How do I know if I need counselling?

You may benefit from counselling if you are looking for a neutral, confidential space to discuss your concerns.

This could mean:

​You want to talk through problems with someone who is outside of your family or friends.

​You are struggling to cope with difficult feelings like sadness, anxiety, or anger.

​You are experiencing high levels of stress.

​You are dealing with a major life change (like a bereavement, job loss, or relationship difficulties).

​Essentially, if you feel you need support in navigating your emotions, thoughts, or life circumstances, speaking to a counsellor can be a valuable step.

What happens in a therapy session?

In our session, I’m committed to working with you at relational depth.

While i draw upon my professional knowledge and theory as a foundation, my focus will always be you as a unique individual.

I’m here to listen deeply to who you are, encourage shared reflective learning, and collaborate with you to

find the best option for what fits you and how you bring this into our space.

What will I talk about?

Counselling sessions are client-led, which means you decide the content and direction of the conversation.

​It is a flexible space where you can explore anything that's on your mind. Common topics include:

​Personal issues and current difficulties you're facing.

​Feelings such as stress, anxiety, sadness, or low confidence.

​Your life goals, aspirations, or struggles with decision-making.

​In short, you talk about whatever you feel is important or whatever you want to work on.

Is Counselling confidential?

Yes, what you share in our sessions is strictly confidential. This is a cornerstone of effective counselling and ensures you have a safe space to talk freely.

​However, like all counsellors, I operate within specific professional and legal limits to confidentiality.

​Before we begin, we will thoroughly discuss these limits so you are fully informed. These exceptions typically apply only in situations where:

​I believe there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to you.

​I believe there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to others.

​If such a situation arose, I would always aim to discuss it with you first. My priority is to keep you and others safe, and I am here to fully explain when and why information might need to be shared with appropriate services.

What happens in our first session?

Introductions and Goals: I'll introduce myself and explain a bit about how I work. Crucially, we'll spend time discussing what brings you to counselling and what you hope to achieve (your goals).

​Process and Contract: We'll review the practical details, including the counselling process and the contract (covering things like confidentiality, fees, and cancellations). This ensures you're fully informed and comfortable with the framework.

​Building Comfort: This session is also a chance for you to assess me. You can observe my style and determine if you feel a sufficient level of comfort and trust to work with me. It’s important that you feel it’s a good fit.

​The goal is to leave the first session with a clear understanding of the process and a shared idea of where we will focus in future sessions.

What are the terms of the contract?

To ensure clarity and mutual understanding, we will establish a formal agreement, or contract, at the start of our work together.

​This document clearly outlines all the practical aspects of our professional relationship, including:

​Cost and Payment: The specific cost of each session and the accepted payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, card).

​Session Structure: How often we will meet (usually weekly) and the agreed duration of each session (aprox 50 minutes).

​Cancellation Policy: The details regarding notice required for cancellations or rescheduling to help us manage our time effectively.

​Confidentiality: A review of the confidentiality limits we discussed.

​The contract is designed to protect both you and me and serves as a clear guide for our time together. We will go through it in detail during our first meeting to answer any questions you may have.