Frequently Asked Questions

Our first session will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other better and agree on how we will work together. You will have the space and time to share more details about what brings you to counselling,  and to discuss any goals or hopes you have. 

Future sessions will be spent exploring what may be going on for you, how you are feeling, and looking at ways we can reduce some of the distress or discomfort you may be feeling. 

I know first-hand how hard it can be sometimes to identify or even articulate how you feel, especially if you are new to counselling, or not quite sure what has brought you here. It is completely natural to feel nervous or unsure. It can feel strange at first to have this unique time and space solely to talk about you. Rest assured we will move at your pace, ensuring you feel safe and comfortable, and I will be right by your side.

This is entirely your preference. 

Many people like to be in the same room, sharing the physical therapeutic space, speaking in person. 

However, for some people, there can be barriers to travelling to a venue - mobility or health restrictions, finances, public transport, time, childcare, anxiety around travel or parking, worrying about being seen... Online or telephone counselling can bridge that gap - as well as being accessible from the comfort of your own home. 

Online counselling is via webcam, through TEAMS or Zoom, or a specific online therapy platform I can send you a link to. This method allows you to retain the face-to-face contact, albeit remotely.

For some people, using technology is an uncomfortable or unfamiliar experience, and they prefer to speak via telephone. 

All mediums are the same cost, so it really is your choice as to how we interact., 

As the name suggests, person-centred counselling puts you at the centre of our time together; recognising you as the unique and complex individual that you are, with valuable contributions to make towards your own self-exploration and growth.  In simpler terms, you are in charge!

I am here to guide and support you on your journey; I won't tell you what to do, or give advice - you will be the driver, and what we talk about in each session will be entirely your choice.  

Counselling offers a rare and unique opportunity to be able to say what you want, how you want, about who you want, without fear of judgement or repercussion. 

In usual circumstances, what we discuss in our session remains confidential between us. 

There are a few situations where I am legally and ethically bound to break confidentiality; such as, if you share something that leads me to believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others; or that you are involved in criminal activity. 

I also speak to my counselling supervisor as part of my ongoing ethical practice, and this may involve discussing what we talk about in session, however you remain anonymous at all times.

What your goals are, or why you have chosen counselling, can determine how long you may need support.  Clients who are seeking support for a specific issue may prefer shorter-term counselling (six-twelve sessions); others prefer longer-term support to explore how they are feeling more deeply.

Ultimately it will be your decision as to how long you wish to attend counselling. We will regularly review how you feel about your time in sessions, and if you feel it is benefiting you, including if there are things you may wish to do differently.

Initial consultations are a chance for us to have a brief discussion about what has led you to counselling. It's a good opportunity for you to see if you feel comfortable talking to me, whether you feel you can work with me and for me to offer guidance on if I feel I'm the best person to support you. 

Initial consultations are free of charge and last up to 15 minutes.  There is no obligation to book a session following the consultation.

What you decide to talk about will always be your call. I will respect your choices and decisions, and you will not be pressured to talk about anything you don't feel comfortable with.

Sometimes we don't know how to talk about certain things; we don't even know how we feel about them. If you feel comfortable, I have a variety of creative tools to help you connect to your inner emotions. 

All questions are welcome. Please get in touch to ask anything I may not have covered here.