Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I contact you about counselling?

We’ll have a brief, informal conversation about any questions you have about counselling or what’s going on for you at the moment. I’ll explain how I work and whether I feel I can support you. If you’re happy to proceed, we’ll discuss your availability and arrange an appointment for an initial counselling session.

What happens in the initial counselling appointment?

The first session is an opportunity for you to share what’s been troubling you, and for me to gain a better understanding of your situation. You can also ask any questions you may have and get a feel for whether I’m the right counsellor to support you going forward.

Are the sessions confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is a key part of building a trusting therapeutic relationship. We will discuss confidentiality in detail during your first session. All sessions are confidential, with a few important exceptions:

• You are at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else (including child abuse or exploitation)
• Acts of terrorism, drug trafficking or money laundering
• If required by law or court order
• Clinical Supervision (all supervisor are also bound by confidentiality)

In emergencies, or if I’m unable to reach you, I may need to seek advice or support from your GP or emergency services. If a child discloses something that raises a concern for their wellbeing or safety, I am required to inform the appropriate services, such as the local authority Children’s Services.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your individual circumstances, goals for counselling and your progress. We’ll explore this together in your initial session. Some people benefit from short-term work, while others may find longer-term or open-ended counselling more helpful especially for deeper work. I am very guided by where you are in your life and within yourself. We will do regular check-ins and reviews during the counselling work to assess where you are and the future of the counselling work.

What happens if I’m late to a session?

Each session lasts 50 minutes. If you arrive late, your session will still be held for you, but the end time will remain the same to respect scheduling for other clients.

What is your cancellation policy?

I ask for 48 hours notice to either cancel or re-schedule a session. After this time, the full fee is charged.