Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from counselling?

Having had counselling myself I understand how nerve-racking the unknown can be. I will make your first session as warm and welcoming as possible.

The way I work with my clients is to allow you to dictate the speed at which we work. I say to my clients it is your time to use as you wish. I will not 'make' you talk about anything you do not feel ready (or relevant) to address. For some it can take a while before they trust someone enough to open up about themselves, it is important you feel comfortable and ready.

Do not expect for me to wave my magic wand and make everything better overnight. Counselling can take a while before any changes are felt or seen.

I facilitate you in finding your own answers, closure, peace..... for I believe it is you that knows best, you just need some help in accessing that from within!

How frequent will the sessions be?

To give the greatest benefit, I recommend that counselling sessions are weekly, particularly in the early stages of therapy but this can be assessed and discussed to suit your individual needs.

How many sessions will I need?

How long you engage in therapy for, is determined by you. I am here for as long as you feel therapy is benefiting you. Everyone is different and depending on what your issues are will also depend how long you may need to see me for.

Although there is no average to give you some idea I would expect anyone seeing me to see me for a minimum of 6 – 12 weeks. We will review therapy after the first 6 weeks and talk about how things are going.

How much will my therapy cost?

Sessions last 50 minutes to an hour and are £45. Concession rates for low income or full time students are charged at a reduced rate of £35.

Are there any cancellation fees?

I charge £25 cancellation fee for less than 36 hours notice or the full £45 if less than 24 hours notice given.. This is to ensure you are engaging in therapy and fully committed to our sessions. I have a very busy practice and notification for cancelled sessions could then be allocated to someone else.

Is there a waiting list?

I am flexible with different days and times so I can usually see you within a week of you enquiring. I do have a short waiting list at busy times. This maybe because you require an evening appointment and I may only have daytime slots available when you enquire.

I am flexible with different days and times so I can usually see you within a week of you enquiring. I do have a short waiting list at busy times. This maybe because you require an evening appointment and I may only have daytime slots available when you enquire. I try to accommodate peoples needs as much as possible.

It is often hard to predict when I may have a vacancy as peoples needs change constantly. It is always worth enquiring and more often than not people only wait a matter of a couple of weeks before i have a session available.

Will everything be confidential?

Absolutely. Anything you tell me during your therapy session is completely confidential. It remains, strictly, between you and I.

If, however, I am concerned for your safety or the safety of others by something you have disclosed to me in a session I may feel a need to contact the relevant authorities or get you additional help. This is extremely rare, however if this was to happen we would discuss it at the time. An example might be if you feel suicidal.