Counselling FAQs

You don’t need a diagnosis or a specific reason to try counselling. If something has been on your mind, or if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or not quite yourself, that’s enough. Counselling is for anyone who wants support, a place to talk, or help understanding their experience.

If you’re not sure, you can start with a free 20-minute consultation. We can talk about what’s happening for you and see together if therapy could help.

That’s completely okay. You’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people feel nervous or unsure at first, especially if they aren’t used to talking about their feelings or worry about being judged.

You don’t need to have everything prepared or know exactly what to say. We can start wherever feels easiest, even if that’s just saying, “I’m not sure where to begin.” I’ll support you at your own pace, with no pressure or expectations.

No, you don’t have to commit to a set number of sessions when you start therapy. Some people come for just a few sessions to work on a specific issue, while others stay for months or longer to explore things more deeply.

We’ll check in regularly to see how things are going, and you can pause or stop therapy whenever you want. You set the pace and decide how long you’d like to continue.

In the first session, we’ll get to know each other and you can share what’s been going on for you. We’ll talk about why you’ve come to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and how I can help.

I’ll explain how the sessions work, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable and know what to expect next.

It’s normal to feel a little nervous at first, but I’ll do my best to make sure you feel safe, calm, and welcome.

Each session lasts 50 minutes, and we usually meet once a week. Meeting regularly can help us build momentum and trust together.

Of course, everyone’s situation is unique, so we can talk about what meeting schedule works best for you. The goal is to find a pace that feels comfortable and supportive.

It’s important that you feel comfortable with your therapist, and sometimes the fit isn’t quite right. That’s completely okay. If you ever feel our work together isn’t what you need, please let me know. There are no hard feelings.

I want you to find a therapist who feels right for you, even if that isn’t me. If you’d like, I can recommend other therapists or services that might be a better fit.

Yes, confidentiality is a key part of therapy. Everything you share in our sessions stays private.

There are a few legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, including:

• If I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm,

• If required by law (for example, a court order),

• If there are concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult.

If something comes up that could affect confidentiality, I will talk with you about it whenever possible before taking any steps. These situations are rare, and your privacy is always handled with the greatest care and respect.

Yes, you can. Some people like video sessions, while others find phone calls easier or more comfortable. You can choose whichever option feels right for you each time.

Just tell me your preference when you book, and I’ll set it up that way.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know as soon as you can, ideally at least 24 hours ahead. If possible, I like to find another time that week that works for both of us.

If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice or miss a session without telling me, the full fee may still apply. I know emergencies can happen, and I’ll always try to be as understanding and flexible as I can.

You can pay by bank transfer. Once we decide to work together, I’ll share my bank details with you. Please make your payment before or just after each session.

If you want to pay for several sessions in advance, that’s no problem. Just let me know what works best for you.

Yes. My standard fee is £40 per session, but I offer reduced rates for those on low incomes, students, or people with OAP status.

If you qualify for a reduced rate, please mention it during our first meeting so we can talk about what feels manageable. I’ll need to see proof, like a student ID, benefit statement, or pension document. I always handle this respectfully and keep your information confidential.

I want therapy to be as accessible as possible, so please don’t let money worries stop you from getting in touch.

If you’re in crisis or need urgent support, please reach out to:

• Your GP

• Samaritans at 116 123 (available 24/7),

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 0800 587 0800

• Papyrus HOPELINE at 0800 068 41 41 (under 35s)

• Your local mental health crisis team,

• Go to A&E or call 999 if you are in immediate danger.

I offer ongoing therapeutic support, but I am not able to provide crisis intervention or emergency help outside of our scheduled sessions. If you are struggling between sessions, please reach out to one of the services listed above.