Here are some commonly asked questions that might provide you with useful information.  

 

What is counselling?

Counselling is a professional, therapeutic process that helps individuals explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe, confidential setting. It provides people with an opportunity to talk openly and honestly about personal issues without fear of judgement. The primary goal of counselling is to support individuals in achieving greater self-awareness, emotional insight, and personal growth. Counsellors and therapists do not offer direct advice or solutions. Instead, they facilitate a process through which the client can arrive at their own conclusions and develop their own coping strategies. This collaborative relationship forms the foundation of effective therapy, relying on trust and mutual respect between the client and the counsellor.

 

Why do people come to counselling?

People seek counselling for a variety of reasons. These can range from dealing with specific problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief, or trauma, to broader concerns like low self-esteem, identity issues, or a desire for personal development. Counselling can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or long-term, allowing deeper exploration of longstanding patterns or unresolved emotional pain.

 

What counselling approaches do you use?

There are different types of counselling approaches, each with its own theoretical foundations and techniques.  For example, Person-Centred Therapy emphasises the importance of a non-directive, empathetic environment that empowers clients to find their own path. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. Psychodynamic counselling explores unconscious processes and past experiences, particularly from childhood, that influence current behaviour. Transactional Analysis (TA) examines interactions (known as transactions) between individuals to understand and improve communication, behaviour, relationships and emotional wellbeing.   

 

What can I expect from a counselling session?

In a counselling session, you can expect a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk about your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Me as the counsellor will listen actively, offer support and help to explore those issues that may be affecting your wellbeing. Through our work together, you will be better able to understand yourself and your relationships with others, as well as develop coping strategies and set your own goals for positive change. Sessions are guided at your own pace, focusing on what matters most to you.  

 

I offer a free 15-minute consultation before commencing sessions with a new client.  Sessions last for 50 minutes and can take place at the same time weekly or a different arrangement can be made.  Individual counselling costs £55 per session and relationship counselling costs £75 per session.  Full payment is required 48-hours before the commencement of the session. Payment can be made by bank transfer - I do not accept cash.    

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Do you offer discounts?

I do offer some discounts and concessions. Please contact me to discuss this further.  

 

What types of sessions do you offer?

I offer face-to-face, online and telephone counselling sessions. I offer a free 15-minute consultation before commencing sessions with a new client.  

 

How do telephone or online sessions work?

Working online means you can benefit from convenience and being in the comfort of your own home whilst receiving the warmth and connection that face-to-face sessions offer. Please ensure you have a stable internet connection and a private space in which you will not be overheard. I use encrypted services such as GoogleMeet and will send a calendar invitation and link to the session once booked and payment has been received.  

 

Telephone counselling works similarly in that it offers convenience and removes the need to travel. Please ensure you have good network coverage and a private space in which you will not be overheard. I will call you at the time of our appointment.   

 

Will what I talk about be confidential?

Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of the counselling process. Clients need to feel secure that what they share will not be disclosed without consent, with the exception of risk of serious harm to yourself or others, child protection issues and acts of terrorism - I will talk to you about this more at the beginning of our first session.  

 

Ethical practice and professional boundaries are maintained through adherence to the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) Code of Ethics.