Frequently Asked Questions
About Counselling
What is counselling and how can it help me?
Counselling provides you with a safe space to talk through what is on your mind. It can help you explore your thoughts and feelings and understand patterns in your life. From finding this understanding and with help from your counsellor, you can find ways to help you feel and cope better in life and move forward more positively.
What kind of issues can counselling support me with?
People come to counselling for many and often a mix of reasons – this can include anxiety,stress, low mood, relationship difficulties, loss, trauma, or simply feeling stuck. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling, but sometimes people have been pushing through, for some time, and find it hard to feel clear about what they need help with and that’s okay, it tends to make more sense and get easier as you start trying to explain where you’re at, whats going on, what you’re hoping for and what you’re hoping for or how things used to be.
What approach do you use?
I work in a person-centred and integrative way, which means the focus is on you and your needs and the sessions flow to suit your needs. I will bring in psycho-education and any tools/techniques and supportive resources that may help you, ultimately it’s up to you which ones suit you and if you’re able to utilise them.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone’s journey and needs are different. Some people find a few sessions helpful, while others choose longer- term work. Some have come to me to address a particular issue but have found the space of such benefit that they have moved into longer-term work. I work flexibly in terms of need and frequency, but when a fixed time may be needed I can work with you to book some space ahead to ensure this is met. (this won’t mean paying ahead for all these sessions unless you want to). It’s important that we review this together as we go.
Practicalities
How do I book a session?
You can get in touch with me by using the contact form on this website or by texting my mobile number. You can ask for a free 15- 20 minute intro chat or a reduced rate initial session to see if working together feels right.
How long is each session?
As I have my own space then sessions are a full 1 hour.
How much does it cost?
My fees are : Initial session £50 and follow on sessions are £60 per session. Concession may be available- please ask if this would be helpful.
Do you offer online as well as in-person sessions?
Yes. I offer in- person sessions at my office in Sale, and online sessions via secure video call.
When are your sessions available?
Tuesday to Friday (10.30 am to 7.30 pm) – In-person and online sessions are available. Monday PM: I occasionally offer the odd online session on a Monday late afternoon/ early evening.
Confidentiality and Safety
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you share in counselling stays private. The only exceptions are if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or if I am required by law to disclose this information. We will talk this through at your first session.
What if I’m in crisis and need urgent help?
Counselling is not an emergency service. If you feel at immediate risk, please contact your GP. call 999, or reach out to services such as Samaritans (116 123, free 24/7).
The Counselling Experience
What happens in the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to meet, talk about what brings you to counselling, and see if we feel like a good fit to work together. There may also be some information gathering and sharing, however, I work to your needs as much of this can wait.
Do I need to prepare anything before starting?
No preparation is needed. Just bring yourself and whatever you’d like to share.
What if I don’t feel comfortable?
It’s important you feel safe and supported. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor of choice and this is the best foundation for successful work.
Can I end counselling whenever I want?
Yes. You are free to stop at any time. Sometimes wanting to end can be a response to challenges in counselling. I usually suggest having a planned ending session so we can check on any reflex responses and/ or reflect on your progress and we both know where you’re at.
About Supervision
What is supervision?
Supervision is often used in ‘management’ terms, but in this sphere, Supervision is clinical exploration and supportive work in a safe space to help ensure you are practising safely and ethically and to develop your client work. It isn’t just about client work, it’s about other issues that can be impacting client work and about your training or next steps in development or can be about understanding issues in your professional field more.
Who do you offer supervision for?
I offer supervision for trainee and qualified counsellors, as well as other professionals working in supportive roles.
What model of supervision do you use?
My approach is collaborative and supportive, supervisee centred and draws on the person- centred/ intergrative model, but can support other models. Whilst client safety underpins supervision, the focus of the work is on your development, well-being and ethical practice. I also draw on my experience of working in various placements, employed in large organisations to management level and starting up and developing private practice.
Do you offer group supervision?
Yes- I provide both individual and group supervision. Please get in touch for availability.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Do you work with people from all backgrounds?
Yes. My practise is inclusive and welcoming of people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and life experiences.
Is your space accessible?
My counselling room is up one flight of stairs, so if mobility is an issues then I would offer to work online. All other access issues can be discussed and I will endeavour to help where I can,
Other Practical Questions
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. To try to be as fair as possible, cancellations made with less notice may incur a half- fee charge.
How do I pay?
Payment can be made by bank transfer- details will be provided when booking. Cash payment is an option for in-person sessions.
Can I switch between online and in-person sessions?
Yes, this can usually be easily arranged with little advanced notice.
