Frequently asked questions

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

There doesn’t have to be a crisis or a clear reason to come to counselling. You may be going through something difficult, noticing patterns you’d like to understand, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply sensing that something needs attention.

Counselling offers a space to explore what’s happening for you without judgement or expectation. You don’t need to know exactly what you need before you begin, sometimes discovering that is part of the process.

I offer a free 15-minute initial telephone conversation so we can talk a little about what brings you to counselling, and you can get a sense of whether I feel like the right counsellor for you. There’s no obligation to continue, finding someone you feel comfortable with matters.

What’s the difference between in-person, online and Walk & Talk therapy?

The heart of the therapy remains the same, what changes is where and how we meet.

In-person sessions take place in a private therapy room, while online sessions allow us to meet from a confidential space that feels comfortable for you. I have specialist training in online and telephone therapy, so remote sessions are thoughtfully adapted rather than simply being an in-person session through a screen.

Walk & Talk therapy takes our conversation outdoors. Walking side by side and being in nature can help some people feel more at ease and find it easier to talk.

There is no ‘better’ way to have therapy, it’s about finding what feels right for you.

Is what’s shared in therapy confidential?

Trust is at the heart of the therapeutic relationship, and confidentiality is an important part of creating a space where you can feel safe enough to speak openly and honestly. What you share with me is treated with care, respect and sensitivity.

There are some limits to confidentiality. I may need to share information if there are serious concerns about your safety or the safety of someone else, for safeguarding purposes, or where I am legally required to do so. Wherever possible and appropriate, I will endeavour to discuss this with you first, so that you are kept informed and involved in what happens next.

I also discuss my therapeutic work within professional supervision, while protecting your privacy as far as possible.

As a BACP registered therapist, I work within the BACP Ethical Framework. We will talk openly about confidentiality and its limits when we begin working together, so you know what you can expect from me.

How often will we meet, and can I move between online and in-person sessions?

Therapy is individual, and how we work together will be shaped around you and what feels supportive for your needs and circumstances.

Sessions are usually weekly, as consistency can help build trust, continuity and a strong therapeutic relationship. However, I recognise that everyone’s life and needs are different, so there can be flexibility in both the frequency of sessions and how we meet.

Where appropriate, you can move between in-person and online sessions. We can regularly review what is working for you and adapt as your needs change.

Do you have to focus on the past in therapy?

No. Therapy doesn’t mean you have to revisit your past or talk about anything before you feel ready.

My Humanistic approach places importance on the ‘here and now’, what you are experiencing, feeling and noticing in the present. Sometimes past experiences naturally become part of what we explore, particularly when they are showing up in your life or relationships today, but there is no expectation to search through your past for answers.

You are always in control of what you choose to share. We work at your pace, with trust and safety developing over time. There is no pressure to go anywhere you are not ready to go.

What happens if a therapy session needs to be cancelled?

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes plans need to change. Where possible, I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or rearrange a session.

Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged at the full session fee, except in exceptional circumstances.

If I ever need to cancel a session, I will give you as much notice as possible and arrange an alternative time where we can.