Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling, therapy, and psychotherapy are all terms used to describe a safe, non-judgemental, confidential relationship with a trained professional in which you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, gain clarity, and make positive changes. Counsellors and psychotherapists are both trained to provide talking therapy, and there is quite an overlap between the two. The title is not legally protected, so check for BACP or UKCP registration and accreditation to ensure that your therapist is fully trained, experienced, and works within ethical guidelines.

There are many different types of counselling and therapy: my initial training was in the psychodynamic and humanistic approaches, I have a degree in Cognitive Behavioural techniques, and I have had significant post-graduate training in trauma and neurodivergence. This means that I have a broad range of knowledge and interventions to find exactly the right approach for each individual person, and work in a way that is most comfortable, safe, and appropriate for you.

I am fully accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP column B).

You don’t have to be in crisis, or have any kind of diagnosis.

Sometimes, a client can’t point to anything that is specifically wrong, but says “I just don’t feel like myself any more” and wants to explore that — and that’s fine. It’s an opportunity for you to understand yourself better, and find ways to make changes if you want to.

I offer a free initial 20 minute conversation online to give you an opportunity to tell me a bit about what is going on for you right now, what is making you consider therapy, and ask me any questions you might have about the process. This will give you an idea of how it feels to talk about these things and whether you feel comfortable with me, and then if you want to we can then go ahead and book a first session. There is no obligation to go ahead if it doesn’t feel right for you.

You can talk about anything that’s on your mind. It is a confidential space for you to explore thoughts and feelings that you might feel uncomfortable sharing with friends or family, with someone who will not judge you. Nothing is too big or small to talk about, and you do not have to talk about anything that you don’t want to until you feel ready.

Yes, confidentiality is one of the core conditions of counselling. The only exception is if I become concerned about serious harm to yourself or others, I have a legal and ethical obligation to act. We would discuss this in more depth in your first session.

Sessions last an hour and can be weekly or fortnightly.

There is no set number of sessions, it depends on your needs and circumstances and what you want to explore.

Both of these are completely ok and happen a lot! If you find it hard initially to speak about the issues that are troubling you, we will take it at your own pace and start off talking more generally until you feel ready.

There is no pressure for eye contact, you can draw or walk around if that makes you feel more comfortable, and if we are working online you do not have to turn your camera on.

I have mentioned the main issues that I generally work with the most, but in a long career as a therapist I have supported people with a wide variety of concerns. I suggest we have an initial chat to discuss your needs and I will be honest if I do not feel that my skills are the right match for you.

I do not work with children, couples, or people experiencing disordered eating or addiction, and recommend you seek out a specialist in these areas if you would like support with them.

Yes, you are under no obligation to have a particular number of sessions. Sometimes people take a break for whatever reason and then come back, sometimes people only want a few sessions to work on a specific issue — others are looking for longer-term work on deeper issues.

It is usually best to have a planned final session if possible, rather than ending abruptly — but it is your choice.