Frequently asked questions

People come to therapy and counselling for a range of different reasons. They might come seeking help for a specific problem such as difficulties in relationships, panic attacks, anxiety or depression, or they might be seeking help for a general sense of unease or loss of meaning in their life. Therapy is a way of getting to know ourselves better, to relate to others in more productive ways, and to gain insight into the struggles and conflicts we face at different times in our lives.

The length of therapy or counselling depends on your needs and concerns. I offer both short-term and longer-term therapy and counselling. The duration of your therapy will be something we would discuss in session periodically as your therapy progresses.

The aim of therapy and counselling is to help you gain a deeper insight into the difficulties you are facing so that you can begin the process of making positive changes to your life. At times, the process of gaining insight into our struggles can release deeply held feelings, which can be difficult. This is not unusual and over time usually ease. This is where the relationship between therapist and client is important because time is given to help you work with your feelings, in order to help you move to a sense of greater wellbeing.

Counselling sessions last 50 minutes and occur weekly at the same time.  Details about this can discussed at your initial consultation. Your initial consultation is free and is usually conducted by phone once I have established contact with you. Consultations are varied depending on the type of counselling required. This allows both parties time to assess and discuss appropriate therapy options, whether short-term, medium-term, or long-term counselling is required.

I work from Monday – Thursday from 8am to 8pm. Please contact me to ask when I have sessions available.

At my home I do not have a waiting area and ask that clients that receive counselling here arrive around the time of their appointment. Unfortunately, my home is not user friendly for disabled clients [I have a staircase to navigate on entry].

I do have a waiting area at my Woodford practice which is user friendly for disabled clients, so when clients arrive, they can sit in the waiting area either downstairs [for disabled clients] or upstairs in the waiting room until I collect you. I usually advise that clients aim to arrive a few minutes before their counselling session as this gives you time to settle after your journey to my practice.