Therapy FAQs

Counselling is a supportive and transformative process designed to help you navigate life's challenges. Counselling is a one-on-one approach through meaningful conversations with a trained professional. We will explore to gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, allowing you to better understand the "whys" behind your actions. With this insight, you will be able to discover positive changes and find effective ways to cope with challenging situations.

At present, I exclusively offer online and telephone counselling services. For online counselling, I use the secure platform whereby.com. It’s very easy to use - you can access through a normal browser or its application. I will send you the access link via email or text message. Only a few things to consider when you’re having online or telephone counselling - just make sure you're in a secure and comfortable environment where you can freely engage in our conversation :)

Each session will last for 50 minutes. The number of sessions to be undertaken will depend on you. We can start from 6 sessions to open-ended sessions. This is something that can be discussed during your first session.

Individuals: £50 per session

(Free 20-minute consultation)

Payments should be made at the start or end of each session within the day via bank transfer.

Prior to the first session, we will talk through telephone for 20-minute consultation where we can get a feel for how I work and if you’d like to work with me.

If we decide to work together, we’ll set a regular time slot to meet for our sessions. The first session will start with some information gathering. We will explore your history and develop an understanding of the reasons that brought you to therapy. You might want to set goals to work towards together or you might really enjoy some non-structured, pressure-free space to just be you away from the pressures and roles of everyday life.

I follow strict codes of practice regarding client confidentiality, as established by the BACP guidelines.

There is no real preparation needed for the session. However, you can start to think about your expectations and the type of goals you would like to achieve from therapy. This will help me to gain a further understanding of your objectives and needs, and will be unique for each person.

Everyone’s experience is totally different. Therapy provides a safe place where you can freely express your emotions and thoughts. Sharing what's been on your mind can often bring a sense of relief, especially when talking about something that has been bothering you. When you're met with genuine understanding and a non-judgmental presence, it can be deeply powerful. Feeling truly heard, seen, and understood can be incredibly moving. It's completely normal to experience moments of vulnerability, which may lead to tears, frustration, or anger during or between sessions. This can feel unsettling and intense but I’m trained to help you process and cope with the emotions that come up.

I'm here to listen and ask questions, but you won't hear me dishing out advice or telling you what to do. It might feel a little odd at the beginning, but I'm here to support you as you share and guide the process. Sometimes, just talking through your problems can bring fresh perspectives and uncover ideas you might not have considered before.

As a registered member of BACP, I’m dedicated to upholding their Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions. This code sets essential boundaries that form the foundation of a professional and trustworthy relationship between you and your therapist.

I am committed to upholding high standards of practice, ethical conduct, and ongoing personal growth through continuous learning and development.

Find out more about BACP ethics here.

Search for my BACP registered membership here.

Of course, you can let me know when want to stop working with me. You can think about whether it’s the right time to end and plan how and when to stop. It’s best not to stop abruptly, if that’s possible.

Sometimes therapy can make you feel very unsettled and this can be difficult to cope with. You can speak to me about this as it happens so that I can understand and support you fully.

Absolutely, you can trust that everything you share with me will remain confidential. It's important for you to be aware of the legal and ethical boundaries that guide confidentiality, and I'll be more than happy to clarify those limits for you. Your privacy and trust are paramount in our therapeutic relationship.

In case of a life-threatening situation, such as severe self-injury or overdose, call 999 or visit your nearest accident and emergency department immediately. If you're concerned about your own safety or someone else's, don't hesitate to seek urgent help.

For urgent mental health support, you can access your local NHS mental health helpline, or you may call 111 and request an urgent GP appointment.

Another valuable resource is the Samaritans, a charitable organisation offering a free, confidential listening service provided by dedicated volunteers. They are available to assist anyone in distress 24 hours a day. You can reach them at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Your well-being is important, and there are people ready to help when you need it most.