Frequently Asked Questions

You may have many questions related to the counselling process and what to expect. For this reason, I have compiled a list of answers to frequently asked questions to help. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch using the Contact page.

What is an integrative counsellor?

An integrative counsellor is someone who combines different therapeutic approaches and techniques to suit the needs of the client, allowing for a more personalised and holistic form of therapy that can address several aspects of the client's life and concerns. Rather than adhering strictly to one specific therapeutic approach, integrative counsellors draw from various theories and methods, such as the humanistic approach, cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and other modalities. This flexibility enables integrative counsellors to adapt their therapeutic style to best suit the individual client.

What is the BACP?

The BACP stands for The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. It is a professional association that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides accreditation, training and support for counsellors and psychotherapists practicing in the United Kingdom. BACP promotes ethical practice, continuing professional development, and oversees standards within the counselling and psychotherapy profession. As a member of the BACP, I work in accordance with their Ethical Framework which are the standards set to ensure practitioners provide ethical and responsible care for their clients. For more information, please read the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice.

What is the difference between a counsellor and psychotherapist?

Counsellors typically focus on specific issues and concerns, focusing on short-term work which could last six sessions or longer, depending on the client's needs. Psychotherapists often work with deeper psychological issues, utilising long-term therapeutic approaches. Both counsellors and psychotherapists might also have an area of speciality or training they have undergone to assist with specific difficulties by using a specific approach. The distinction lies in the duration of treatment, the depth of intervention, focus of therapeutic approaches, variety of qualifications and training.

What happens during the first session?

Before we agree to work together, I offer a free one off consultation over the telephone for twenty minutes to discuss your needs and agree an approach. This also gives us an opportunity to have a clear discussion and for you to ask me any questions you might have about me, the way I work and the counselling process. This will give you an idea of whether I'd be the right therapist for you. If after our initial discussion, you feel that you'd like us to work together then we can continue to arrange weekly sessions at a time and day which is suitable for the both of us. You’re not obligated to book a session after the initial call and I would encourage you to take a couple days to think about it, to make sure this is right for you.

How many sessions will I need?

Counselling is a process and experience which is unique to each client and there isn't a specific timeframe that can be applied to all the client that I'll work with. What I can say is that I offer short and long term counselling options so we can focus on what you need at the time. It may be you are seek counselling to work on a specific issue or problem in the life right now or you would like to get to know yourself better as a person through deeper work. It really depends on what you hope to achieve from counselling. Throughout our work together, I will arrange regular reviews to give us an opportunity to reflect on the therapeutic work and relationship to ensure you are getting what you want from the sessions.

How long are the sessions?

Regular sessions last for 50 minutes and you would need to be available for these sessions on the same day and time each week.

How much will the session cost?

The fees vary according to the type of counselling and the length of the session and I offer discounts for block bookings. Please check out the Fees page for full details.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

If you wish to cancel an appointment, please give me a minimum of at least 24 hours notice, otherwise the full cost of the session will be payable.

Do you offer counselling to children, young people or couples?

I don’t currently work with couples, family, or children and young people under the age of 18.

Do you offer face to face counselling?

At the moment, I only offer counselling sessions remotely. These take place either as online or telephone sessions. If you decide that video would suit you better, these sessions are carried out using Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Doxy. For the counselling sessions be effective we ask you to be in a safe, quiet and undisturbed space. Please ensure the device you are using for the session is charged and you are prepared by sitting somewhere comfortable and quiet. You may also feel more comfortable in an area with a plain background, with no windows or identifiable photographs in view.

Are the sessions kept confidential?

Yes, all information discussed in the counselling sessions are kept confidential and this is something we discuss more fully during the first session. I maintain a brief record of our sessions which are anonymised and stored in a secure folder only accessible to me. For further details, please see the Privacy Notice.

What do I do in the case of an emergency or crisis?

I cannot offer crisis or emergency support but if you're feeling suicidal or you are concerned about someone else, then please contact your GP, call 999, go to your local A&E, or call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours. You can also call Mind on 0300 123 3393 or you can text them on 86463.