FAQs

Some common questions about counselling

What should I expect from therapy?

It can be a time where you are able to share anything on your mind (that you feel comfortable sharing). If you need to express anger, you can express anger. If you need to express fear or sadness, you can express fear and sadness. And so on.

I will respond with curiosity, asking questions so we can explore together what it is that is going on for you.

Therapy can be different things for different people but where we go, and at what pace, is always down to you.

For more information, see here.

Are sessions confidential?

Sessions are confidential. I will not give information to your doctor or anyone else without your permission. The only time I might break confidentiality is if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, and in extremely rare cases where required by law.

How many sessions will I need?

This can be different for different people and can depend on what you decide it is you want to work on. I can help guide you but it is always up to you how many sessions you would like.

Will we need to agree to a contract?

Yes. From the beginning I will set out my professional responsibilities for you and what you can expect from me. We will agree with each other when and how we will meet. This is to help set out the boundaries of the relationship and helps to create the sense of safety vital to therapeutic work.

You retain the right to end therapy at any time.

Will you tell me how to solve my problems?

We are all the experts of ourselves. My role is to help you explore what is going on for you and what you might need in order to cope with the challenges you experience. Together we can create a new space in which it can be possible to find new ways of working through problems you have got stuck on.

Will I have to talk about things I would prefer not to discuss?

I will encourage you to talk about many aspects of your life, and to express your feelings. This doesn’t mean I will ever force you to talk about something that feels too painful.

How do I choose a therapist?

The best way to see whether a therapist is right for you is to have an initial chat and see how it feels to speak with them. It is essential that you feel comfortable with your potential therapist, or as comfortable as is possible for you.

Do you keep notes?

I do make brief notes about sessions which are to help me be the best I can be for you. They help me in my reflections. I also see a supervisor, which is required of all therapists in which I may discuss our work, in a way which is fully anonymised. My supervisor is also bound to confidentiality.

I want to know more

Get in touch and we can discuss questions you have. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation.

FAQ: FAQ