What is counselling and how can it help?

Counselling is a structured conversation with a trained professional who helps people explore thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and life challenges in a supportive and confidential setting. The goal is not usually to tell you what to do, but to help you understand yourself better, develop coping strategies, and make informed decisions.
 

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

Counselling may be worth considering if you are experiencing difficulties that feel hard to manage on your own or if you would benefit from a dedicated space to think through and talk through what is happening in your life. Some signs that counselling might be helpful include:

*Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, sad, or emotionally stuck

*Struggling with relationships, communication, or recurring conflicts

*Going through a major life change, loss, or transition

*Finding that worries or emotions are affecting your work, studies, sleep or daily life

*Wanting greater self-awareness, even if there isn't a specific crisis
 

How long does counselling usually last?

Each session is 50 minutes long and most people find counselling to be most beneficial when sessions are on a regular basis such as weekly or fortnightly to start. I offer open ended sessions and as your therapy goes on we can discuss regularly how you are feeling about the therapeutic process and when you would like to draw your sessions to an end.
 

How much does counselling cost?

I offer sessions for £50 per 50minute session. I have limited spaces available for reduced rates.  At the present time I accept cash on the day of the session or a bank transfer only, I am unable to take card payments currently.
 

Will what I share remain confidential?

Yes. What we talk about remains confidential.  There are a few exceptions to this confidentiality; if i thought you were going to harm yourself or harm others or if i was required by law I would have to break confidentiality in these circumstances. Prior to our first meeting, I will send you a Counselling Agreement that covers this in more depth and we have a discussion about it at our first session.
 

How is my personal information stored and protected?

Any personal information of yours that I hold is stored and protected according to UK General Data Protection Regulation (UKGDPR) guidelines and is protected under the Data Protection Act (DPA)2018
 

What age range do you work with?

I work with adults only age 18 and above. If you know a young person that is seeking counselling, please feel free to contact me as I can help refer you on to a counsellor whom works with children and young people.
 

Do you offer counselling to a specific group of people or community?

Yes.  While I work with numerous people from multiple backgrounds and communities, I do offer counselling to parents and loved ones of children with special educational needs. This is an area that is very close to my heart, please see My Story for further information.
 

Can I contact you in between sessions?

Yes, for session information only. If you need to change a session date or are unable to attend an upcoming session, please contact me via email or text message.  I do not offer crisis or emergency services, if you need to speak to someone immediately, please contact your GP office, the NHS (111) or The Samaritans (116123).
 

What is your availability and working hours?

At present time I am able to see clients with varied availability and flexibility.  I have morning, afternoon and evening appointments available most days of the week.
 

How quickly can I get an appointment? Is there a waiting list?

Usually we can get your first appointment scheduled to take place within a fortnight of your initial enquiry.  At present time I have no waiting list.
 

How does online counselling work?

Online counselling works in much the same way as face-to-face counselling but rather than sitting in a room together for the session we are in separate locations.  You would need a computer, tablet or smart phone for online sessions to take place. I offer online sessions through Google Meet or WhatsApp video calling. You would also need a place that offers privacy for the duration of our session.
 

Are online sessions as effective as face-to-face counselling?

Online counselling can be just as effective as face to face.  Both online and in person sessions require a commitment from both the counsellor and the client to adhere to the Counselling Agreement and when these boundaries are respected counselling in any form can be highly effective.