FAQ

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy? 
Counselling tends to be focussed on specific issues and be shorter term while psychotherapy involves deeper exploration of our psychological make up and so is longer term. But in practice there is a great deal of overlap.

How does therapy work?
Your therapy is about your unique needs and goals and is something that will be regularly reviewed. Taking the time to reflect on our issues can allow for new knowledge, connections and awareness to emerge and consequently, promote healthier behaviours, increased choice and renewed direction. My role is similar to a guide, helping you focus on specific concerns whilst being mindful of exploring patterns, links and wider issues.

Overall therapy can provide you with increased resilience, help you discover parts of yourself, improve interpersonal relationships and your overall quality of life and wellbeing. 

What will my first session be like? 
Once you’ve made contact with me, we might arrange a short initial telephone call (or go straight to an initial face to face session). I find a call is a good way for us to touch base and gauge where you’re at without the obligation of attending a face to face session. The call is free and you are under no obligation to proceed with therapy.

Depending on the outcome of our call, we may then arrange our first meeting.

The initial session serves two aspects, to provide you an opportunity to see how comfortable you feel working with me, equally it allows me to gather information about your overall needs and goals. At the end of this first session, we’ll agree a way forward and cover any questions you may have.

Will it be confidential?
All sessions are confidential, whether the setting is face to face or telephone. As I subscribe to the BACP professional code of ethics to maintain client confidentiality.

How many sessions will I need?
This will depend on your personal needs and circumstances. Standard counselling sessions are face to face for 50 minutes per week. Regular reviews are held to make sure your needs are being met.

What happens if I cannot attend a session?
If you are unable to make a session, please give 24 hours’ notice by either phone or email, and you will not be charged. Your session can then be rearranged to a more suitable time. If you are unable to provide 24 hours’ notice to cancel you will still be charged for the session.