Question 1

How do I know if you are the right counsellor to help me?

Accepted Answer

Finding the right counsellor is an important part of the therapeutic process.  I offer a free introductory telephone call where we can discuss what has brought you to counselling, what you're hoping to achieve, and whether I feel I am the right person to support you.  This also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and decide whether you feel comfortable working with me.  If I don't believe I'm the best person to help with your needs, I'll be honest about that and, where possible, help point you towards a more suitable service.

Question 2

How many sessions will I have?

Accepted Answer

There is no set number of sessions.  Some people find a few sessions are enough to work through a specific issue, while others benefit from longer-term counselling.  We will regularly review how things are going and decide together what feels right for you.

Question 3

Will you give me advice or tell me what to do?

Accepted Answer

Rather than giving advice or telling you what decisions to make, my role is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.  I believe you are the expert in your own life.  Together, we'll work to help you gain clarity, understand yourself more deeply, and feel empowered to make the choices that are right for you.

Question 4

What if I am not sure what the issue is or what I want to work on?

Accepted Answer

That's completely okay.  Many people come to counselling knowing they don't feel like themselves but aren't quite sure why.  You don't need to have all the answers before you begin.  Together, we can gently explore what's happening for you, helping you make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable.

Question 5

Do I need to prepare for my first session?

Accepted Answer

Not at all.  There is no right or wrong way to come to counselling, and you don't need to have everything figured out before you arrive.  Some people come with a clear idea of what they would like to work on, while others simply know that something doesn't feel right.  Wherever you are in your journey, we'll begin from there and work together at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Question 6

Are our sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling, and what you share with me will remain private.  There are, however, some rare situations where I may have a legal or ethical duty to share information—for example, if I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where required by law.  Wherever possible, I would discuss this with you first.

Question 7

Do you write notes on what I say in sessions?

Accepted Answer

I keep brief, factual notes after each session to support the therapeutic process and to meet my professional and legal responsibilities.  These notes are stored securely and handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation.  They are not a word-for-word record of what you say but a concise summary of the themes discussed and any agreed actions.

Question 8

Do you offer online or face-to-face counselling?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  I offer both online and face-to-face counselling, allowing you to choose the option that feels most comfortable and convenient for you.Online sessions are held via a secure video platform, offering flexibility and the opportunity to access support from the comfort of your own home.  Face-to-face sessions provide a welcoming, confidential space where we can meet in person.Whichever option you choose, you'll receive the same compassionate, non-judgemental support.  If you're unsure which would suit you best, I'm happy to discuss the options during our initial conversation.

Question 9

What if I am not happy with the sessions?  Can I make a complaint?

Accepted Answer

Your experience is important to me, and I welcome open and honest feedback.  If something doesn't feel right, I encourage you to talk to me about it so we can explore your concerns together.  If you feel unable to do this, or if you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can follow my formal complaints procedure, which is available on request.As a registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I work within the NCPS Code of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct and the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.  If you feel your concerns have not been resolved, you also have the right to raise them with the NCPS or BACP, in accordance with their respective complaints procedures.

Question 10

How do I get in contact with you?

Accepted Answer

You can get in touch by completing the contact form on my website, sending me an email, or giving me a call.  If I'm unable to answer your call, please leave a voicemail and I'll get back to you as soon as I can, usually within 24-48 hours.

Question 11

What happens if I need to cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

I understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable.  If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, I ask that you give me at least 24 hours' notice where possible.  Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed appointments, may be charged at the full session fee unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions