The first session is an initial assessment session. This provides an opportunity for us to explore what has brought you to counselling and whether I am the right counsellor to support you.

During the assessment session, we will discuss:

• The difficulties or concerns you are experiencing

• Your current circumstances and wellbeing

• Any relevant personal history

• What you would like to achieve through counselling

• Any questions you may have about the counselling process

The assessment also allows me to gain an understanding of your needs and consider whether the support I offer is appropriate for you. Equally, it gives you the opportunity to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me.

I will explain confidentiality, discuss how counselling works, and answer any practical questions you may have. There is no pressure to share everything in the first session, and we will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Following the assessment, we can decide together whether ongoing counselling would be helpful and, if so, arrange future sessions.

Many people feel nervous before their first appointment, but my aim is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where you can begin to talk about what is important to you.

There is no set number of counselling sessions that is right for everyone. Each person comes to counselling with their own unique experiences, challenges, and goals, so the length of therapy will vary from person to person.

Some clients find that a small number of sessions helps them gain clarity and develop strategies to manage a specific issue. Others choose to work together for longer to explore deeper patterns, long-standing difficulties, or more complex life experiences.

We will regularly review how you are feeling and whether counselling is meeting your needs. You are always in control of the process and can decide how many sessions feel right for you.

Many clients initially choose to attend weekly sessions, as this provides consistency and helps build momentum. As things begin to improve, some people decide to reduce the frequency of sessions or bring counselling to a natural close.

Counselling is not about keeping you in therapy for a fixed period of time. My aim is to support you in achieving your goals, developing greater self-awareness, and helping you feel better equipped to manage life's challenges both now and in the future.

If you're unsure whether counselling is right for you, we can discuss your needs during an initial consultation and explore how I may be able to help.

Yes. Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the counselling relationship and helps create a safe environment where you can talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Everything discussed during our sessions will be treated with respect and kept confidential. I will not share information about you with anyone else without your knowledge or consent.

There are, however, a small number of exceptional circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken. These include situations where:

• There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person

• There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult

• I am required to disclose information by law

Wherever possible, I would aim to discuss any concerns with you first before taking further action.

As part of my professional practice, I attend regular clinical supervision. This is a standard requirement for counsellors and helps ensure that I provide safe and effective support. During supervision, client confidentiality is maintained, and identifying details are not disclosed.

I also keep brief counselling records in accordance with data protection legislation and professional ethical guidelines. Information about how your personal data is stored and managed can be found in my Privacy Policy.

If you have any questions about confidentiality, please feel free to ask. I will be happy to discuss this with you before or during your first session.

No. You do not need a referral from your GP or any other healthcare professional to access counselling with me.

You can contact me directly to arrange an initial consultation and discuss what support you are looking for. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, relationship difficulties, bereavement, or simply feel that something is not quite right, you are welcome to get in touch.

Many people choose to seek counselling independently when they want a confidential space to talk through personal challenges, gain greater self-understanding, or find support during a difficult period in their lives.

If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, I offer a free initial telephone consultation where we can discuss your needs and explore how I may be able to help.

Taking the first step can feel difficult, but you don't need a referral or a formal diagnosis to seek support. Reaching out is often the beginning of positive change.

Yes. Many people find online counselling to be just as effective as face-to-face therapy.

Online counselling provides the same opportunity to talk openly, explore challenges, and develop greater understanding of yourself within a safe and confidential therapeutic relationship. The most important factor in successful counselling is often the quality of the relationship between counsellor and client, rather than the location where sessions take place.

Many clients appreciate the convenience and flexibility that online counselling offers. Sessions can take place from the comfort and privacy of your own home, without the need to travel. This can make counselling more accessible for people with busy schedules, caring responsibilities, mobility difficulties, or those who simply prefer the convenience of remote support.

I offer counselling via Zoom and telephone, allowing you to choose the format that feels most comfortable for you.

Some clients initially wonder whether they will feel connected through a screen or over the phone. However, many find that after a short time they feel relaxed, engaged, and able to talk openly about what is on their mind.

If you are new to online counselling, we can discuss any concerns you may have during an initial consultation. My aim is to ensure that you feel comfortable, supported, and able to make the most of our sessions together.

Payment can be made by bank transfer and is due before each counselling session unless otherwise agreed.

Once your appointment has been confirmed, I will provide my bank details along with any information you need to make payment.

Sessions are available via Zoom or telephone and are charged at:

£65 per 50-minute session

If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours' notice where possible. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged at the full session fee.

If you have any questions about fees or payment arrangements, please feel free to get in touch and I will be happy to help.