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FAQs

Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions about counselling and psychotherapy – if you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

  • What can counselling and psychotherapy help with?
    Coping with a stressful situation Making sense of life events Making sense of thoughts, behaviours, relationships and coping strategies Clarifying ideas and emotions Greater self-awareness Greater sense of fulfilment and authenticity Improving self-esteem and confidence Bringing about a sense of balance or wholeness And lots more! Life challenges are very personal to every individual and my approach to all is empathy, warmth and compassion. The fundamental aspect of therapy is for you to be able to speak as freely as you're comfortable with and for me to hear and understand what's troubling you in a supportive environment.
  • How will counselling and psychotherapy work?
    As an integrative therapist, I draw on different approaches to make sense of our experience as human beings. My work with you is about listening and creating a reflective space where it is possible to work through issues. I seek to create a warm relationship which encourages honesty and exploration. That said, I believe that you are the expert on your own life so our work is not about me giving advice or finding solutions for you; it is about enabling you to find your own way forward.
  • How many sessions will I need?
    That is something we can decide between us. Some people find short-term therapy (6–12 sessions) helpful, whereas others like to work in an open-ended or long-term way. I like to incorporate reviews every 6-8 sessions to ensure you are getting what you need from therapy.
  • Is therapy confidential?
    Our therapeutic contract stipulates that all sessions are confidential with the following exceptions: If I assess you to be at risk of harm to yourself or others If I assess that you are involved in or have information about others involved in terrorism In medical emergencies To fulfil legal requirements (e.g. courts) I share some contextual details of the therapeutic relationship with my supervisor, who is bound by the same ethical agreements as me, and only your first name is declared for the benefit of the supervisory session. My supervisor keeps brief supervision notes and knows only your first name. Only under the circumstances above will confidentiality be broken.
  • If I ask you a question about yourself, will you answer it?
    Perhaps. If it is important to you, then quite possibly. Self-disclosure is delecate in therapy, but I understand the desire to know more about the person you are sharing your life story with! As a general rule, I like to consider why it matters to you, and whether it is helpful to you.
  • What can I expect from you?
    We’ll start with a short chat, either on the phone or over Google Meet, so you can get a feel for me and clarify what you're looking for from therapy. If it feels like a good fit on both sides, we’ll go ahead and book your first session at a time that works for you. In that first session, we’ll gently go through our working agreement together. This outlines things like confidentiality and boundaries that help create a safe and supportive space for your process. As we go along, I’ll regularly check in with you to ensure the sessions are still meeting your needs, and we’ll make any tweaks as needed. In our sessions, you can expect: A calm, supportive space where your feelings and needs are genuinely respected A pace that honours your emotional safety and nervous system (no pushing or rushing) Encouragement to practise more self-compassion. If that sounds tricky, don’t worry - I’ll lend you some of mine while you get the hang of it A secure, warm, consistent and down-to-earth relationship Space for silence if that’s what you need, a few swear words if that helps, and laughter when it feels right Full permission to show up exactly as you are Honest, respectful attunement - and if I ever get it wrong, you’ll receive a genuine, non-defensive repair
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance via text or email to avoid being charged the full session fee. Cancellations within 24 hours will still be charged at full rate. Sessions start and end at the agreed time. If you arrive late, we will still finish at the scheduled time to avoid impacting other clients. I understand that sometimes life happens, so I offer one freebie per calendar year for unavoidable last-minute cancellations. Beyond this, the full session fee applies. There will be times when you feel that you are not up to facing therapy on certain days, which may make you consider cancelling your session. In my experience, these are usually the most therapeutic sessions!
  • How much are your sessions?
    I charge £60* per 50-minute session. ​ A limited number of concessionary slots may be available. Please ask for information. ​ Payment can be made via bank transfer, and I ask that this be received at least 24 hours before your scheduled session. *Fees increase each year on the first of April.
  • How can I be sure I am seeing a safe and ethical practitioner?
    ​I have a Foundation degree (FdSc) in Integrative Counselling which was highly focused on ethical practice. I am also a registered member of the BACP and abide by their Ethical Framework. I undertake regular training and CPD to keep in touch with developments and I have full professional indemnity insurance. ​ Additionally, I work in prisons so I have an enhanced DBS check and maximum security clearance for the criminal justice system.
  • What is your availability like?
    My current availability is: ​ In-person (Lightwater, Surrey): Thursday evenings ​ Online: Thursday mornings & lunchtime Saturday mornings
  • Where are you located?
    I see face-to-face clients inside Hemispheres in Lightwater, Surrey. The full address is: The Old Stables, Rectory Farm Broadway Road Lightwater GU18 5SH It is around a 15 minute drive from Woking, 8 minutes from Bagshot, 10 minutes from Camberley, 18 minutes from Farnborough and 30 minutes from Guildford. Free parking is available on-site. ​ Alternatively, I see clients UK-wide online.
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