Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the first session?
During our first session together, I prioritise your comfort within the therapy environment. I will introduce myself and explain my therapy approach, how I provide the service, discuss confidentiality and answer any questions you may have.
I’ll begin by asking what brings you to counselling and what specific goals or changes you hope to achieve. We may review your background, including any mental health concerns you have encountered and any previous counselling you have received.
If you wish to proceed, I will give you a copy of the Counselling Contract. This will be a printed document for us both to sign. Clients are invited to take the documents home for review and are encouraged to raise any questions they may have prior to signing in the next session.
How can I maximise the effectiveness of my therapy?
Going to therapy for the first time can feel a bit like walking into the unknown. It can bring up a mix of emotions, including anxiety, fear, shame, doubt about therapy’s effectiveness, excitement, relief or a sense of control as you face what is distressing you.
The therapeutic relationship I have with you is an important part of therapy. My aim is to help you feel safe in a non-judgmental, confidential setting so you feel safe enough to take risks and talk about sensitive issues. This includes being able to give me honest feedback about how we are working together. What’s working, what isn’t, so I can adjust the therapy to meet your needs in a more informed way.
How long is a session?
Counselling typically takes place once a week in a 50-minute session at a set time and day.
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Counselling is regularly reviewed by both me (as counsellor) and you (as client), to assess whether your needs are being met and help make any adjustments to the number of sessions needed. You are free to end counselling at any stage.
Some clients find that they only need six sessions of counselling. Others find they need twenty weeks of therapy. Both options can be decreased and increased as needed. Following the initial sessions, individual appointments may be scheduled on an as-needed or a fortnightly basis.
What are your Counselling fees?
The current fee is £50 per session. I have a limited number of discretionary rates for those on lower incomes to ensure accessibility. These tend to fill up quickly; however, please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in this opportunity.
What should I do if the service offered does not meet my needs?
​There are many reasons why a particular therapist or therapy may not work for you, and it is perfectly understandable for a client to look at different types of therapists and therapies that may better suit their needs. If you or I feel that my service is not the best fit for you, you are welcome to seek another service or with your permission, I can refer or signpost you to another counselling service that is more suited to your needs.