Frequently Asked Questions

I'll get back to you within 24-48 hours to arrange a free phone consultation (usually 10-15 minutes), where you'll be able to outline your needs and availability and ask any questions. Together we can check if my service is right for you and if not, I will be able to suggest some other options.  

Relief from distress and despair can begin in the very first session, so if that's your goal, I would recommend beginning with 3-6 sessions. If it's deeper, more transformative self exploration and growth you seek, you might wish to stay in therapy for longer. We will regularly review this and it is always determined by you. You can end a period of therapy at any time and for any reason. 

The short answer is yes, as this is an important therapeutic condition. However, there are legal and ethical limits to this which relate to safeguarding and the law. For full details, please refer to my privacy policy, your contract or just ask and I'll happily explain. 

Once a week, especially in the beginning is appropriate for most people.  This is so we can develop a strong working relationship together, where there is trust, good understanding and communication. Regular sessions then allow momentum to build and growth and change to be achieved more quickly. Clients sometimes then adjust the frequency to fortnightly or even pause for a bit to evaluate and appreciate their progress.  

Simply put - NEVER. I practice a client centered approach to counselling which means that your choices are respected and actively encouraged. Feeling in charge of your therapeutic process is another important condition of the therapy I offer. But don't worry, if there are aspects of your life that you know will be difficult but important to talk about, I will be supporting you to make that choice at the right time for you.  

Again, this is a no. Re-experiencing the trauma by relaying it in detail is not of therapeutic benefit and can even be experienced as a re-traumatisation. See my explanation of how I do work with trauma under Counselling Services on the Home page for more information.

Taking medication can help in the short term and this can be essential and sometimes enough. But it's only part of the story of the neurobiology of happiness.  Counselling can facilitate  lifelong changes in perceptions and mental processes, which is essential for meaningful and sustained improvement.

YES!