Questions Before You Begin

Counselling is a confidential talking therapy in which a trained counsellor offers you a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges at your own pace. You are never pushed to share more than you feel comfortable with. The aim is to help you gain greater clarity and self-understanding so that you can move forward in a way that feels right for you.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are useful distinctions. Counselling typically focuses on specific present-day issues and emotional wellbeing, making it well-suited to people dealing with a particular difficulty or life event. Psychotherapy tends to explore deeper, longer-term patterns in thought and behaviour, often drawing on a client's history. Coaching, by contrast, is future-focused and goal-oriented rather than therapeutically led — it is not designed to address emotional or mental health concerns in the same way.

Counselling is for anyone who feels they would benefit from a supportive, confidential space to talk. People come to counselling for many different reasons, stress, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, low mood, life transitions, or simply a wish to understand themselves better. No prior experience of therapy is needed, and you do not need to be in crisis to seek support. If something is weighing on you, that is reason enough.

No referral is needed. When accessing counselling privately, you can make contact directly, there is no requirement to go through your GP first. Simply get in touch and we can take it from there at a pace that suits you.

The first session is a chance for us to meet, for you to share a little of what has brought you to counselling, and to begin exploring what you are hoping to gain from our work together. There is no pressure to share more than feels comfortable — we go at your pace. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and to get a sense of whether you feel at ease working with me. It is perfectly normal to take a little time before deciding to continue.

Each session lasts 50 minutes. This is consistent across all sessions, so you can plan your time with confidence.

Most clients begin with weekly sessions. Meeting regularly helps to build momentum and a sense of continuity, which tends to make the work more effective early on. That said, frequency can always be reviewed and adjusted as we progress — the right rhythm is whatever supports you best.

Yes — both in-person and online sessions via video call are available. Many clients find online sessions just as effective and appreciate the flexibility they offer. When you first get in touch, we can discuss which format suits your circumstances best, and it is possible to switch between the two if your needs change.

There is no fixed answer to this, and anyone who tells you otherwise may be overpromising. Some clients find short-term, focused work of around 6 to 12 sessions very helpful for a specific issue. Others prefer longer-term, open-ended work that allows for deeper exploration over time. How many sessions are right for you is always decided collaboratively — your goals and how you feel as we go will guide the way.

Sessions are [fee amount] per 50-minute session. Full details will be confirmed at the point of enquiry. There is no obligation after an initial conversation — please feel free to ask any questions before committing to anything.

Payment is accepted by [payment methods — e.g., bank transfer, card]. Full payment details will be shared with you in your booking confirmation, and I am happy to answer any questions about this when we first speak.

Affordability matters. A limited number of reduced-fee places may be available for those on low incomes or experiencing financial hardship, subject to availability. If this is relevant to you, please do mention it when you get in touch — it will be handled with complete discretion and without judgment.

A minimum of [X hours/days] notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session without charge. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be charged at the full session rate. I appreciate that life can be unpredictable, and I will always try to be reasonable — but this policy helps protect time that could otherwise be offered to someone else.