FAQs
Who are you?
My name is Ry Cowan-Owca and I’m a qualified, fully insured Humanistic Counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have also lectured on the BSc (Hons) Person-Centred Counselling Degree course and foundation degree at Sussex Downs College as well as working in schools and colleges to offer face-to-face support to students. I'm a certified Online Therapist and currently host Mental Health webinars for the charity MIND. I live and work in West Sussex in the United Kingdom. As a counsellor, I’m trained to listen with empathy and try to see things from your perspective. I can help you work through any unhelpful thoughts you might be having.
How can I contact you?
Send me an email at [email protected] letting me know your availability and whether you prefer face-to-face work or online counselling. I aim to respond to all messages within 48 hours.
How does it work?
As part of our initial discussion I will ask you to read and agree to an ‘Informed Consent’ document. If another service is better for you then I can help you make contact with them if you wish.
What are your fees?
All first sessions are offered FREE. E-counselling rates are £25 for each additional session. Face-to-face counselling rates are £45 for each additional session. I also offer a sliding scale of fees to accommodate clients on a low income.
Why do people choose online counselling?
Often people seek counselling because they are suffering and need to talk over their difficulties in private. Sometimes it is simply easier to talk through personal issues with a third party who is not part of your family or friendship circles. Online counselling can offer some specific advantages, for example:
- It is faster – you don’t have to spend time commuting to your appointments
- It is convenient – you can send an email whenever it suits you, without having to wait for your appointment
- It is a good way to keep track of your progress – having an email trail allows you to reflect on yourself whenever it suits you
- It is private – you don’t have to worry about bumping in to anyone on your way into or out of a counselling office
- It can be easier to open up – writing in your own space and in your own comfort zone can help you to speak more freely
- It can be a good taster – if you have never had any counselling, this can be a good way to try it out before seeking face-to-face counselling (if you find it suits you, of course)
- It can also be a good Plan B – for times when your face-to-face counsellor is on holiday or you are on a lengthy waiting list for other services
What sort of things can I talk about?
You can discuss anything that is on your mind. Counselling is not just for people having an emergency. It is for anyone who wishes to talk through any difficulty, big or small. I can help you with:
- feelings such as anger, shame or sadness
- bereavement or relationship breakdown
- problems with peers and authority
- issues keeping you from reaching your goals
- problems with family or friends
- low mood or depression
- boosting self-esteem
- understanding yourself and your childhood
- issues such as sexual or gender identity
- bullying and discrimination
What if I feel suicidal or need immediate help?
I do not offer a crisis service but I can listen to any of your struggles and help you contact immediate support if needed. Please see the Resources page for additional local services.
What if I don’t want to give you any personal details or my name?
To provide counselling I will ask you for some basic information about yourself before we get started. This is so that I have a good idea of your expectations and support you in the best way possible. I do everything possible to keep your personal information safe and do not pass them onto anyone else without your permission. Please read the Confidentiality and E-counselling Safety pages for more details or feel free to ask me more at [email protected].
Are you going to tell anyone else what I say?
What you tell me is confidential and I do not share anything with anyone else. The only time I might need to speak to a third party is in the rare circumstance when I believe that you, or someone else that you mention, may be in serious danger. Should this unlikely scenario occur, I will always contact you in advance of disclosing your information and it will only be limited to very specific details with the aim of providing you with support. Please see the Confidentiality page for more details about this.
How safe are my emails with you?
All my emails are password-protected and I am the only one who will read them. I access all my emails from a private counselling space where no one else can read them. I delete messages from the computer after our counselling sessions have finished. If you would like help keeping your emails safe and private, please see my E-safety page for tips. If it is not possible to keep your counselling emails private then it is advisable to arrange face-to-face sessions.
What if I don't want to provide any personal information?
I take your privacy very seriously and work hard to provide the highest levels of confidentiality possible. I cannot work with any clients anonymously, however. This is because I adhere to BACP ethical guidelines. If you have any questions about this I am happy to provide more information. Samaritans and many other helpline services offer anonymity although they may not provide counselling.
What happens if my computer or internet crashes and I can’t get in touch with my counsellor to send or receive email?
This is why I will ask for your phone number. This way we can text or phone instead.
Can I just have a one-off session with you?
You are welcome to email me for more information or a free one-off session if you just want to check out whether my counselling services suit you.
How many times can I email you?
You can send as many emails to me as you like during the week. I will only respond to you once a week on the day and time that is agreed when you start your counselling.
What if I only want a one-off session with you?
All introductory sessions are free. If you choose not to have a second session, you will not be charged.
Who can I speak with if I want to give your service some feedback?
I hope you’ll complete the feedback form I send you at the end of your counselling so that I can continue to improve my service. However, if you’re unhappy and want to make a formal complaint please contact the BACP at any point during or after our counselling work at https://www.bacp.co.uk/crs/complaints.php
