Frequently Asked Questions.
Finding the right counsellor can feel overwhelming. It's a huge decision. Below are answers to questions I get asked often, I hope they help.
I'm nervous about starting therapy.
I understand that feeling, I’ve been there myself. It’s common to feel nervous when starting therapy, especially if this is new for you. Many people feel unsure at first, it can feel daunting talking about things that feel painful, scary or confusing. But I will do everything I can to support you to feel at ease – it’s a space where there is no judgement and no pressure to share anything until you’re ready. The ball is absolutely in your court, and we use the first session as a chance to meet, talk about what has brought you here and see whether working together feels right for you.
How do I know if you're the right counsellor for me?
Finding the right counsellor is such a personal thing, and it’s important that you feel comfortable and able to be yourself with whoever you choose. It can be hard to get a feel for someone from words and pictures on a website, so I would always recommend having an introductory conversation with any counsellors you are considering. You are very welcome to get in touch with me if you have any questions, or if you simply want to hear my voice and get a better sense of who I am. The most important thing is finding someone you feel able to connect with and trust.
What is Person-Centred counselling?
Person-centred counselling is a type of talking therapy where you are at the heart of the process. Rather than me giving advice or telling you what to do, I offer a safe, supportive and confidential space where you can talk openly and honestly about whatever is going on for you. The idea behind counselling is that you are the expert on yourself. My role is to listen carefully, try to understand your experience from your point of view and then support you to explore that experience and begin to make sense of your thoughts and feelings. I often explain it to my clients as if they come with a really tangled ball of wool. Together we examine the tangles, looking at how they have become so knotted and work together to loosen them so we can see what is going on more clearly. You don’t have to come with the ‘right words’ or know exactly what you want to talk about. We go at your pace, looking at what feels right for you in that moment. Over time, counselling can help you understand yourself more deeply, feel less alone with what you’re carrying and begin to find your own way forward. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) also highlights further information on what Person-Centred Counselling is, amongst other types of counselling and therapy on their website.
Is counselling confidential?
I will treat anything you share in counselling with care and respect. Your thoughts, feelings, experiences and personal history are yours to share and it’s important that you feel safe knowing they will be held confidentially within our sessions. There are some limits to confidentiality, and these are mainly there to help keep you and others safe. As a counsellor, I have a responsibility to work ethically and within the law, so there may be rare situations where I would need to share information – for example, if I was seriously concerned about risk of harm to you or someone else. If this ever came up, I would aim to talk this through with you wherever possible, so we could think about the safest way forward together. I also have regular supervision as part of my work. This means I may talk about aspects of my counselling work with a qualified counselling supervisor, to support my practice and make sure I am working safely and ethically. I would not share identifying details about you, and supervision is also held within strict confidentiality.
Are you a qualified counsellor?
Yes, I am a qualified counsellor. I hold CPCAB Level 2 and 3 certificates in counselling, a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, and a degree in Psychology. I am also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means I work in line with their ethical framework. To support safe and ethical practice, I regularly take part in continuing professional development (CPD), so I can keep learning and developing my work. I am also fully insured with professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
Will you be able to give me advice?
The idea behind person-centred counselling is that you are the expert on yourself. The answers that matter the most are the ones you come to in your own time. That’s why counselling isn’t about me giving you advice or telling you what to do. I simple don’t have all the answers! My role is to offer a supportive, non-judgemental space where you can explore what’s happening, make sense of your thoughts and feelings and begin to understand, for yourself, what you might need. I’ll be alongside you in that process, gently supporting you to reconnect with yourself, your choices and your own way forward.
How long will I need counselling for?
This can really vary from person to person. It often depends on what has brought you to counselling, what you’d like to explore, and what feels helpful for you as we go along. Some people find that a shorter amount of counselling gives them what they need, while others choose to continue for several months or longer. We can talk about this together before we begin and keep checking in as the work develops. Ultimately, counselling is your choice, and we go at a pace that feels right for you.
Can I stop counselling at any time?
Yes, you can choose to stop counselling at any time. Counselling is your choice and it’s important that you feel in control of the process. If you decide to pause, or want to end sessions, I would always encourage us to talk about it together to find a way to end the work in a safe and supportive way.
What difference is there between counselling in-person and online?
The main difference is how we meet. In-person counselling means we sit together in the same room, while online counselling takes place over video call from wherever you feel comfortable and have privacy. Both can offer a safe, supportive space to talk things through. Some people prefer being in the room together, while others find online counselling more accessible, flexible or comfortable. Online sessions can be especially helpful if travelling is difficult, time is limited, or you feel more at ease speaking from your own space. Whichever option you choose, the aim is the same – to give you a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can explore whats going on for you at your own pace. We can talk together about what might feel most comfortable and practical for you. I offer both in-person and online sessions. You can find more information here
What if counselling doesnt feel like it's working?
It’s okay if counselling doesn’t feel helpful straight away, or if there are moments where it feels difficult, stuck or unclear. Therapy can take time, and sometimes things can feel more uncomfortable before they begin to feel clearer, especially when we are gently exploring things that have been painful or hard to carry. If something doesn’t feel right, I would really encourage you to tell me. We can talk openly about how you’re finding the sessions, what feels helpful, what doesn’t, and whether there is anything we might need to do differently. Counselling is a shared process, and your experience matters. I want the work to feel as supportive and useful as possible for you. If you decide that counselling with me doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s completely okay. You are never obliged to continue, and what matters most is finding the support that feels right and helpful for you.
I need emergency help, should I call you?
No. The counselling service I offer is not an emergency or out-of-hours service, and I am not able to provide emergency mental health support. If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, or you need urgent help, please contact one of the following services straight away: > Your GP > 111 for the free NHS Helpline Service > 999 for all emergency services > The Samaritans on 116 123 > Visit www.samaritans.org > Text SHOUT to 85258