Dr Kirsty Bilski
PhD, MA CCYP, MA Supervision, Adv. Dip. Couns., FdA, MBACP (Accred.), FHEA
BACP Accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Supervisor, Trainer and Director of The Way Forward Centre
Director of Way Forward Counselling Services Ltd.
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists Certificate No: 025922
QUALIFICATIONS
PhD Counselling & Psychotherapy 2022 University of South Wales
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy 2016 (FHEA)
MBACP Accreditation achieved March 2012 (BACP Accrediated Counsellor & Psychotherapist)
BACP Register of Counsellors & Psychotherapists: Certificate Number: 025922
MA Consultative Supervision University of South Wales, Newport ~ 2015
PG Dip Consultative Supervision University of South Wales, Newport ~ 2014
MA Counselling Children & Young People University of South Wales Newport ~ 2013
PG Dip Counselling Children & Young People University of South Wales Newport ~ 2012
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling BACP Accredited The Iron Mill Institute, Exeter ~ 2008
Foundation Degree in Heath & Social Care with Counselling Skills (FdA) (Award with Distinction) Plymouth University Somerset College, Taunton ~ 2005
CPCAB Level 3 Cert in Counselling Studies Plymouth University Somerset College Taunton ~ 2005
CPCAB Level 2 Cert in Counselling SKills Plymouth University Somerset College, Taunton ~ 2005
TERMS & CONDITIONS
The following is an overview of terms & conditions for working therpeutically with Dr Kirsty Bilski, if you decide to continue working together then Kirsty will issue you with a therapeutic contract to sign.
These Terms apply to both Online and Face to Face Counselling Appointments
This page enables you to have an initial sense of what you can expect from Kirsty.
ABOUT KIRSTY BILSKI
Kirsty is a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist, She aims to provide a therapeutic experience characterised by acceptance, genuine warmth and understanding within a safe and confidential setting. A gentle approach which pays close attention to your individual story, allowing you to explore your difficulties whilst experiencing sensitivity, respect and valuing.
Kirsty often works creatively making use of a wide variety of art materials and therapeutic techniques including Sand Tray. For those who prefer not to work with creative materials, Kirsty is equally at home using traditional methods of talking therapy. She continues to be committed to professional academic development through studying towards a PhD at the University of South Wales, Newport.
For those of you who want the theoretical detail Kirsty's approach to therapy is largely Humanistic (Person Centered, Gestalt and Existential Philosophy), with the core conditions of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard very much at the foundation of her work. A lot of her creative approach is placed within a Gestalt frame although she also integrates aspects of Psychodynamic Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Theory, Solution Focused Approaches, Motivational and Psychoeducational Techniques along with Narrative approaches. Spiritual and Transpersonal philosphy are also present in her approach, she will make use of Mindfulness strategies at times. Kirsty works at significant emotional depth with her clients, forming a trusting and therapeutically holding relationship, this being the catalyst to emotional healing.
As an Integrative therapist, Kirsty uses a mixture of the above approaches in order to adapt and meet the needs of each individual client. From traditional approaches for talking therapy to more creative and artistic techniques, each client has the opportunity to explore their experience as they choose to and at their own pace.
SESSIONS & PAYMENTS
Counselling sessions are 1 hour long.
If you are joining a zoom session then please make sure you join just prior to the time of your appointment so you are ready to start. Make sure your device is either charged up or plugged into the mains with an adequate wifi connection. Please also make sure you are in a confidential and quiet environment for your session to take place.
In the unlikely event of your zoom connection being cut off for any reason, Kirsty will attempt to reconnect with you. If this is unsuccessful she will call you on the telephone instead.
If you arrive late for a zoom call, Kirsty will wait for 15 minutes during which time she will attempt to make contact with you. Kirsty will try to accommodate a late start where she can but it may not be possible and the session would have to end at the original planned time.
If you unfortunately arrive late for a face to face session; Kirsty will try to accommodate this where she can but it may not be possible and the session would have to end at the original planned time.
We respectfully ask for payment for each session before each appointment.
Payment can be made by Direct Credit or Secure Payment link:
For Direct Credit payments the company account is as follows:
Account details: WAY FORWARD COUNSELLING SERVICES Ltd
Sort Code: 09 01 28 Account number: 75259171
You can request a secure SumUp Payment Link if you prefer
this can be sent via text, email or WhatsApp
CANCELLATIONS
24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments is required
Cancellations which take place within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time are referred to as ‘late notice’
If you either forget an appointment or give late notice, for whatever reason, then the full cost of that appointment is still payable
To cancel or reschedule an appointment: please text or telephone or leave a message on 01792 720477.
We appreciate sometimes cancellations cannot be helped however late notice will mean it is unlikely anyone else can benefit from this time.
