This page is updated regularly. For any further queries, please don't hesitate to click to email me

General Frequently Asked Questions- FAQs

What is counselling?
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that offers you a safe, and supported, confidential space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
How many sessions do you think I will need?
We can't generalise, for some people they may feel they only need a few sessions, but for others they may decide to have dozens of sessions or more.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are usaully 50 minutes, and are held at the same time each week, where possible.
What if I arrive late?
There is a grace period of just a few minutes, however- beyond this we will not be able to conduct our session safely. If this is the case, the session will not go ahead, and you will stil be charged.
If you arrive late, and I am happy for us to continue, the session will still finish at the original scheduled time.
I don't think I want weekly sessions, what can I do about that?
Unfortunately, our sessions are weekly. Of course, I understand that sometimes there will be prior arrangements/ holidays that mean this cannot be possible. Please let me know as soon as you are aware you cannot attend to avoid still being charged for the session.
I have a complex mental health diagnosis, can you still help?
Let's arrange an initial chat, and then an assessment to understand and review if we can work together safely As I am not a psychiatrist/ psychologist, I am unable to diagnose your mental health conditions, or provide medication/ treatment plans. However, there may still be ways we can work together.
Do I have to have a set number of sessions with you?
No, I deliberatly only book sessions on a weekly basis. As the client, you have the power to say if things aren't working, and you're welcome to withdraw from our sessions if we are not a good fit together, or if now isn't the right time for you to have counselling

Questions about my approach

What is the approach you're trained in?
I'm trained in a person centred approach to counselling.
What is person centred counselling?
Person centred counselling emphasises you as an indivdiual, and understands that your life experiences, and how you have been affected by them are unique to you. In this approach, therefore the counsellor is reliant on the client and the client is viewed as an expert in their own lives.

This approach acknowledges that often we are not accepted as we are, but instead we are rejected by people if we do not conform to their expectations.The approach therefore gives the client space to express and explore their feelings without fear of judgement, or advise giving.

Since we need to feel accepted and loved, we move away from our true, and authentic selves, and instead we do things that would ensure we still perceive that we are cared for. However, this split between who we need and want to be, verses who we are for other people causes issues with how we see the world, and ourselves. This is where a counsellor may be able to help.

Questions about working face to face in a counselling room

Can I see a list of your full working hours on your website without emailing you?
Unfortunately, as I rent counselling premises, I cannot be specific about when a room is free for us to use. I work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. When you email, I will speak to you about your availability, and then contact you to discuss when we can conduct our sessions. Once we have booked a session, I will always try to keep that time of the week free if at all possible for the duration of our work together.

I work shifts, and will not be able to have the same session time each week, is that okay? Email me so we can discuss our options.

Questions about working online

What will I need for a video counselling session?
You will need a device that remains charged for the session with a camera, microphone, and either a web browser or zoom installed. Whilst it is possible to conduct a session using a smart phone, I believe it is better if you can have a device that has a larger screen, such as a laptop, or tablet. Ideally the device is free standing so won’t need to be held. You need fairly stable internet connection (either 4/5g or Wi-Fi). You also need to be in a private room where nobody else is in the room, and you will not be disturbed e.g. someone walking in for the duration of the session. Ideally the room will be at your address as stated on your initial forms, or if not that you let me know the address in advance. This is in the unlikely event of an emergency/ critical situation arises.