Frequently Asked Questions

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. Below are answers to some of the most common questions clients ask. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Can you tell me more about how you work?

My training is grounded in humanistic therapy, and I draw from the fields of Gestalt, Person-Centred Therapy, and Transactional Analysis in my approach. This means I believe you are the expert of your own experience, and my role is to support you in exploring that experience with compassion and curiosity.

• From Person-Centred Therapy, I offer a non-judgmental space where you can be fully yourself.

• Gestalt therapy helps us bring awareness to what’s happening in the present moment - emotionally, physically, and relationally.

• Through Transactional Analysis, we can explore your patterns, roles, and how past experiences may be shaping your current life.

Together, we’ll work to help you feel more connected, empowered and authentic.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply want to understand yourself better, therapy can offer a supportive space to reflect, grow, and heal. Many clients say therapy helps them feel more grounded, confident, and connected in their daily lives.

What kinds of issues do you work with?

I work with a wide range of concerns, including, but not limited to:

• Anxiety and stress

• Low self-esteem

• Depression and low mood

• Relationship difficulties

• Loss and grief

• Life transitions

• Childhood wounds and trauma

You don’t need to be in crisis to come to therapy. If something is affecting your quality of life, therapy can help.

How often do I need to come to therapy?

Most clients attend weekly sessions, which helps build consistency, trust and momentum. As therapy progresses, some choose to space sessions out or come bi-weekly, but I believe that weekly therapy is the best foundation for making meaningful progress. We’ll regularly check in about what’s working best for you.

How many sessions do I need?

There’s no fixed number. It really depends on your goals, needs, and the pace that feels right for you. Some clients come for short-term support around a specific issue, while others choose to engage in much longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth. We’ll explore this together during our initial sessions and regularly review your progress to make sure therapy continues to support you in the right way.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Everything you share in our sessions is treated with the utmost care and confidentiality. The only exceptions are rare and relate to safety - such as if there’s a risk of serious harm to yourself or others. We’ll talk through these exceptions clearly before we begin.

How does online counselling work?

Online therapy works much like in-person sessions, just from the comfort of your own space. We meet via a secure, encrypted video platform to ensure your privacy - usually Teams or Zoom. You’ll need a quiet, private room and a reliable internet connection. Many clients find online sessions just as effective and more convenient than travelling to a physical location.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is a gentle introduction. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and you can ask any questions you may have. It’s a space for you to get a feel for how I work and whether it feels like a good fit.

What if I don’t “click” with you?

Finding the right therapist is important. If you don’t feel a connection, that’s absolutely okay. We can talk about it openly, and I can help refer you to someone who may be a better fit. Therapy should feel safe and supportive, not forced.

Can I contact you between sessions?

Between sessions, you're welcome to contact me for administrative matters, such as rescheduling or confirming appointments. However, anything related to the therapeutic process or personal concerns is best kept within our sessions. This helps keep our work focused and contained and supports you in exploring these issues with the time and space they deserve.

If something comes up between sessions that feels important, you’re encouraged to make a note of it and bring it with you - we’ll explore it together in our session.

Please note that I do not offer crisis or emergency support. If you're in immediate distress and need to talk to someone, you can contact Samaritans any time, 24/7, on 116 123 (free from any phone). They’re there to listen and support you.

What is your cancellation policy?

I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are subject to the full session fee. This policy allows me to offer appointments to others who may be waiting.

If you're ready to take the first step or still have questions, please feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to talk it through with you.