Frequently Asked Questions
How much are the counselling sessions?
After a free initial consultation, each session costs £85. Concessions are available, including discounts for counselling students.
How do counselling sessions work?
In our first meeting, we’ll talk about what’s brought you here and what you’re hoping to get from the sessions. After that, each session is 50 minutes, at the same time each week or fortnight. There’s no set format or script; we work at your pace, around what matters to you. Some sessions might be more reflective, others might involve different approaches. We will work in ways that work for you. I tailor the balance of counselling and coaching to what you need, and that can shift over time as things change.
Will counselling be confidential?
This is something we will discuss, should you decide that you would like to have counselling with me. As far as possible, counselling is confidential. It is important to have the opportunity to discuss those circumstances where there might be exceptions and for you to be happy and confident in this.
Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. You don’t need a diagnosis. Some people come to me with a diagnosis, some are waiting for an assessment, and some are simply noticing that things feel harder than they feel they should. That’s enough. If something has resonated with you and you’d like to explore it, that’s a perfectly valid reason to get in touch.
Can I bring someone with me?
It can feel daunting to meet someone new. The thought of talking about things that are difficult can add to that. You may feel more comfortable and safe by bringing someone trusted with you. For the sessions themselves, we can talk about what would work best for you and how we might move towards one to one sessions when you feel ready. For young people, I will usually have a conversation with parents or carers at the start so that everyone feels informed and comfortable with how we’ll be working together. You may or may not prefer to have a parent or carer with you for your free session.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
That’s more common than you might think, and it’s absolutely fine. You don’t need to arrive with a plan or a list. Sometimes people know exactly what they want to explore, and sometimes they just know that something doesn’t feel right. We can start wherever you are. Part of my role is to help you find your way into what matters, and there’s no pressure to have it all figured out before you walk through the door.
How do I pay for sessions?
Counselling can be paid for via BACS up to 48hrs prior to the session.
Can I have online or telephone counselling?
For remote counselling it is important that you are in a quiet room where you will not be disturbed by anyone. The same levels of confidentiality apply to remote counselling as they do for face-to-face. If this is your preferred form of counselling, we will agree how we will work in our first session and discuss what will happen should any technical issues occur. As with face-to-face counselling, the sessions will be at the same time each week and last for 50 minutes. For online counselling, I use Zoom. If you would prefer to have your initial 30-minute session remotely, just let me know when you get in touch.
What happens if I cancel a session?
If you need to cancel, I ask that you let me know as soon as possible. Cancellations which take place with less than 24 hours’ notice may result in being charged for the session.
What if I can’t make eye contact, go non-verbal or need to move around?
That’s completely fine. You don’t need to be anyone other than yourself in our sessions. If you need to look away, move, fidget, stim, or sit in silence, that’s okay. If you find that words aren’t available to you at times, we can work with that too. The sessions are shaped around what works for you, not the other way round.
Will the space be comfortable for me?
I am happy to adapt the space as much as is possible to support you in feeling comfortable and safe. It’s quiet, simply decorated and can be softly lit. There are photos of the space below so you can see it before you visit. If you have specific sensory needs or concerns about the environment, let me know when you get in touch and I’ll do what I can to make sure it works for you.
Can I still work with you if I’m neurotypical?
Yes, absolutely. While my specialism is in neurodivergence, I work with anyone who feels that counselling or coaching might help them. You might be struggling with anxiety, low mood, burnout, or the feeling that something isn’t quite working in your life. You don’t need to be neurodivergent to benefit from a space where you’re listened to without judgement. If something on this website has resonated with you, that’s reason enough to get in touch.
Our Counselling Space
