Frequently Asked Questions

Please get in touch with any questions this section doesn’t cover, and I will do my best to answer them.

What can I expect from counselling?

I will provide a safe space for you to explore the reason that has bought you to counselling. I will not judge you or offer advice; I believe that deep down you have your own answers.

What should I talk about?

Talk about anything you like. Absolutely anything at all – there’s no right or wrong. Talk about whatever is troubling you. Be it a specific issue or something you just don’t really understand. Counselling relationship can help you talk about things you ordinarily avoid or are scared to talk to people about.

What if I have difficulty in talking about my worries?

Some people find it easier to be outdoors, somehow it gives a person freedom and they find themselves naturally relaxing in the beauty of their surroundings. You will never be forced to talk.

Will I feel better?

Not every person is the same. You may feel relief initially if it is the first time you have spoken out loud, some people feel worse as a result of sharing complex experiences and feelings. This is why it is important to discuss self care for after sessions. This is not surprising if you have suppressed such strong emotions. You will not always feel worse. 

Will you share my information?

Anything you say will be confidential, unless on a very rare occasion a person may share something that I consider is a cause for concern.  This could be if you or another person was considered to be in immediate risk of harm. I would always discuss this with you first. 

What if I want my child to have counselling?

Hopefully you will have discussed the idea with your child, but if not I would encourage you to do so, as counselling always works best if a child/ adult/client wants to be there. The first session you can attend with your child if they are happy with the arrangement, I will ask you both to sign consent forms. Sessions are confidential unless the child gives permission and it is in the child’s best interest.

Does my Doctor need to know? 

Not necessarily, although it might be beneficial to tell them if you are being treated with medication for anxiety or depression or any other mental health condition. 

What is an initial assessment?

An initial assessment is an opportunity for you to meet me, to see how you feel, discuss the reason you are considering therapy, your expectations, and hopes and fears an opportunity to get a sense of each other and discover if we could work together.

How often should I have counselling?

This is down to you, weekly is recommended initially and the sessions are 50 minutes, although it is recognised that due to commitments or other reasons this may not be possible.   

The amount of sessions is different for each person, depending on each client’s individual needs, wants and choice. We will regularly review your therapeutic development during our sessions to give us a sense of how long our counselling journey will last.

How long are counselling sessions? 

Counselling sessions last 50 minutes, usually on a weekly basis. This is the most common length and frequency of counselling, however, there is always room to discuss this at our initial consultation or at during your therapy. Some clients request to extend sessions.

Where are you based?

I work in Pevensey Bay, and virtually via Zoom.

How much does it cost to have counselling?

I offer a fifteen minute free consultation to see whether you think we could work together. Prices can be found on fees on my costs page.

How do I pay?

I accept bank transfers, MasterCard, Visa and cash payments.

What happens if I miss an appointment?

If you are unable to make an appointment, I ask that you give at least 48 hours notice. Appointments that are missed without notice are still payable at a reduced fee of £20. You can ring, text or email to let me know if you need to cancel or re-arrange.

How do i make an appointment?

Please contact me via my contacts page.

How do I contact you?

Please send me an email explaining briefly why you are looking for a therapist and I will respond as soon as I can. We can chat and then it is up to you to decide if you would like to meet for an initial appointment.