Frequently asked questions
If you're nervous about reaching out—that's completely normal. Most people are. This page is here to answer the questions I hear most often, so you can feel a little more at ease before we even meet.
If you don't see your question here, just ask. I'm always happy to help.
Are you a qualified counsellor
Yes, I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling (PgDip), an Advanced Diploma in Relationship Counselling, plus qualifications in CBT, EFT, Attachment, Trauma, and others. I am a registered Member of BACP( 330917) and COSCA
What actually happens in a session?
I know it can feel strange to imagine sitting with someone you don't know and talking about difficult things.
When we meet, I'll listen—truly listen. Not the kind of listening that waits for a pause to jump in, but deep, quiet attention that helps you hear your own thoughts more clearly.
There's no script. No right or wrong way to do it. You can talk about whatever feels important to you, or sit in silence if that's what you need. I'll follow your lead.
It's your space. You get to decide what we do with it.
Is what I'm going through "bad enough" for counselling?
Yes. If it's affecting your life, it matters.
I often hear people say: "Other people have it worse than me" or "I shouldn't really be struggling with this."
Here's the truth: you don't need to be in crisis to deserve support. You just need to feel that something isn't quite right—and want to do something about it.
That might look like:
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Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just not yourself
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Struggling with a relationship, work, or family
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Carrying something from the past that still weighs on you
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Or simply needing someone impartial to talk to
I often hear people say: "Other people have it worse than me" or "I shouldn't really be struggling with this."
Here's the truth: you don't need to be in crisis to deserve support. You just need to feel like something isn't quite right—and want to do something about it.
That might look like:
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Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just not yourself
-
Struggling with a relationship, work, or family
-
Carrying something from the past that still weighs on you
-
Or simply needing someone impartial to talk to
If something is bothering you, it matters. That's enough.
How long will counselling take? How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you're bringing and what you want from the process.
Some people find that a few sessions are enough. Others want ongoing support over a longer period. Some return for a "tune-up" when life throws something unexpected their way.
We'll review where you are and what you need at regular intervals. You're always in control of how long we work together.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Everything we discuss stays between us.
I work to the highest ethical standards and am bound by strict UK counselling guidelines (BACP). I will not share what you tell me with anyone without your explicit consent.
There are rare exceptions where I may be legally or ethically required to share information—if there's a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if I'm required to by law. If that situation ever arose, I would talk to you about it first wherever possible.
This is your space. What you say here stays here.
Do you work with couples? What if my partner won't come?
Yes, I work with couples—and I also work with individuals who are in relationships, even if their partner isn't ready to come.
If you're in a relationship and your partner won't attend, individual counselling can still be incredibly helpful. Often, when one person makes changes, it shifts the whole dynamic of the relationship.
For couples, I offer a safe, impartial space where both partners can be heard—without blame, without judgment. We work together to understand what's happening, improve communication, and find a way forward.
How do I know if you're the right counsellor for me?
The most important thing is that you feel safe, heard, and understood.
The relationship between you and your counsellor matters more than any technique or approach. Research shows that the quality of that relationship is one of the biggest predictors of positive outcomes.
I offer a free, no-obligation initial chat (by phone or video). You can get a feel for how I work, ask any questions, and decide if it feels right—with no pressure at all.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients?
Yes—warmly and affirmingly.
Your identity, your relationships, and your pronouns are respected here. You don't have to explain or justify who you are.
I use gender-neutral language and respect how you identify. Whether you're non-binary, trans, gender-fluid, or cis, you are welcome. Whether you're in a same-sex relationship, a polyamorous relationship, or any other relationship structure, you are welcome.
This is a safe space—exactly as you are.
Will you tell me what to do?
No. I will never tell you what to do.
My role is not to give you answers—it's to help you find your own. You are the expert on your life. I'm here to walk alongside you, not to lead the way.
What I will do:
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Listen without judgment
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Help you make sense of what's happening
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Reflect back what I hear so you can see things more clearly
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Offer tools and perspectives you can choose to use or not
The decisions about your life are yours to make. I'm here to support you in making them with confidence.
What if I've had a bad experience with counselling before?
I'm sorry that happened. It takes courage to try again.
Not every counsellor is the right fit for every person—and that's okay. If your previous experience left you feeling unheard, judged, or misunderstood, I want you to know that I work differently.
I'll never judge you, criticise you, or tell you what to do. I'll meet you where you are, listen without assumptions, and work at your pace.
You deserve a counsellor who feels like a good fit. I'd be happy to have an initial chat so you can decide if that might be me.
How do I get started?
It's simple. You can reach out by phone, email, or through the contact form on my website.
I'll get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a free, no-obligation initial chat. There's no pressure—just a chance to ask questions, see if it feels right, and take the first step at your own pace.
I'm here when you're ready.
How much does it cost
Individual sessions are £60, and couples sessions are £75.
Both online and in-person sessions are the same price.
I offer a discount for block bookings of 5 or more sessions, and I'm always happy to discuss any questions you have about fees.
For full details, including block booking discounts and cancellation policy, please see my [Pricing Page].
Am I committed to a set number of Sessions
There is no obligation to book a certain number of sessions.
Some people find that a few sessions are enough. Others want ongoing support over a longer period. We'll review where you are and what you need at regular intervals.
You decide how long we work together. You can stop at any time, and there's no pressure to continue if it doesn't feel right for you.