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Frequently Asked Questions
Payment is made by bank transfer and is required a minimum of 48 hours before your scheduled session.
Bank details will be provided when your appointment is confirmed.
Payment is required by bank transfer at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.
If payment has not been received by this time, I will assume you no longer wish to attend, and your appointment will be cancelled. If you're experiencing any difficulties making payment, please get in touch as soon as possible so we can discuss this before your appointment.
I understand that sometimes unexpected situations arise.
If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, I ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed appointments, will be charged at the full session fee as it is unlikely I will be able to offer that appointment to someone else at such short notice.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
As an independent private practitioner, I can offer short-term, medium-term, or longer-term counselling, depending on your individual needs and what brings you to therapy.
While every person's journey is different, I generally recommend committing to at least eight sessions. This allows us time to build a therapeutic relationship and begin exploring your experiences in a meaningful way.
We'll regularly review our work together, usually every six weeks, to reflect on how things are feeling, celebrate progress, and decide together what feels most helpful moving forward.
You are never committed to a set number of sessions, and we'll work collaboratively to find the right pace for you.
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another.
We'll talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you hope to gain from therapy, and any questions or concerns you may have. We'll also go through our counselling agreement, discuss confidentiality, and make sure you have all the information you need before deciding whether you'd like to continue.
There is no expectation to share everything straight away. We'll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
No.
You're free to end counselling whenever you feel the time is right. Equally, if at any point I believe another service would better meet your needs, I'll discuss this openly with you and support you in finding the most appropriate help.
I currently offer sessions via onlineĀ platforms with face to face sessions being offered in the near future.
Online sessions take place using a secure video platform, allowing you to access therapy from the comfort of your own home or another private space where you feel safe and won't be interrupted.
Face-to-face sessions are held in a calm, welcoming environment designed to help you feel comfortable and supported.
If you're unsure which option would suit you best, I'm happy to discuss this with you before we begin.
This is a question many people ask, and the honest answer is... sometimes counselling can feel difficult.
Therapy often involves talking about experiences, thoughts, and emotions that may have been pushed aside for a long time. It's completely normal to experience a range of emotions during the counselling process.
We'll always work at a pace that feels right for you. There is never any pressure to talk about something before you're ready, and you remain in control of what you choose to share. My role is to provide a safe, supportive, and compassionate space where we can explore whatever feels important together.
Sometimes sessions may leave you with things to reflect on, while other times you may leave feeling lighter or with a new perspective. Every therapeutic journey is unique, and we'll regularly check in together to ensure the work feels helpful and manageable.
Being neuro-affirming means I recognise and respect that every brain works differently. I don't see neurodivergence as something that needs to be "fixed" or changed. Instead, I aim to understand your unique way of experiencing and interacting with the world.
I welcome and support people who identify as neurodivergent, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's syndrome, and other forms of neurodiversity. Whether you have a formal diagnosis, are self-identifying, or are still exploring your experiences, you are welcome here.
I understand that traditional counselling doesn't work for everyone, so I'm happy to adapt our sessions to meet your individual needs wherever possible. This might include:
Taking breaks if you need them.
Offering a more structured or less structured session, depending on what feels most helpful.
Using visual tools, writing things down, or incorporating creative approaches where appropriate.
Allowing time to process thoughts without pressure.
Being flexible with communication and sensory needs.
Working collaboratively to create an environment where you feel safe, comfortable, and able to engage in a way that works for you.
There is no expectation for you to mask or be anyone other than yourself. My aim is to provide a space where you feel accepted, understood, and empowered to explore your experiences in a way that feels authentic to you.
I don't expect to get everything right all of the time, and it's important to me that you feel able to tell me if something doesn't feel right.
If I've misunderstood you, made an assumption, or said something that doesn't sit well with you, I genuinely welcome you telling me. Therapy is a collaborative relationship, and your feedback is an important part of the process.
Sometimes misunderstandings can become valuable moments for exploration and growth. Talking openly about what's happening between us can deepen our understanding, strengthen trust, and help ensure that our work together continues to feel safe, helpful, and authentic.
You won't offend me by sharing your thoughts or challenging me. In fact, I see it as a sign that you're feeling able to bring your whole self into the room, and I value that openness.
My hope is that we can create a relationship where you feel comfortable saying, "That's not quite what I meant," or "I experienced that differently," knowing your voice will always be respected.
Yes. I make brief, factual notes after each session to support continuity in our work together.
Your records are stored securely in accordance with GDPR and professional ethical standards. Any paper records are kept in locked storage, and your confidentiality is treated with the utmost care and respect.
Confidentiality is one of the foundations of counselling, and creating a space where you feel safe to talk openly is incredibly important to me.
Everything you share with me will remain confidential unless there is a legal or ethical reason for me to share information. These situations are rare but may include:
If I believe there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else.
If I have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult.
If information relates to terrorism, money laundering, or another legal obligation requiring disclosure.
If I am ordered to disclose information by a court of law.
Wherever possible, I will always aim to discuss any need to break confidentiality with you first, unless doing so would increase the risk of harm or prevent me from fulfilling my legal responsibilities.
Your trust is incredibly important to me, and any decision regarding confidentiality will always be made carefully, ethically, and in line with the BACP Ethical Framework.
Your privacy is very important to me.
During our first session, I'll ask how you would like me to respond if we happen to meet outside the counselling room. Some people would prefer me to say hello, while others would rather I didn't acknowledge them.
I will always respect the preference you choose. Whatever happens outside of our sessions will have no impact on the work we do together.
Yes, you're welcome to contact me if you need to rearrange an appointment or send me a message.
To maintain healthy therapeutic boundaries, I don't provide counselling via email or text between sessions. My phone is usually kept on silent while I'm working or spending time with my family, so I may not respond immediately. I will always aim to reply as soon as I reasonably can.
Please note that I do not offer a crisis service. If you require urgent support, I would encourage you to contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services if you or someone else is at immediate risk.
Therapy is a relationship.
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Finding the right counsellor is an important decision, and it's okay to have questions before getting started. If there's anything you're unsure about, or if you'd simply like to find out whether I'm the right fit for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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I believe the best therapeutic relationships are built on honesty, trust, and mutual respect from the very beginning.
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