FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I make an appointment?
The first step is for us to have a free 15-20 minute chat over Teams or Telephone so we can both find out more and decide if we feel comfortable working together. You can book a first full session at the end of our chat, or take some time to think about it. It’s probably easiest to email to organise this but you can also phone, text or use Facebook Messenger. Be assured that all messages and voicemails will be kept confidential. I will get back to you within 48 hours to suggest a time and date. Head over to the Contact Page for more details …
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What is counselling like and how will it help me?
Each session is yours to bring whatever issues or subjects you want to explore and I will never persuade you to talk about something you don't feel ready for. I will offer reflections which will help give you clarity or to see things differently and when I feel it would be helpful and appropriate, I will ask questions or invite you to consider other possibilities. If I think you would benefit from specific expertise with your issue, I will signpost you to further or alternative help. Most people find it extremely helpful to be able to talk to someone completely impartial, who will actively listen and seek to understand you without judgement; I find most clients are worried about burdening their family and friends with their problems. I aim to build an honest and trusting relationship with my clients until they feel ready to face life without my help. This therapeutic alliance is the key to healing. Counselling can sometimes feel very difficult at first, particularly if you're talking about things that you've kept hidden away, even from yourself for a long time. That's why we will take things at your pace until you feel strong enough to explore further.
Do you work with couples or children?
I only work with individual adults aged 18 or over.
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When are you available?
I hold sessions Monday - Thursday between 8am and 5pm. It’s good to let me know if you have limited availability when you first enquire in case I can’t accommodate you. Once we’ve agreed to start counselling, I will forward you a contract to read and sign.
​​How many sessions do I need?
This really does vary! And there is no obligation to sign up for a particular amount. You may find 3-5 sessions enough to work through an issue, or I am happy to accommodate you for long term support. Some people have weekly sessions, many fortnightly and some move out to 4 weekly as they start to feel they need less support. ​
How much and how do I pay?
All 1 hour sessions cost £60 whether online or face to face. I ask for the fee to be paid in advance of our session by bank transfer, however cash is accepted at face to face sessions. My bank details and cancellation policy will be in our contract.​
How do I find you?
I offer online counselling with Teams but if you live near beautiful Hayling Island in Hampshire, I’d be very happy to welcome you for face to face sessions. Ample parking on the drive is available and there is a bus stop on a main route practically right outside. I don’t have a waiting area so please arrive at the correct appointment time. Full directions will be sent out with the contract once the first session is booked in. If you have accessibility requirements, click here for more details of the therapy space and do feel free to ask if I can make any accommodations!
Is everything I tell you confidential?
I take your confidentiality very seriously and more details and exceptions to this will be outlined in our contract. ​
