Frequently Asked Questions
Starting counselling can bring up lots of questions, especially if this is your first experience of therapy.
Below are some of the questions I am most commonly asked. If there is anything else you would like to know, please feel free to get in touch.
Starting Counselling
What happens in the first counselling session?
In our first session we’ll take things gently. We’ll look at what’s brought you here, what feels hardest right now, what you’re hoping for from counselling and how we can work together. There’s no pressure to talk about anything before you feel ready.
Do I need to know exactly what I want to talk about?
There is no pressure to talk about anything, bring yourself and we can explore what you need in each session together as it arises.
How often will we meet?
I work flexibly with what feels right for you. This could be weekly, fortnightly or more ad-hoc sessions which fit with your schedule and needs.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed varies from person to person. If you would like to work to a set number of sessions we can do this, or we can work more flexibly and review how you are feeling periodically throughout our sessions together.
About Counselling
What is person-centred counselling?
Person-centred counselling puts you at the core of our sessions – you set the pace, the direction and the content of each session.
I am there to truly listen to you and help support you to make your own choices and decide your own direction, with acceptance and without judgement.
What kinds of issues can counselling help with?
- Anxiety
- Stress and overwhelm
- Low mood
- Bereavement and loss
- Relationships
- Self-esteem
- Life changes
- Feeling stuck
Will you give me advice or tell me what to do?
I am a firm believer that as an individual you know what is best for you and as such I am not there to tell you what to do.
You are the expert in your own life, feelings and decisions, I am there to help support you to find a way forward that feels right for you.
What if I find it difficult to talk?
There’s no pressure to say anything at all . Person-centred counselling goes at your pace and we don’t need to talk about anything that you don’t feel ready or comfortable to discuss.
Practical Questions
How much do sessions cost?
My standard fees are £60 per session. I would never want finances to be a barrier to accessing support so I do offer concessionary rates. Please contact me and we can talk through what options are available.
How long is each session?
My standard sessions are 50 minutes long.
Where do sessions take place?
- In person sessions at the Wellbeing Space in Long Buckby, Northamptonshire
- Walk and talk sessions across Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. These could take place at:-
- Harlestone Firs, Northampton
- Northampton Washlands
- Daventry Country Park
- Sywell Country Park
- Pitsford Reservoir
- Home visits where appropriate – locations I cover include:-
- Daventry
- Northampton
- Rugby
- All surrounding villages within 10 miles of Long Buckby
Do you offer online or telephone counselling?
Yes, I offer both online and telephone sessions.
What are walk and talk sessions?
Walk and talk therapy gives you the chance to talk through your thoughts and feelings while walking outdoors. Being in a natural setting can help you feel more relaxed and at ease, making it easier to explore what’s on your mind.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hours notice to cancel or amend a session.
Confidentiality & Safety
Are counselling sessions confidential?
Yes, everything we discuss in sessions is kept confidential, but there are a few exclusions to this.
These include if you were to disclose serious criminal activity, such as money laundering, drug trafficking or terrorism. Or if there was a significant safeguarding risk, such as an intent to harm yourself or others.
If any of these issues were to arise in our sessions I would, wherever possible, discuss this with you before any disclosure was made.
What if I am in crisis?
Counselling may not always be suitable for immediate crisis support.
If you feel unable to cope and are suffering a mental health crisis where you need immediate and urgent help there are contact details for organisations where you can get immediate help on my Emergency Support page.
Feeling Comfortable & Reassured
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
If you are thinking it could be, then I would encourage you to get in touch and we can talk through what it is that’s going on for you at the moment and how counselling could help.
There are different ways of offering counselling, and finding a counsellor who you have a good relationship with is key to a good outcome.
I would encourage you to contact several counsellors to talk through what it is you are looking for and choose the one that you feel you could build a strong relationship with.
If after we have spoken you feel that it’s not a good fit for you I am happy to refer you on to another counsellor who may be more suitable for you.
What if I feel nervous about starting counselling?
It’s common to feel nervous about starting counselling, it can feel like a big step to take.
It’s always good to let me know about any nerves and we can talk through how we can make you feel most comfortable in your sessions.
Can I contact you before booking a session?
Yes, please get in touch and we can talk through what it is you are looking for and how counselling can help.