Frequently Asked Questions
You can bring anything that is on your mind. You do not need to be in crisis or have a “big” problem or a specific diagnosis. Counselling is for anyone. If something is affecting your wellbeing or quality of life then counselling can be of benefit. Some of the common reasons people come to see me at my therapy room in Andover include anxiety, low mood, relationship challenges, stress, low self-esteem, or simply feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
I offer in-person counselling only. Many clients prefer the depth and focus of in-person sessions. Although I have previously worked online with clients I have chosen to focus solely on in-person work. I feel that I am better able to notice body language, see facial expressions, and pick up on tone of voice when I work with clients in-person. I feel that this helps me to have a better understanding of my client's emotional state. I also feel that there are fewer distractions being with a client in a dedicated therapy space – no technical hitches, cats walking in front of the camera, dogs barking or people knocking at the front door (to name a few distractions). Online counselling absolutely has its place, but it is not something that I offer.
Each session lasts for 50 minutes. Sessions will usually take place weekly, although we can discuss what frequency works best for you. My current fee is £60 per session. I will always let you know if this changes. I also offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can see if we might be a good fit before booking.
There is no single straightforward answer to this question. It depends on your goals and circumstances. Some clients benefit from just a few sessions, while other clients find longer-term work more helpful. It can be important to bear in mind that if the issue you are dealing with has a long history it is not something that can be resolved in a fortnight – it will take time. We can regularly review how things are going so you feel confident in the process.
Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of counselling. It is important that you feel you can trust your counsellor to enable you to speak openly. The assurance that what you share with your counsellor is kept confidential allows for deeper exploration of the things that you might find difficult to talk about. There are however some exceptions to confidentiality including situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or when required by law to disclose information. I will explain this fully in our first session so you know exactly where you stand.
Yes, I am a fully qualified, insured counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work within their ethical framework and undertake regular supervision to support safe, ethical practice.
Counselling is not one size fits all. I will not be the right counsellor for everyone and that is ok. It is so important to find the right counsellor for you. Initially you can go on whether they deal with the issues you are bringing, whether they are qualified and have experience, if the location and fee works for you etc. However, it may well only be when you sit with them in the room for the first time that you will begin to get a sense of whether they are the right counsellor for you. Things to consider when you meet me include whether you feel comfortable, safe, and understood. Do you think you could be honest and share intimate details with me? Trusting your gut instinct can be helpful at first. As things progress continue to review how you feel. If as we are working together you decide that I am not the right counsellor for you I can work with you to refer you to another counsellor.
Yes. You are free to end counselling with me at any time. This is an important part of client autonomy. I do encourage an ending session where possible. This enables us to reflect on your counselling journey, review what you have achieved and to bring things to a gentle close.
I require a minimum of 48 hours' notice to cancel a session. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice will be charged the full session fee. This policy is crucial to the sustainability of my private practice and my business as a sole trader.
