Frequently Asked Questions…

Q. How do I choose a counsellor or therapist?

A. Often, it's useful to either email or phone several therapists and see how you feel when you speak with each one. You might feel more comfortable with one therapist than another and it’s important that you feel a sensation of okay-ness - this will help the process. Use a reputable site and ensure your therapist is qualified and insured. The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) has a ‘Find a Therapist’ directory, the Counselling Directory offers filters to distill your preferences.

Q. I’ve never had counselling before - what might I expect?

It might be helpful to keep in mind the Goldilocks Principle - a scientific idea suggesting that we grow best with just the right amount of challenge: not too little, not too much, but a ‘just right’ level of stretch. In therapy, this often means gently stepping outside your comfort zone as you explore your experiences, sometimes in ways you’ve never spoken about before. Within a safe, non-judgemental relationship, you can look at different perspectives, build trust in the process, and gradually delve deeper. This balanced stretch supports insight, meaningful change, and steady movement toward your goals.

Here’s also a link from the BACP about counselling and what to expect.

Q. What should I expect from the first session?

A. The first session is an opportunity for you to talk through what has been on your mind and set some goals. However, first you and your counsellor will talk through and probably sign a terms doc or contract. This agrees and outlines the nature of confidentiality, the cancellation policy, ethical framework and fees /payment. The counsellor will undertake some questions relating to health, medication and risk.

At the first session it is likely that you will want to talk about your reasons for seeking counselling at this time and identify some goals in order that these can be kept front of mind for your sessions going forward.

For couples, the format is somewhat different and sessions are often longer than individual sessions. I ask couples to complete a brief Couples Questionnaire before we begin, and this will form an important part of our first session

Q. How long does counselling typically last?

A. For some people, weekly therapy becomes a helpful part of their routine — a chance to reflect, check in emotionally, or make sense of life’s ups and downs. For others, how often and how long they attend may depend on work commitments, private insurance, or personal circumstances, ranging from a few weeks to several months or even years. There are no set rules; therapy is guided by what works best for you.

Regular reviews are built into the sessions. A client might wish to add a new goal or investigate an emerging issue in greater depth. When an ending is in sight, it is recommended that this be fully acknowledged and a session or two focused specifically on ending.

Q. What information about me is shared - are the sessions confidential?

A. It's very important that you feel safe in your sessions. Yes, all sessions are confidential. Qualified therapists undertake monthly supervision and clients are anonymised in this process. There are some exceptions to confidentiality (as per the BACP Ethical Framework: https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/) including ‘harm to self or others’ or by order of a court. The 'Terms/Contract' document will be sent to you in advance of your first session for you to read and this outlines more about confidentiality.

Q. Do you have a cancellation policy?

A. Yes, like many therapists, I have a cancellation policy, which is a minimum of 48 hours notice. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, there is no charge if you are outside of 48 hrs, if not, then the fee is still payable. I can be flexible with moving your appointments but encourage you to do this well ahead of your sessions to get your optimum dates and timing and avoid late cancellation fee charge. I do adhere strictly to the cancellation policy but in the event of an emergency (ie hospitalisation or family tragedy) your fee is waived.