. Yes. I have a certificate in couple counselling, a postgraduate diploma in psychosexual therapy, a Diploma in Counselling Supervision and a Professional Certificate in Sex Addiction as well as 35 years of experience in private practice and with Relate.
A. Yes, I am a senior accredited member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) and an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also a member of The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity (ATSAC) and I am registered with StopSo (Sexual Offending).
All four organisations require evidence of qualifications and good professional standards and I am bound by their codes of conduct when working as a sex therapist or counsellor. As an accredited member of COSRT and BACP I have had to meet a higher standard and my work is checked on an annual basis. Both organisations provide a complaints procedure should you need it.
The services I provide
For more information on when and where I provide counselling, and how much I charge please see counselling services.
A. Provided you give at least 48 hours notice then there is no charge and I will rearrange the session.
If you give less notice then I reserve the right to charge part or all of the session fee.
A. The charge for a one hour session is £75.
I am also able to offer a limited number of reduced-rate sessions for clients who are genuinely unable to pay the full fee.
A. You can pay by debit card or credit card, I also accept bank transfers. Please note I do not to take cheques.
A. I provide receipts for card payments on request.
A. You pay for the first introductory session at the end of that session.
If you wish to continue with counselling or therapy then I ask you at the second session to pay in advance for the third session and then to continue to pay in advance for each session.
If you decide to withdraw from counselling or therapy then, provided you give at least 48 hours' notice prior to the next scheduled session, I will refund in full any money I hold.
A. Yes. I will provide you with a contract for us both to sign which sets out our joint commitment and your rights.
Counselling / Therapy
A. As a guide, counselling typically lasts 6 to 12 sessions whilst sex therapy typically lasts 15 to 20 sessions, but the actual number depends on the issues being tackled and how you choose to work.
A. Each session lasts one hour.
A. The normal pattern is a session once a week to start with and the option to have less frequent sessions later, but this can be varied as necessary.
A. Yes.
My counselling room is completely private and I follow the guidance of my professional bodies in the way I take and store notes.
There is a gap between sessions so that face to face clients do not meet each other.
A. Research evidence shows that nearly all counselling clients report some benefit and most say they have been helped significantly.
I am a well-qualified and very experienced counsellor and I will do my best to help you; another key factor is how well you are able to participate in the counselling.
A. There is plenty of research evidence that sex therapy does work.
If you complete the therapy then it is highly likely that you will solve your sexual problem.
A. Sex addiction therapy is now a well-established therapy and if the client is committed then full recovery is a very real possibility.
A. No. All tasks are done at home.
A. Sex therapy involves committing at least two hours a week to therapy outside the sessions.
You may be asked to do some short tasks between counselling sessions.
