FAQS
common questions that may be on your mind
WHAT IS COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Counselling and psychotherapy provides a confidential, safe, and supportive environment in which you can talk through any issues causing you difficulties or concern.
Therapy can help you to make sense of your feelings, implement changes in your life, or come to terms with things that can’t be changed. It can help you to focus on issues and find clarity. People can see different therapists for different situations too. I don’t recommend seeing more than one therapist at a time, but sometimes it’s good to start fresh with a new approach or type of therapist.
WHY DO PEOPLE COME FOR THERAPY?
People access therapy for all sorts of reasons including: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm, panic, unwanted thoughts, family and relationship problems, divorce, bereavement, past issues, childhood abuse, addiction, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, confidence issues….to name just a few.
However, some people don’t know why they are feeling the way they do and sometimes just don’t "feel right". Therapy can help you to clarify what is going on and help you to feel in a more settled place.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
This depends entirely on your unique situation and the reason you are coming to counselling. Some people come for just a few sessions and get what they are looking for, whilst others may come for years. This is something we can discuss in our initial consultation together, as I believe that is beneficial to client and therapist to start with an end in mind. After all, counselling doesn’t last forever. I want to empower you in your onward journey and self-discovery.
HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST?
The cost per session is £60. However, I keep a set number of sessions at a reduced cost of £40 for those that require it. I do this as part of my commitment to ethical and inclusive practice. Please note that I cannot guarantee availability so please get in touch for more info.
I currently offer a free initial consultation session because I want you to feel confident in your decision to start counselling with me. If it doesn’t feel like the right match then there's no obligation to book any further sessions. I know that a good relationship with your therapist is essential for good therapy to happen.
HOW OFTEN ARE SESSIONS AND HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
Therapy sessions usually take place weekly and last for approximately 50 minutes. However, this doesn't suit everyone, so we can discuss your needs during our initial consultation. For example, some clients choose to move to fortnightly sessions as therapy comes to a close.
WHERE DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
I work online via a video conferencing platform, and you can join our sessions from a private space, where you feel comfortable and won't be disturbed.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR FIRST MEETINGÂ TOGETHER
Our initial consultation usually lasts 15 minutes, but can last up to half an hour long. I will ask some questions about what you're looking for from therapy, any limits on our sessions, and any previous experience of counselling. It's also an opportunity for you to ask any questions that are important to you. I welcome questions about my training and ethical practice as I hear far too many stories of unqualified people exploiting vulnerable clients. I worked hard to attain my qualifications and experience, and happy to answer any questions about those. There's also no obligation to continue sessions with me if you don't think we're a good fit. I recognise that I am not the right therapist for everyone and that's okay. I want you to work with the therapist that's right for you.