Sessions and fees

Our initial conversation is an opportunity for you to tell me a little about what has led you to seek counselling and what you might hope to gain from it.
You are welcome to ask questions about counselling, my approach or the practical arrangements. You do not need to explain everything or prepare what you are going to say beforehand.

Your first session is a chance for us to begin getting to know each other and to explore what has brought you to counselling. You don’t need to have everything worked out or know exactly what you want to talk about. We can take some time to find what feels important to you and begin from there.

There is no set number of sessions that will suit everyone. Some people come to counselling with a particular issue they would like to explore over a shorter period, while others find longer-term therapy more helpful.

Yes. What you share in counselling is treated as private and confidential. I will explain how confidentiality works at the beginning of our work, including the limited circumstances where information may need to be shared, such as concerns about serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

Everyone experiences therapy differently. You may find it a relief to have a space where you can speak openly, while exploring difficult thoughts, feelings or experiences can sometimes bring up emotions that feel challenging.

We can take things at a pace that feels right for you, and there is no expectation to talk about anything before you are ready. Over time, therapy can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, build resilience and feel more able to move forward.

I understand that sometimes things come up and plans need to change. I ask for 24 hours’ notice where possible if you need to cancel or rearrange a session.
Once we agree to arrange your first session, I’ll send you an email confirming the appointment, along with the address and my counselling agreement. This includes further information about the practical arrangements, including my cancellation policy, so you know what to expect before we begin.

Yes. Online and telephone counselling can offer the same opportunity for meaningful therapeutic work as meeting in person. Some people also find that being in their own space makes it easier to talk openly. We can discuss which way of working feels most suitable for you and what would help you feel comfortable and supported.

Sessions are usually weekly, particularly at the beginning of our work together. Meeting regularly can help us build a sense of continuity and give you space to explore what is important to you. We can talk together about what feels manageable for you and review this as our work develops.

Sessions can be paid for by cash or bank transfer.

Payment arrangements can be discussed during the initial consultation or when your first session is booked.

The terms counselling and therapy are often used interchangeably. Both involve working with a trained professional to explore thoughts, feelings, experiences and difficulties in your life.

Counselling is sometimes described as focusing on particular concerns or challenges, while therapy can be used more broadly to describe longer-term or deeper exploration. In practice, there can be considerable overlap between the two, and the terms are often used to describe the same kind of therapeutic work.

For my practice, I use counselling and therapy interchangeably. What matters most is having a safe, supportive relationship where you can explore what is important to you.