THERAPEUTIC PROCESS
Kirsty will explain the boundaries of your work together and discuss with you what you would like to achieve through your counselling process. She will explain her therapeutic approach as well as adherance to the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions.
At every step of the way you will be able to ask any questions if you are unsure of anything, Kirsty will work collaboratively with you so you feel in control of your process. Kirsty believes therapy is not something which is ‘done to’ a client, it is a process which is achieved together. Most importantly she will facilitate a space which feels safe, in which you will be able to find your way with whatever challenges you wish to share with her.
Attending counselling is your choice: If you feel you have reached a point where you would like to end your counselling session then discuss this with Kirsty so she can bring your appointments to a useful ending for you.
It is ultimately up to you when you decide to make the decision to end your therapeutic process, however Kirsty will discuss this with you as you progress through your sessions.
You will experience a regular review where you will reflect together with Kirsty on where you feel you are in your process. At these reviews you will agree aims for what you would like to focus on and what you would like to achieve going forward.
Kirsty does not put a limit on the number of sessions you can attend as long as you are working towards agreed aims together and the therapeutic space remains helpful to you. Equally, Kirsty is also happy to work within a targeted number of sessions it is completely your choice.
CONFIDENTIALITY
What you talk about within sessions is confidential and will not be discussed with anyone: However, if Kirsty becomes concerned that you may be at significant risk of harm to yourself or that someone else you know may be at significant risk of harm, she may need to contact appropriate professional services in order to keep you or someone else safe.
Kirsty may also need to speak to your doctor or any other professional who you have given contact information for. Kirsty would not share any information about you without speaking with you first and discussing thoroughly with you which course of action would be best from your perspective.
Counsellors will always attempt to talk to clients about breaking confidentiality in the first instance. However, there are specific circumstances where counsellors are sometimes required to breach confidentiality, by law, without necessarily being able to discuss this beforehand. Reasons for this include sharing information relating to acts of terrorism, money laundering or involvement in illegal activities. In the rare event there is thought to be significant risk of immediate harm to a client or someone the client knows then a counsellor will act accordingly in the best interests of their client.
RECORDS, DATA PROCESSING AND ACCESS TO NOTES
It is normal practice for a counsellor or therapist to write notes on each session. These constitute minimal factual details, the making of therapeutic contracts, main themes and progress towards goals. Notes are usually a minimal record of fact and do not contain a session by session account of your process. It may be useful for you to keep a reflective journal of your process which records your unique journey through therapy and will be good to look back on in future years.
Hand written records and electronic records are kept securely and in line with GDPR 2018. All handwritten records are kept in a securely locked filing cabinet. All electronic records are kept in encrypted, password protected files.
Way Forward Counselling is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (iCo) in order to lawfully hold electronic records, these are held extremely securely, are not linked via a network to any other health care provider and are managed within the scope of the Data Protection Act. All counselling notes are held for 7 years following the end of your therapy. If you are under 18, records will be kept until you are 18 years old and then for a further 7 years until you are aged 25 years.
With some notice, a client may view the records of their sessions, or request a copy. You would need to submit your request in writing and this would be organised for you as soon as possible. This is known as a subject Access Request. Under Data Protection, GDPR 2018, your request will need to be processed within 31 days, however this normally occurs as quickly as possible for you.
Under exceptional circumstances, certain statutory authorities can request legal access to records. This is normally achieved through a high court judge and is extremely rare. Access to your information will be denied to anyone other than yourself or a judge who is making an appropriate request, unless you have given specific permission for this to happen.
It is possible for a judge to demand access to confidential information: However, there has to be a specific reason for this type of request. Your information will be respected and protected wherever possible and within the scope of the law.
SUPERVISION
A counsellor/therapist does not work in isolation. Each counsellor works with the guidance and support of another, usually more experienced counsellor/therapist called a Supervisor. This method of working has been found to benefit both the client and the therapist and is now required by the professional associations. Therefore, elements of counselling material are discussed on a regular basis in supervision, there is no identifiable information given and this is purely to monitor the quality and ethical nature of the counsellor’s work and for continued professional development.
ETHICS & PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
As an Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Dr Kirsty Bilski adheres to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy (2018) (www.bacp.co.uk). A new framework is due to be launched towards the end of 2026, but for the moment the 2018 version is applicable here. If you would like to understand more about this you can access the BACP website by clicking on the following button:
Kirsty is qualified and registered on the Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register: Registered MBACP (Accred.) Member: 25922
If you wish to learn more about the Professional Standaards Authority Accredited Register then please click on the following button:
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Should you have any concerns or complaints, in the first instance please feel free to write to Dr Kirsty Bilski via email or the following address: Suite 2, RVB House, Phoenix Way, Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea SA7 9FG.
Kirsty will respond to your complaint within 15 days of receiving your concerns in writing.
if you feel your concerns have not adequately been met please click on the button below to take you to the BACP Professional Conduct Proceedure pages which you may find helpful: