Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling isn’t just for times of crisis. Many people seek support when they’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling with relationships, facing life changes or simply looking for a safe space to talk. Whatever brings you here, counselling offers the opportunity to feel heard, gain greater understanding and explore ways of moving forward.

It’s a question many people ask before starting counselling. Talking to someone who is not personally involved in your life can offer a different perspective. As your counsellor, I won’t tell you what to do or judge your choices. Instead, I’ll provide a safe, confidential and supportive space where you can talk openly, helping you gain greater clarity, understanding and insight into whatever you’re facing.

Not at all. Reaching out for support takes courage, and many people find that talking things through can be an important step towards understanding themselves and moving forward. My role is to offer a safe, supportive and confidential space where you can explore whatever feels important to you, at your own pace.

No. Counselling provides a confidential, safe and non-judgemental space where you can speak openly about your experiences, thoughts and emotions. Whatever your background, beliefs or life experiences, you will be met with empathy, understanding and respect. My role is to listen, support and work alongside you without judgement, creating a space where you feel heard, accepted and understood.

No. Many people come to counselling with a general sense that something doesn’t feel quite right, without knowing exactly why. You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin. Together, we can gently explore what’s happening and work towards a deeper understanding, at a pace that feels right for you.

Many clients come to counselling for the first time feeling nervous or unsure. My aim is to create a calm, welcoming space where you can feel comfortable, supported and heard from the very beginning.

There is no set number of sessions. Some people find that a few sessions are enough, while others choose to continue for longer. We will regularly review your needs and work together at a pace that feels right for you.

Counselling is entirely your choice, and you are free to end sessions whenever you feel ready. Where possible, I encourage us to have a final session together so we can reflect on the work we’ve done together, bring the counselling to a thoughtful and supportive ending, and help ensure you feel safe and supported as you move forward.

Please confirm your attendance when you receive your reminder email 48 hours before your session. If you need to cancel or rearrange, please let me know as soon as possible. Sessions cancelled or rearranged with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, will be charged at the full session fee. Exceptional circumstances will always be considered.

While past experiences and perceptions can sometimes be important, counselling is also about understanding your present experiences and helping you move forward. The focus will always be guided by you as the client and your individual needs and goals.

For some people, talking about difficult experiences or emotions can feel challenging at first, and that’s completely understandable. We’ll work together at a pace that feels safe for you, taking things one step at a time. Many people find that, as counselling progresses, they gain a greater understanding of themselves and begin to feel lighter, more confident and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling, and what is discussed during sessions will not be shared without your consent. There are a small number of legal and ethical exceptions, such as serious safeguarding concerns, which will be discussed clearly during our initial session. Wherever possible, any actions relating to safeguarding concerns will be discussed with you beforehand.

Couples counselling begins with an initial joint assessment to explore your relationship, discuss your goals and consider how we will work together. Each partner then attends a separate individual assessment to share their experiences privately and assess safety. Sessions offer a balanced, non-judgemental space for both partners to feel heard, explore relationship patterns, develop greater understanding of each other and communicate more clearly. The pace and format are tailored to your needs as a couple.

Yes. If one partner decides not to attend, the full couples session fee remains payable unless at least 48 hours’ notice is given to cancel or rearrange, or we have agreed in advance to change the appointment to an individual session. This applies whether one partner attends or neither of you attends. Exceptional circumstances will always be considered.

No. You do not need to have made a decision about the future of your relationship before beginning. Couples counselling can offer space to explore each partner’s feelings, needs and hopes, including uncertainty about staying together. My role is not to persuade you to stay together or separate, but to support greater understanding and help you make your own informed decisions.

Following your initial joint assessment, separate individual assessments give each partner uninterrupted space to share their perspective, personal experiences and hopes for counselling. They also allow us to explore any concerns that may be difficult to discuss together and assess safety. Both partners complete their individual assessments before ongoing joint sessions begin. This supports a balanced approach that considers each person’s needs alongside those of the relationship.

Information shared in individual assessments and any agreed individual sessions remains confidential within the limits explained in our counselling agreement. I will not share it with your partner without your consent, except where safeguarding or legal obligations require disclosure.

If something shared privately significantly affects the couples work, I will support you to discuss it in a joint session where safe and appropriate. If it remains undisclosed and prevents us from working safely, fairly or meaningfully together, I may pause or end the couples counselling and discuss other options with you.