Frequently Asked Questions
I realise you may have lots of general questions about counselling as well as questions about me and my practice. I hope to have covered them here but please do reach out and contact me if you have any additional queries.
Counselling FAQ's
What is counselling like?
There are lots of different approaches to counselling. I am a person-centred counsellor, which is a talk-therapy. So, a typical session will be led by you and the things that feel pressing for you. I will be trying to understand your experiences from your perspective and validating your emotions without judging you or having an agenda. As our relationship grows you will hopefully feel more trusting of the counselling space, which allows you to be more open and work on deeper issues. Throughout the work we will look at any emotions or circumstances that are limiting to you, acknowledge what has happened to you, work on areas of personal identity and build on your internal resources to promote resilience and an improved sense of self.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of required sessions varies between clients but I am very much led by you. It is likely that it will take a few sessions for us to feel comfortable working together and you will, hopefully, start to notice some changes after 4-6 sessions. However, it is entirely up to you, as the client, how long we work together and when you feel ready to end.
How frequent are counselling sessions?
Counselling is normally weekly or fortnightly. Having weekly counselling, in my opinion, tends to be slightly more effective as there is greater consistency, promotes rapport-building and allows a better flow. However, if the financial commitment would provoke further anxiety, I am happy to work fortnightly if that feels more manageable.
What should I look for in a counsellor?
For me, the most important thing to look for in a counsellor is that you find them relatable. It is so important that you feel able to trust in your counsellor so that you feel safe opening up to them. It is also useful to ensure your counsellor is competent and experienced in working with your specific issues. I believe it is best to work with a qualified an professionally registered counsellor, such as myself, as professional bodies require their members to uphold ethical standards and work in a safe way. Having a brief conversation over the phone can help you to ascertain whether or not you will gel with that practioner.
How long is a session?
Counselling sessions are between 50 minutes -1 hour long.
How much is a session?
Counselling sessions with me are normally £60, however, a concessionary rate of £50 is available for clients on a low income.
Is it important that my counsellor is qualified?
Counselling in the UK is not regulated, which means anyone can call themselves a "counsellor". For me, it is much safer to work with an individual who is appropriately qualified so they understand how to work with you in a safe and ethical way and have the appropriate training and expertise to support you.
How do I pay for counselling sessions?
I prefer payment for counselling sessions by BACS, 48hrs in advance of the session.
How can I access counselling?
I offer counselling in-person, over the phone or online via MS Teams. In-person sessions are available on Thursday evenings, Fridays and Saturdays. Online and phone counselling is available on Monday and Wednesday evening as well as Thursday throughout the day.
Can you help if I am struggling in-between sessions?
I cannot support you if you are struggling in-between sessions but when we see each other we can work on regulation and grounding strategies, you can also find resources here. Please reach out to NHS 111 if you require urgent support with your mental health or access further support.
What is the counselling room like?
I have tried to make my counselling room calming and welcoming for my clients. I have compiled a short video so you know what to expect.
How do I complain?
In the first instance please feel free to raise any concerns with me directly and I will endeavour to resolve any issues in collaboration with you. In the unlikely event that you do not feel that your concerns have been alleviated you are able to escalate the issue to the BACP, my professional body.
Is counselling confidential?
Counselling sessions are confidential. The only exceptions to this would be if I have a concern of serious harm to yourself or someone else, if I am compelled by a court of law to disclose information or if I am made aware of significant illegal acts.
How do I book?
Please feel free to reach out to me with a little background information to let me know what has been going on for you and what you are hoping to work on. We will arrange an initial conversation over the phone to ensure we are a good fit for the work you are looking to do. Subject to you feeling comfortable to proceed we can look at scheduling your first session. I will follow-up with some paperwork, including the counselling contract, to complete prior to our first meeting.
