Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling

Counselling provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences with a qualified professional. Together, we work at your pace to better understand what is happening, develop self-awareness and identify ways of moving forward.

Counselling may be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including:

Anxiety

Stress

Low mood or depression

Bereavement and loss

Relationship difficulties

Low self-esteem

Work-related stress

Trauma

Life transitions

Anger

Confidence

Identity and personal growth

If you're unsure whether counselling is right for your situation, please feel free to get in touch.

If you're finding life difficult, feeling overwhelmed, stuck or simply want a safe place to talk, counselling may help. An initial consultation allows us to decide together whether we're a good fit.

I am a qualified Level 5 Integrative Counsellor and work within the BACP Ethical Framework.

As an integrative counsellor, I draw on different therapeutic approaches rather than using just one model. This allows me to tailor counselling to your individual needs, recognising that every person and every situation is unique.

There is no set number of sessions. Some people find a few sessions helpful, while others benefit from longer-term counselling. We will review progress regularly and decide together what feels most appropriate.

Yes. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with its Ethical Framework.

My current counselling fees are:
£50 per 50 minutes session
Discounts are available depending on refferal type and client circumstances. These will be discussed during introductory call.

Yes. Everything discussed during counselling is treated as confidential.
There are, however, a small number of legal and ethical exceptions where confidentiality may need to be broken. These include situations where:
  • there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person
  • safeguarding concerns arise involving a child or vulnerable adult
  • disclosure is required by law or a court order
Wherever possible, I would always aim to discuss this with you first.

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes long, this is known as 'a counselling hour' as the counsellor will typically use 10 minutes for notes of the session etc.

There is no fixed number. Some people benefit from a small number of focused sessions, while others prefer longer-term support. We will review progress regularly and agree what feels most helpful.

Clients typically opt for weekly sessions initially, but we can discuss a schedule that best suits your needs.

Yes, online sessions are available.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll discuss:

What has brought you to counselling.

What you would like support with.

Your hopes and goals.

Relevant background information.

Any questions you may have about counselling.

There is no pressure to share everything immediately, we work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

You are welcome to contact me regarding appointments and practical matters. Therapeutic support is generally only provided during scheduled sessions.

Counselling is not a crisis service. If you feel you are at immediate risk, contact NHS 111, your GP, or 999 in an emergency.

Yes. I keep brief, factual and confidential clinical notes to support safe and effective counselling. Records are stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and professional guidance.

Yes.

Counselling focuses on emotional wellbeing, mental health and personal experiences. Coaching is generally future-focused and helps you achieve specific personal or professional goals.

Mentoring provides guidance and support based on knowledge and experience to aid personal or career development.

If you're unsure which service is right for you, I'm happy to discuss this during an initial conversation.

If you need to cancel, please provide as much notice as possible. Full details of my cancellation policy are provided in the Counselling Agreement before therapy begins.

No. Counselling is not about giving advice or telling you how to live your life. Instead, I will support you in exploring your thoughts, feelings and experiences so that you can make decisions that feel right for you.

You do not have to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Many people seek counselling because they want to better understand themselves, improve relationships, build confidence or work through life's challenges. If something feels important to you, it is worth talking about.

You can contact me by telephone, email or text / WhatsApp message or by messaging me on Instagram. I aim to respond to all enquiries as promptly as possible and will be happy to answer any questions before arranging your first appointment.

Mentoring and coaching

Mentoring is a supportive relationship that helps you develop your confidence, skills and potential. It focuses on sharing experience, exploring ideas and helping you achieve personal or professional goals.

Coaching is a collaborative process that helps you identify goals, overcome obstacles and develop practical strategies for change. Rather than giving advice, coaching uses questioning and reflection to help you find your own solutions.

Although there can be some overlap, each service has a different focus:

Counselling helps you explore emotional difficulties, relationships, past experiences and mental wellbeing.

Coaching is generally future-focused and helps you achieve specific personal or professional goals.

Mentoring draws on experience to provide guidance, encouragement and support for your development.

If you're unsure which service is right for you, we can discuss your needs during an initial conversation.

Coaching may help with:

Building confidence.

Career development.

Leadership skills.

Goal setting.

Motivation.

Decision making.

Work-life balance.

Personal development.

Improving performance.

Managing change.

Mentoring may help if you would like support with:

Developing professionally.

Navigating career transitions.

Building confidence in a new role.

Reflective learning.

Leadership development.

Accountability.

Personal growth.

Developing practical skills.

Sessions are typically 50 or 60 minutes, depending on the service provided and what we agree together.

There is no fixed number. Some people benefit from a small number of focused sessions, while others prefer longer-term support. We will review progress regularly and agree what feels most helpful.

Yes. Everything discussed is treated confidentially, subject to the same legal and ethical limits explained within our privacy and confidentiality policies.

Yes. Sessions can usually be provided: Face-to-face, Online via secure video platform and telephone (where appropriate)

No formal preparation is required. Some clients find it helpful to think about what they would like to achieve before the session, but we can explore this together if you're unsure.

Simply get in touch using the contact form, email or telephone. We can arrange an initial conversation to discuss your goals, answer any questions and decide whether mentoring or coaching is the right fit for you.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know at least 3 hours before your session to avoid cancellation fee.