Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in a counselling session?
Sessions are a space for you to talk about whatever feels important at your own pace. Some people arrive knowing what they want to explore; others are not sure where to begin, both are completely ok. I can be here to listen, gently reflect and support as you make sense of what you're feeling and what you need.
Before we begin counselling together, I always offer a free 20-minute introductory call. This isn't a counselling session, but an initial discussion together to understand whether I am the right fit for you, and for you to ask any questions you may have. You're welcome to get in touch with me below, if you feel this would be helpful to arrange.
In a first counselling session, we would talk together to understand what has brought you to counselling and what you are hoping to get from the process overall. We will also discuss ways of working together including confidentiality, boundaries and limitations.
Is counselling right for me if I'm not in crisis?
Absolutely. Many people I work with aren't in crisis but are feeling overwhelmed, stuck or unsure of themselves. You don't need to reach breaking point to get support. If something in your life feels heavy, confusing or emotionally exhausting, counselling can help.
What is Person-Centred Counselling?
Person-Centred Counselling puts you at the very center and what you decide to bring is entirely led by you. A Person-Centred counsellor focuses on offering an accepting space for you to explore what's happening in your own way, with the focus on reconnecting with your own clarity and inner resources.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) also highlights further information on what Person-Centred Counselling is, amongst other types of counselling and therapy on their website.
How do I know if you're the right counsellor for me?
I believe that a trusting relationship between you and your counsellor is incredibly important. Arguably, the most important aspect to support your own therapeutic process. Therefore, I encourage you to really look around and find a counsellor who you feel is going to support you in the most appropriate way, so that you trust what feels safe and comfortable for you. You're welcome to ask me any questions in an introductory call and take time to reflect afterwards. If it turns out I'm not the right fit, that's completely ok. What matters most, is that you find someone who you connect with.
How long will I need counselling for?
There's no set of number of sessions. Some people come for a shorter period, where they may want to focus on one area in particular; others prefer longer term counselling. If you're unsure, I usually suggest we start at weekly sessions of 6, with a check in at our 6th session, to see how you're finding things and how you'd like to proceed. We'll check in regularly to see how things feel and you're always in control of how long you choose to continue.
How often are counselling sessions?
Weekly sessions tend to work well for most individuals, as they create consistency and a regular touch point. If you feel you'd like a different frequency, we can talk about what works well for you.
Do you offer in-person or online sessions?
I offer in-person sessions in Marlow on Mondays and Wednesdays and online or phone sessions throughout Monday - Thursday. Online sessions are usually via Microsoft Teams, but we can discuss other platforms that are more convenient for you to use.
How much is a counselling session?
For each 50-minute session, I charge £70.00. This payment is required minimum 24-hours before the session starts and via bank transfer payment.
Is everything I say confidential?
What you say or share is held confidentially between you and I in the counselling relationship. However, I am required to work ethically and within the requirements of the law as a counsellor, so there may be some legal and ethical exceptions where I may need to breach confidentiality. For example, if I was concerned there was serious harm to yourself or others. If this was the case, I would aim to speak about this with you so we can navigate a way forwards. Some instances where I am required by law to disclose are under The Children's Act 1989, Serious Crimes Act 2015, Terrorism Act 2000 and Road Traffic Act 1991.
As part of my work, I may also discuss sessions with my supervisors, who are fully qualified and trained counselling professionals. Supervision is used to support my continued development and maintain safe practice. Information shared in supervision is anonymized and also held within confidentiality agreements.
What if we see each other out in public?
To protect your privacy and confidentiality, should we happen to see each other outside of sessions in public, I may smile but won't engage in further conversation, to ensure confidentiality is not breached. You are welcome to share with others about the counselling you are receiving but I am obliged by UK GDPR law to ensure your privacy is protected.
Are you a qualified counsellor?
Yes, I am a qualified counsellor and hold a CPCAB Level 2 and 3 certificate in counselling and a level 4 diploma in therapeutic counselling. I am also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to the BACP's ethical framework. To continue maintaining safe and ethical practice, I also regularly commit to continuing professional development (CPD) aligned to support safe and ethical practice. I am also fully insured with professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
As a counsellor can you give me advice or do you have all the answers?
Counselling isn't about being given advice or being told what to do by me. I don't have all the answers and that's not because you're missing something, but the answers that matter most to you are yours. My role is to offer a supportive and non-judgmental space, where you can explore what's happening for you. That said, you won't be left alone with things in our sessions, I'll be alongside you, listening carefully, reflecting what I hear and gently supporting you to reconnect with your self and your choices.
What if counselling doesn't feel like it's working?
It's ok to notice that counselling doesn't always feel helpful straight away. It takes time to settle in and at points, you may feel like you're stuck, unsure or frustrated - all of which can be part of the process. What's important is that you are able to talk about this openly. If something isn't working for you, we can explore it together honestly and at your pace. Your thoughts and feedback matters and we can reflect on what is and isn't working for you and whether any changes might help to support.
Equally, if you decide that counselling with me isn't the right fit, that's completely ok. You're never obliged to continue and choosing a different kind of support that is going to be of value to you is important.
Can I stop counselling at anytime?
Yes, you're always in charge of your counselling journey. If you decide to pause or want to end sessions, we can talk together about how you'd like to do this in a way that feels supportive for you.
Can I work with you if I already know you?
Sometimes people get in touch having known me in another context — for example through work or personal connections and I understand that reaching out for counselling can take courage.
In counselling, it’s important that the space is safe, confidential, and focused entirely on you. If we already know each other, this can create what’s known as a dual relationship. This means there may be overlapping roles or prior knowledge that could affect the counselling relationship, even unintentionally.
If this applies, we would talk it through together openly and carefully. My responsibility is to consider whether working together would truly be in your best interests and support your wellbeing. In some cases, it may be possible to work together safely; in others, it may be more supportive for me to help you to find another counsellor where there are no existing connections.
If we decide that I’m not the right person to work with, I can offer support in finding alternative options or referrals if that would be helpful. The aim is always to make sure you receive the best possible support — even if that isn’t with me.