What is counselling?

Counselling is an opportunity for you to think about emotional issues and difficulties in your life in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space with someone who is independent of your situation and who is trained and experienced in this kind of working. It is about enabling you to learn to explore your emotional life and discover your way forward.

What is the cost and what availability do you have?

The cost is £50 per 50 minute session. At the moment I have availability for new clients on Tuesdays.

What happens if I need to cancel a counselling session?

If you cancel more than 48 hours in advance then there is no charge for the session. Sessions cancelled on less than 48 hours notice are charged at half the usual rate.

What issues can I bring?

You can bring any issues you wish. Often there are immediate issues that are pressing but over time more fundamental underlying issues can be identified. I will support you in thinking through the issues that affect your life. It is up to you where we focus our attention but if I think we are missing something, or perhaps there is something difficult that we are struggling to discuss, then I will gently bring that in.

How are sessions held?

I use Microsoft Teams and will send you a link ahead of our sessions. You need a secure connection and a confidential space to work in.

How long will the counselling last?

This will be your decision. I work with clients on both a short term and long term basis. I recommend committing for 6 sessions initially; that gives us a chance to identify the issues you want to bring and to enable you to get a feel for how we can work on them.

I’m not sure counselling is for me. Is it okay to try it out?

Yes. I provide 50 minutes free consultation upfront which gives you the opportunity to start to explore whether counselling is for you. And if you decided to go ahead, it would always be up to you to decide whether to continue. Its natural to come with reservations and it would be important to understand those as part of the counselling work.

Do you keep what I say confidential?

Yes. There is one exception to this which is that if I thought you or anyone else was at risk of harm I would be under an obligation to mention this. However, I would want to discuss this with you in advance.

More thoughts here on how counselling brings change.