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FAQs - Your Therapy Questions - Answered Honestly
Considering counselling but have questions? You're not alone. Many people wonder how to find the right therapist, what to expect in sessions and whether therapy really works. Here, I answer these important questions and more to help you feel informed and confident as you take this meaningful step toward your well-being.
How do I know if I need counselling?
If you’ve got this far, it’s probably a sign. You don’t need to be in crisis - therapy helps with everything from daily stress to deeper patterns. Still unsure? Get in contact to arrange a free 15-minute chat to explore.
What's your style? Will you just sit and nod?
Nope. I’m engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and give practical feedback - but never pushy. Think of it like a conversation where you’re truly heard
What can I expect in my first counselling session with you?
How long does each counselling session last?
How many sessions will I need?
What counselling approaches do you use?
Is everything I say confidential?
What issues do you specialise in?
Do you offer online or in-person sessions?
What are your fees?
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
What is your counselling space like?
Your first counselling session is a chance for us to get to know each other in a safe, private, and non-judgmental space where you are invited to share as much or as little as you would like. We’ll discuss what brings you to counselling, your goals, and how I can support you. There’s no pressure—this is your time, and we’ll go at your pace. It's also a chance for you to ask any questions and see if you feel comfortable working with me. I will provide you with a space for openness and honesty and most importantly, I want you to leave our first session feeling heard, respected, and hopeful about our work together.
Sessions run for 50 minutes. To make the most of our time together, I recommend arriving 5–10 minutes early so we can start right on schedule. Since sessions are booked back-to-back, I’m unable to extend time if you arrive late—but we’ll still focus on making our time meaningful!
This varies depending on your needs and goals. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (6-12 sessions), while others prefer longer-term support. We’ll regularly review progress together. For the best results, I recommend weekly sessions especially at the beginning. This helps us build momentum, deepen our work, and create meaningful progress. Of course, life happens, and we’ll adjust as needed. We’ll check in regularly to make sure the pace feels right for you.
I primarily use a Humanistic approach with Transactional Analysis (TA) — a method that helps us understand how your thoughts, behaviours, and relationships are influenced by past experiences. TA focuses on improving self-awareness, communication, and personal growth.
Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. However, there are rare exceptions (e.g., risk of harm to yourself or others) where I may need to break confidentiality—this will be explained in our first session. More information about confidentiality and privacy can be found here.
I work with individuals with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships and grief. If your concern is outside my expertise, I’ll help refer you to someone who can best support you.
I offer in-person, online and telephone appointments. In-person sessions take place in my home in Sparsholt, Winchester. Online sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform for your privacy such as Doxy.me.
My fee per session is £60. Payment is due in advance of the session via BACS transfer.
I require no less than 24 hours notice for cancellations to avoid a fee. Emergency situations are considered on a case-by-case basis.
For in-person sessions:
My office is designed to be a calm, private, and welcoming space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. My home is located in a quiet village on the outskirts of Winchester where free parking is located outside. You’ll find comfortable seating, soft lighting, and minimal distractions to help you focus on your session.
For online sessions:
Virtual sessions are held via a secure, confidential platform (e.g., Doxy.me). I recommend finding a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly. Headphones and a stable internet connection can help with privacy and audio quality.
For both:
Your comfort and confidentiality are my priorities. If you have specific needs (e.g., accessibility concerns, preferences about lighting/sound), let me know so I can accommodate you.
What if I want to stop or take a break from counselling?
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
What motivated you to become a counsellor?
You are always in control of your therapy journey. If you feel ready to end or pause sessions, we can discuss it openly to ensure a smooth transition. I recommend at least one closing session to reflect on progress, review coping strategies, and ensure you feel supported moving forward. There’s no obligation to continue—your well-being is the priority.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or want support in making positive changes, counselling can help. We can discuss your concerns in a free 15-30 minute consultation to see if it’s a good fit for you.
My path to counselling has been shaped by a lifetime of walking alongside people during their most vulnerable moments. For years, I worked in mental health, therapy services and education, supporting unique individuals through challenges big and small. But it was my own personal journey—navigating hardships, healing, and discovering the transformative power of being truly heard—that deepened my calling to this work.
I believe everyone deserves a safe space where they can untangle their struggles without judgment. My experiences have taught me that healing isn’t about “fixing” people; it’s about empowering them to rediscover their strength, rewrite unhelpful patterns, and move forward with clarity. When we sit together, I bring not just professional training, but genuine understanding—because I know what it’s like to sit on both sides of the therapeutic space.
I hope you have found some of the answers you were looking for but if not, please get in-touch here.