Q&A

These terms are often used interchangeably, and in practice there’s a lot of overlap. Broadly, counselling tends to focus on specific, present-day issues over a shorter period, while psychotherapy often looks more deeply at long-standing patterns and can run for longer. Both terms describe the same kind of work: a supportive relationship where you’re free to explore what is going on for you.

Therapy can help with a wide range of difficulties, including:

• Anxiety and depression

• Stress and burnout

• Trauma and PTSD

• Grief and loss

• Relationship difficulties

• Low self-esteem and confidence

• Anger

• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

You don’t have to be in a crisis to benefit from therapy, though. Many people come simply because they’re facing life’s bigger questions: about death, freedom, choice, meaning or who they want to be, and want a space to think that through with someone alongside them.

There is no single sign that means you need therapy, and you don’t have to be struggling badly to benefit from it. Some people come because something feels off and they can’t quite name it; others come with a clear issue they want support with. If you are finding yourself stuck, overwhelmed, or just wanting a space to think things through with someone, that’s usually reason enough. If you are unsure, a short conversation before committing can help you decide if it feels right.

It’s an approach built on the belief that you are the expert on your own life, not me. My role isn’t to diagnose or direct you, but to offer a relationship built on genuineness, unconditional support, and a real attempt to understand your world as you experience it. That kind of relationship, on its own, tends to be what helps people grow and change.

Because I believe people already hold the capacity to understand and work through their own difficulties when they’re given the right conditions to do so. My job isn’t to fix you or tell you what to do; it’s to provide a relationship steady and honest enough that you can access your own answers.

A session is typically 50 minutes, and it’s your space to talk about whatever is on your mind, at whatever pace feels right. There’s no set agenda or list of tasks. I’ll listen closely, respond honestly, and check in to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. Some sessions might feel like a relief; others might feel harder. Both are a normal part of the process.

Both can be equally effective, so it often comes down to personal preference. In-person sessions offer a dedicated, distraction-free space, while online sessions offer flexibility if travel, time or location make that harder. If you’re not sure, we can talk it through.

This varies from person to person. Short-term work is around 8 – 12 sessions and can suit a specific issue or a particular period of difficulty. Longer-term, open-ended therapy tends to suit deeper or more longstanding patterns, and can run for months or even years. We’ll review how things are going together, and you’re free to decide when it feels right to stop. 

That’s completely normal, and it isn’t a problem. You don’t need to arrive with an agenda. We can simply start with whatever’s present for you in that moment, even if that’s “I don’t know where to start.” Sometimes the not-knowing itself is worth exploring. I’m not here to fill the silence for the sake of it, but I also won’t leave you stuck; if the session feels stalled, I’ll help find a way in.

A short-term therapy package costs £450, with the option of splitting payments. This includes a free 30-minute consultation session, eight therapy sessions and a follow-up session one month after the final therapy session.  

Longer-term sessions are available from £50 per session, depending on location.

Everything you share with me is treated as confidential. I’m registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and handle your personal data in line with my privacy policy, which you can read here. I also work within the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)’s Ethical Framework, which sets out clear standards for confidentiality. The only exceptions are rare situations where I believe there’s a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s, in which case I’d always aim to discuss this with you first, wherever possible. 

Counselling and psychotherapy aren’t currently regulated professions in the UK by law, which means anyone can technically call themselves a therapist. Because of that, registration with a recognised body matter. I’m a registered member of the Person-Centred Association and also the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means I:

• Follow their ethical Framework for Counselling Professions
• Attend regular clinical supervision
• Undertake ongoing professional development.

This is my way of ensuring my practice stays safe, accountable and up to date. 

As a registered member of the BACP, I follow ethical guidelines that place client confidentiality and wellbeing at the centre of my work. This includes not requesting or publishing testimonials from clients. Therapy is a personal and private process, and it’s important that no one feels pressure to share their experience publicly. My role is to provide a safe, respectful space that is free from exceptions or outside influences.

That’s important to raise, and I’d genuinely welcome you telling me. Therapy works best when it’s a good fit, and it’s normal for that to need adjusting along the way. If that happens, we can talk honestly about what isn’t working and, if needed, I’m happy to help you find a different therapist or approach that might suit you better.