Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions that are not listed here, please do feel free to message me, I'd love to hear from you!

Counselling? Therapy? What's the difference?

It can be confusing, can't it!

Therapy is an umbrella term that means treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder. You can get lots of types of talking therapies or physical therapies, such as physiotherapy.

Counselling generally means short term talking therapy whilst

Psychotherapy generally means long term talking therapy.

Who qualifies for reduced rates?

I offer reduced rates for full-time students, counselling trainees, NHS workers, those in receipt of state benefit, and those over 65. Proof of egilibility is required.

How do I know if therapy is for me? Or if you are the therapist for me?

That's a tricky one, I would say listen to your gut and you will know when you're ready. As for me being the therapist for you, I offer a free, no quibble 15-minute consultation over video call or telephone if you would like to have a chat with me and work out if what I offer is what you're looking for. The relationship itself is part of the therapy so it is important that you feel comfortable with me!

What happens during the free 15-minute consultation?

It is an opportunity for you to ask any questions, learn more about the way in which I facilitate therapy, and if you feel comfortable, I will also ask you some questions to get an idea of your needs, expectations and goals.

What happens during the other sessions?

We work at your pace and explore and reflect on whatever is important for you that day. Each session you may like to start by reflecting on your day or week or you may prefer to bring a certain feeling or topic. The space is led by you and there is no pressure for you to do or say anything a certain way. If you would like to work in a more structured way, we can work out a structure or plan together.

Every 6 weeks we will do a check in and review of our work.

Is there any paperwork?

At the start of our work together I will do an Intake Questionnaire with you, this is a series of questions about you and it helps me work out how best to support you.

There is also a Contract for you to read and sign, this is a clear and informative agreement of our work. It may help manage boundaries, expectations, and goals. It is flexible and can be reviewed during our work.

Every 6 weeks during our review there is a short verbal review/check-in, which we will do together.

How many sessions should I contract/ book for?

There are no right or wrong amount of sessions, it is about what works for you. NICE guidelines suggest between 8-15 session if you are seeking therapy for one particular thing. You are welcome to work in an open-ended manner with reviews every 6 weeks or book for a set number of sessions. If you do book for a set number and wish to finish therapy early or extend for more sessions, that is no problem!

What if I cannot commit to the same time each week?

I understand life can be busy and changeable making it hard to commit to weekly sessions at the same time, or perhaps you work irregular hours? Whatever it is, I can be flexible to your needs as much as I can. This can be discussed together to find a working solution for us both.

Can I bring my partner, friend, Mum, or pet into the session?

I understand that therapy can be a painful and difficult experience but this is a space just for you, no one else. It is important for you and our work for this to be done without anyone else in the room. I'm also not trained as a couples or group therapist, so therefore, I cannot facilitate a safe space for multiple people.

Pets are welcome! I would only recommend that you are still able to concentrate during the session.

How long will it take for me to be cured?

Ah, well, I would say that you do not need to be cured because you are not broken! The therapeutic process is different for everyone so I could not advise how many sessions anyone needs. NICE guidelines suggest between 8-15 sessions if you are coming to therapy for one particular issue but please go on what you feel you need. It is also important to note that you may not see positive changes immediately, the road to wellbeing and empowerment may be painful and difficult. Go easy on yourself.

What happens if I'm late?

If you are running late please let me know as soon as possible. If you are more than 20 minutes late without warning or communication the session won't be able to take place, unfortunately.

Can I speak to you in between sessions?

Please feel free to message me in between sessions, although I cannot offer you extensive therapeutic support here. I understand that things such as payments, cancellations, lateness, and scheduling may need to be discussed in between sessions, so, please do get in touch.

Will my data be safe?

No data storage is 100% safe, however, I will do my utmost to ensure your data is as safe as possible. I use encrypted email software, password protection, and locked spaces to keep your data. I ensure my software is up to date and that I have suitable anti-virus software. I work within GDPR compliance, am registered with the ICO and have counselling insurance.

Physically, I work alone in a secure room where no one can hear me.

Will you tell anyone what I say?

Everything you say to me is confidential unless I believe you or someone else is at serious risk to harm. Further, I am obliged to break confidentiality if you discuss acts of terrorism. If this occurs I will talk you through the process at the time - details are in the Contract.

I also attend professional counselling supervision where I discuss my work to ensure I am working to the best of my ability. The work is discussed in the vaguest way with little details. You will always remain anonymous.

What age people do you work with?

I work with a wide range of clients aged between 18-100+! I would say my specialist age would be between 18-35 year olds but don't let this hold you back. Get in touch!

I have worked face to face with 13-18 year olds in the past but I believe that age group is better suited to face to face work rather than online or telephone work.

Do I need an official diagnosis of a Neurodiverse condition?

No, not at all! I understand that getting a diagnosis can be a really tough and lengthy process, so, I am happy to work with anyone who suspects they have a neurodivergent condition, has got a neurodivergent diagnosis, or doesn't have any neurodivergence at all. All are welcome!

Are there types of people you won't work with?

Yes. Sadly, I do not yet work with the following:

Groups or couples
Those under 18 years old (although I have worked with clients aged 13-18, I believe it is much more effective to work with this age group face to face, rather than online or over the phone)
Those currently still in addiction
Some domestic violence cases (please enquire)
Those experiencing severe psychotic episodes
Those currently suffering from severe eating disorders

Will it be hard work?

I can't speak for you and your experience but there will probably be some painful and difficult moments in your counselling journey. Sometimes things get worse before they get better but it is all part of growth and healing. I ensure we go at your pace to help pace any difficult moments.

telephone and online therapy UK wide, contact for a free consultation!