Question 1

What can counselling help with?

Accepted Answer

People come to counselling for many different reasons, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, low self-confidence or simply feeling stuck.I do not see you as a problem to be treated. We will explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences together, helping you understand yourself more clearly and find a way forward that feels right for you.

Question 2

How do I know whether you're the right counsellor for me?

Accepted Answer

Finding the right counsellor is a personal decision. Qualifications and experience matter, but it is also important that you feel comfortable, understood and able to speak openly.My website and introductory video will give you a sense of who I am and how I work. We can also have a free consultation call, giving you an opportunity to ask questions and see how the conversation feels before deciding whether to begin counselling.There is no pressure to continue if it does not feel like the right fit.

Question 3

Do you specialise in any particular area?

Accepted Answer

My original counselling training placed a strong emphasis on grief and loss, and I have since worked with many people experiencing bereavement and other forms of loss.Grief can affect people in very different ways and does not follow a fixed timetable. I offer a patient and supportive space where you can talk about what has happened, what the loss means to you and how it is affecting your life.Alongside this, I also work with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, people-pleasing tendencies, low self-confidence, and issues relating to men and masculinity.

Question 4

Will I have to talk about sex?

Accepted Answer

Sex and intimacy can feel difficult or embarrassing to discuss, particularly at the beginning of counselling. You will never be expected to talk about anything before you feel ready.As with any subject, you can share only what feels comfortable and relevant to you. If sexual experiences, relationships or intimate parts of your life become important to the work, we can explore them respectfully and without judgement, at your pace and within a confidential setting.

Question 5

Can I bring a friend to the first session for support?

Accepted Answer

A friend or family member is welcome to accompany you to the practice or walk with you to the door if that helps you feel more comfortable.The counselling session itself would usually be private and take place between you and me. This helps create a confidential space where you can begin speaking freely and establishing your own relationship with me.Feeling nervous before a first session is very common. You do not need to wait until the anxiety has disappeared; we can take the beginning slowly and talk through any concerns you have.

Question 6

What happens if I can't make a booked session?

Accepted Answer

If you cannot attend a booked session, please let me know as soon as possible. I understand that unexpected situations arise and, where I have another suitable appointment available, I will try to rearrange the session.Sessions cancelled with less than seven days’ notice are subject to my cancellation policy. Regular attendance helps maintain continuity in the work, but if your usual appointment becomes difficult to manage, we can discuss whether a different arrangement would suit you better.

Question 7

What should I do if I'm going to be late?

Accepted Answer

If you think you may be late, please let me know as soon as possible by phone, text or email.Your session will still need to finish at the agreed time so that later appointments are not affected, but we can use the remaining time when you arrive.

Question 8

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

I accept cash or card payments for in-person sessions, payable on the day. Online sessions can be paid by bank transfer on the day or through a payment link that I will send to you.For organisational or business-funded counselling, monthly invoicing can be arranged.

Question 9

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance. I also attend regular clinical supervision and practise in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.

Question 10

Is your practice wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

My counselling room is on the ground floor, but unfortunately the premises are not wheelchair accessible.Please contact me before booking if you have any access needs. Online counselling may be available for individual clients where attending in person is not practical.

Question 11

Can you diagnose and prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

No. As a counsellor, I do not diagnose medical or psychiatric conditions, and I cannot prescribe medication.If you would like an assessment or want to discuss whether medication may be helpful, your GP would usually be the best first point of contact. Counselling can still support you alongside any medical treatment you receive.

Question 12

My difficulties aren’t mentioned on the website. Can I still come to counselling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The website gives examples rather than a complete list. Everyone’s situation is different, and you do not need to fit neatly into a particular category.We can use the consultation call to discuss what is bringing you to counselling and whether I am the right person to support you.

Your questions, answered