Frequently Asked Questions

Finding the right professional to work with is really important and getting started can be a difficult or confusing experience. It is natural that you will have questions.
I’ve gathered together some of the questions I get asked the most. Please contact me if you have more.

What kinds of people seek your help?

People from all walks of life and backgrounds look for my support for different reasons and issues. This may be to deal with a life adversity, overcome a long-term or persistent issue, improve quality of life or change something that just isn’t working for them. For others, it is purely for personal insight or development to empower themselves to make a specific change or achieve an ambition or goal.

Does it work for everyone?

Different people will get different results. Recent studies from the International Centre for Clinical Excellence showed that 80% of clients in counselling and psychotherapy end up better off than those who didn’t seek help. It is fair to say that you will get out of it what you put in and no type of therapy or coaching is a miracle cure. It normally takes a few sessions for you to become aware of changes and improvements in your life.

Do you offer Online Sessions?

Yes, I offer CBT, Counselling, Coaching Mindfulness online. I regularly work online with clients throughout the UK and abroad. I use a variety of Apps to facilitate this. Working, holding meetings and communicating with our friends and family online is a normal part of life these days. Seeking professional counselling/therapy support online is growing exponentially. There are several reasons, but the main one is ease, time and flexibility. It cuts travelling time/costs and can be scheduled around other appointments or activities. A second is that the professional you wish to work with may not be in your area or even your country, but this does not have to be barrier to accessing the help or skillset you want.

How Effective are Online Sessions?

In my experience, online sessions are as effective as in person. You get the same service and approach from me and it is still face to face, even if we are not in the same room. Technology, whilst not faultless, is increasingly stable and connectivity tends to be strong. I work with some clients online only and with others as mix of in-person and online if they are travelling or unable to make an in-person session for another reason.

How long is a session?

One single session of CBT, hypnotherapy or coaching, either used together or separately, takes about 50 minutes unless we plan a longer session in advance. The number of sessions needed depends on the nature and severity of the problem or problems.

How do I get the most out of the sessions?

Like anything else in life, you will need to put in some work and take responsibility for your change, with my support. Personal change comes from within. Please ask questions if you need anything clarified. If you have doubts, experience obstacles or find something isn’t working for you, please tell me. I am here, within the bounds of my code of ethics, to support you. Your success matters to me.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Our first session is mainly spent getting to know you. It is also for me to begin to understand why you are looking for my support and what you are looking to achieve from our sessions. This allows me to plan the best way I can work with you and tailor my approach to you.

I will also explain how I work and the type of support I can offer you.I encourage you to ask any questions. These are your sessions.

What can I expect from working with you?

I pride myself in offering a warm, non-judgemental, confidential and professional service in a comfortable private setting. CBT, counselling, hypnotherapy and coaching is a private and personal experience. It is important you feel safe to speak without judgement and that you can discuss anything that is on your mind.

I am experienced and qualified counsellor, aiming to help you identify and resolve issues, make sense of your individual circumstances, develop greater self-awareness, become better able to cope and achieve your goals. I take a client-centred approach meaning that you and your needs are placed front and centre of our work together.

Can I stop at any time?

Yes, you are free to stop at any time and it is important that you feel that you don’t need to explain. If you are unsure about continuing and wish to discuss it, I am happy to. You may also take a break and resume at a later date. I am also happy to refer you to another professional if you wish. If you decide to stop once an appointment has been scheduled, please do let me know.

Do you offer a free initial consultation?

I offer a free 15 minute initial telephone consultation where we can briefly discuss why you are seeking support and how I might be able to help you. If I am unable to speak when you call me, please leave a message. I will return your call or respond to your email as soon as possible to schedule a 15 minute call with you.

What if I need to cancel or postpone an appointment?

I totally understand that you may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are unable to keep an appointment. I reserve the right to charge for missed sessions and sessions cancelled without 48 hours’ notice at the usual session rate. Please note that first appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged.

If you are running late or think you may run late, please do let me know. However, if you are more than 15 minutes late, we will need to reschedule that session.

If I need to cancel an appointment with you, I will seek to give you at least 48 hours’ notice and will look to reschedule at the earliest opportunity. I will also give you prior notice of any planned absence.

What if I have a complaint about the service I receive?

If you are unhappy with my service, please raise this with me (either verbally or in writing) and I will do all that I can to rectify the issue. I abide by the ethics of the professional bodies I’m a member of and complaints about my service may also be directed to them.

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