FAQs
It is completely normal to have questions especially if therapy is new, uncertain or a little daunting. Here are a few things people often wonder before we begin. If your question isn't answered here, please feel free to get in touch.
How much does counselling cost?
50 minute in-the-room consultation £10
50 minute counselling session £50
What happens in a counselling session?
Each session lasts for 50 minutes and takes place, ideally, once a week. This is your space to bring whatever feels important, whether that's a particular situation, a difficult feeling or something that's hard to put into words. Everything you share is held in confidence.
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Our work together is open-ended which means you can continue for as long as it feels helpful. Some people come for a short time to work through something specific, while others stay longer as deeper layers begin to unfold.
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I won't give you advice or tell you what to do but I will listen closely, ask thoughtful questions and help you to explore what's going on beneath the surface. The aim is not to fix you but support you in finding your own insight, clarity and way forward.
What if I'm not sure I need therapy?
Many people feel unsure at first, especially if they've spent a long time minimising their own needs or putting others first. You don't need to be in crisis or have a clear reason to come to therapy. Sometimes just having a quiet sense that something isn't right is enough. We can explore it together.
What if I get emotional?
That's completely OK. In fact, it's welcomed. Emotions are part of the work. We don't need to push them away or apologise for them. Whether you cry, feel numb or can't find the words, you'll be met with care, not judgement. Therapy is a space where you don't have to hold it together.
How do I know if it's working?
Therapy doesn't always bring instant clarity. Sometimes it feels like sitting with things that have been avoided for a long time. Over time many people notice they're feeling more connected to themselves, more able to say what they need or less caught in old patterns. We can check in together regularly to make sure the work is still feeling useful to you.
What happens in a 20 minute consultation?
If you're unsure whether counselling is right for you, an initial consultation is a good place to start. There's no pressure or obligation. It's simply a chance to get a feel for how I work and whether this space might be a good fit for you.
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In our first meeting, we'll talk about what's brought you here, what you're hoping for and any questions you might have. Most importantly, we'll get a sense whether we feel we can work together.
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If you decide you'd like to continue, we can arrange a time for weekly 50-minute sessions but you don't have to decide straight away. If you'd like a few days to think about it, that's absolutely fine.
What do I talk about?
It's completely normal to feel unsure about what to say in therapy especially at the beginning There's no right or wrong topic and you don't need to plan anything in advance.
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You might want to talk about something that's worrying you, a difficult experience from the past, a relationship or emotions that feel overwhelming or strangely absent. You can bring whatever feels real for you in the moment, even it's confusion or silence.
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Sometimes what you bring will be clear or it might show up in a dream, an image or a feeling that's hard to explain. However it arrives, it's welcome.
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If you do feel stuck I'll be there to guide you through the process gently. Over time, as you begin to feel more comfortable, the flow often opens up naturally and you may find yourself sharing more freely than you expected.
Can we talk about dreams or use creative approaches?
Yes, if that feels meaningful to you. Some clients find it helpful to bring dreams, images or even creative expression into our work. Others prefer to talk things through in a more traditional way. There's no pressure either way, our work will be shaped around whatever feels right for you.
What if I've had a bad experience in therapy before?
That's important to acknowledge and we can talk about that if you're ready. Therapy should feel like a safe, respectful space so if something in your past experience didn't feel that way, it's OK to bring it in. Together we can explore what went wrong and what you might need now.
Is it normal to feel nervous?
Yes. Starting therapy can bring up all kinds of feelings; nervousness, doubt, even fear. You're not doing it wrong if it feels strange or uncomfortable at first. We can talk about whatever is coming up for you, even if it's just I don't know why I'm here. It's OK to take your time. You don't have to have it all figured out to begin.
