Frequently Asked Questions

Another way to answer this question is “How have you been feeling lately?”

People come to therapy for several different reasons; you don’t have to be at crisis point or have a specific goal to work towards.  You may have a sense that something is not quite right but unsure what, you may wish to gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationships, you may feel stuck and unmotivated. Whatever you bring to our sessions, counselling provides a confidential, supportive and compassionate environment for you to work through your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

This will depend on your personal need.  Some people come to counselling with a specific issue that we can focus on over a few sessions, whilst others prefer longer-term support and want to explore their emotions, feelings and behaviours more fully. We will discuss this in our initial session and regularly review our work together to ensure counselling is meeting your needs.

During the counselling process it can be painful and extremely difficult at times, but it can also be life changing and deeply rewarding.  It can increase self-awareness and self-confidence, improve how you are within your relationships and how you express yourself. 

Sometimes changes are subtle and some can be transformative, but by changing nothing, nothing changes.

Confidentiality is a key part of counselling as trust is crucially important in a therapeutic relationship. What you share will remain strictly between you and me, with a few legal and ethical exceptions (for example, serious risk of harm to yourself or others). 

You do not have any expectations imposed on you.  All of my therapy is at a pace that is guided by you the client and I will honour and respect that.  I do not underestimate the courage it takes to be open with someone and share your deepest thoughts and feelings. When/if you feel ready, I can hold that space for you.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We’ll discuss what brings you to counselling, any goals you have, and how we might work together. There’s no pressure - it’s a chance for you to see if you feel comfortable with the counselling process.

I will ask for a brief overview of what you would like to bring to the session and from there be guided by you.  Your therapy needs to be right for you, so I will listen to what comes up within this session and offer my understanding of your experience, and we can discuss a way of working together to achieve any goals you may wish to work towards.

No, there is no obligation to continue or book a follow up session from the initial introductory session.

We will always focus on what you need help with each time, so if you’ve had a tough week and you want to discuss something that is not in line with your goal that is fine.

I believe that dialogue is key in our therapeutic relationship, so I will not sit by and leave all the talking to you, unless that is what you want and need at that time.  I will actively engage with you, whilst remaining the focus completely on your need.

A typical session will last one hour.  I will try to leave plenty of time for you to reground and settle before leaving our session.  Remember, this is your therapy!  We will move at your pace, ensuring you feel safe and supported. 

No, counselling sessions are based on a one-to-one experience.  It is a place for you to explore any issues without distractions or anyone else’s input.  It is my hope that within this space you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and move towards the changes you would like to make.