What to Expect - FAQs
What is counselling?
Counselling is about growth and change. It offers you the opportunity to explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may no longer be working for you.
Through a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship, counselling provides space to reflect, develop new perspectives, and make meaningful changes that support your wellbeing and help you lead the life you want.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
People come to counselling for many reasons, such as ongoing worry, feeling overwhelmed, sadness, isolation, relationship difficulties, stress, grief, low self-confidence, negative self-judgment, life changes, or personal growth. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling.
Sessions
What happens in the first session?
The initial session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other better. Contact details, mental and physical health history will be taken, and we will explore the issues you would like support with. I will also explain how the therapy process works and what you can expect.
How long is a counselling session?
Individual sessions are 50 minutes; this is known as the therapeutic hour.
Couples sessions may be 50 or 75 minutes.
How often will I attend counselling?
Most clients begin with 6 sessions over a 6-8 week period. As therapy progresses, sessions may move to fortnightly if appropriate. We will review this together.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number. However, for meaningful progress, a minimum of 6 is standard practice. Some clients attend for a few sessions to address a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper exploration.
Where do the sessions take place?
In-person sessions take place in my dedicated counselling cabin, which is located in my garden, Trench Telford.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes, remote Video or telephone sessions are available via Teams or WhatsApp.
Confidentiality
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Counselling is confidential, except in rare situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where the law requires disclosure. I will explain this fully in our first session.
Will you keep notes?
I keep very brief physical notes, stored securely in accordance with professional and legal requirements. I do not keep digital notes. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). These records are stored confidentially and in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Notes are destroyed after 7 years.
Couples Counselling
Do both partners need to attend every session?
Generally, yes. However, there are occasions when individual sessions may be agreed in advance, with equal sessions offered to both partners.
Can I attend individual sessions while having couples therapy?
In some circumstances, individual sessions can be arranged as part of the couple's work. We can discuss your needs and decide what approach would be most beneficial.
How much does an individual session cost, when part of the couple's work?
Individual sessions which are part of couple therapy are charged at the same rate as a couple session. As it is still couples therapy.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practice
Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients?
Yes. I provide an inclusive and non-judgmental space for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and for those exploring aspects of identity, relationships, and sexuality.
Do I need to be "out" to attend counselling?
No. You are welcome here whether you are questioning, exploring, out to some people, out to everyone, or not out at all. Counselling is about developing self-awareness and giving yourself the space to explore who you are, your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, without judgement or expectation.
Getting Started
How do I book an appointment?
You can contact me by phone (leave a message), email, or via the contact form on this website.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please provide as much notice as possible.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice will incur a charge of 50% of the session fee.
Appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at 100% of the session fee.
What if counselling doesn't feel right for me?
It’s completely okay if you feel we are not the right fit. The relationship between counsellor and client is one of the most important aspects of counselling. If you don’t feel that we are the right fit. We can talk about your concerns openly, and if needed, I can support you in finding a counsellor who better meets your needs.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes, I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation call so we can discuss your needs and answer any outstanding questions you may have before booking.
What hours do you work? And what is your availability?
I work Monday-Saturday, including some evenings. I aim to see clients within 7 working days.
How do I pay?
Payment is usually made by cash or bank transfer and is due before your session. Once your appointment is confirmed, I will provide you with my bank details.
Where can I park?
Parking – On the opposite side of the road, there is a sunbed and a barber shop. There is a car park to the side of these, the postcode TF2 7DU. There is a lay-by in front of the sunbed shop. The Dun Cow pub is happy for you to park in their car park during the day, not in the evening, as it gets very busy.
No Parking – The drive is reserved for the household. There is a bus stop opposite, so parking in front of the drive is not permitted, as this causes problems for the neighbours.