Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact me if you require any further information.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no definite answer to this question, and it really does depend on what brings you to counselling. It can be safe to say you may require more than one or two sessions to make any headway. Some people find a few sessions are enough while others choose to continue long-term and use counselling as part of their ongoing mental health maintenance. There is no one correct answer to this question, but we will work together empowering you to make this decision for yourself.
What happens during a session?
During the first session I will take time to get to know you and find out what brought you to counselling. We will discuss your expectations and what you would like to achieve from our time together. We are all unique individuals, and each counselling session reflects that. There is no set structure, and you will take the lead, but I will be alongside you as you explore and make sense of the issues you are facing at your own pace. I will use questions to help you explore the challenges you are facing, and I may also gently challenge you to provide alternative perspectives and insights. The counselling relationship is central to successful therapy, it is a team effort where we both work as equals to empower you to make the changes you want.
How long are counselling sessions?
Sessions are 50-minutes long.
How much are sessions?
Sessions are £55; however, students and NHS workers sessions are £45. Payment are made by bank transfer prior to appointments.
Are our sessions confidential?
Absolutely. All the information you share with me is treated with the upmost confidence and your contact details are never passed to others where I operate in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). However, there are limits to confidentiality which I explain during our first session, where if you should tell me anything which indicates that you are a potential harm to yourself or to another, or if I believe anyone else is in danger I am legally obliged to act upon that information. I would always discuss this with you prior to any action.
What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
While the terms counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between the two. Both aim to support emotional and mental wellbeing, but they may differ in approach, depth, and duration. Counselling is generally shorter in duration between 6-12 sessions, psychotherapy is longer and open ended. If you’re seeking support for a specific issue and prefer short-term help, counselling might be the right fit. If you're looking to understand long-standing emotional patterns or explore your past more deeply, psychotherapy may be more appropriate.