FAQs

I work with all adults over 18, and I also offer relationship counselling for couples and families.

I would suggest that you just give it a try and see how it goes. You are welcome to come along for a session to try it out, with no obligation to rebook if you decide against continuing.

I am a humanistic counsellor, with my foundations being firmly in person-centred theory. This means that my sessions are client focussed and client led. I work in collaboration with my clients to find the best way forward, by offering a safe environment, and essentially holding a mirror up to them. This enables compassionate enquiry, to look at what their strengths are, but also to look at what is potentially not working so well for them.

I believe in helping clients to reinforce their strengths and to help them uncover the abilities they already possess, to enable them to move forward confidently in life. I sometimes use creative materials in my work (with the client’s agreement), to facilitate and spark further discussion.

The sessions run for an hour.

That is a really difficult question to answer! I would say that clients attending with one ‘main issue,’ generally attend for roughly 10 – 12 sessions. However, that is likely to change, if further issues are uncovered during the initial work.

If a client has multiple or somewhat complex issues, they may attend for any number of sessions, between 3 months up to a year, or beyond. I don’t generally offer a set block of sessions; the sessions are open – ended. However, I work in collaboration with the client, and we would regularly assess where they are, in terms of their progress.

I would always recommend that clients attend weekly where possible, particularly in the first six weeks. This is to establish a good therapeutic relationship, where continuity is really important. As clients begin to feel a bit better, they may then choose to reduce to fortnightly sessions. However, it is a very personal preference.

Yes – there is free off-road parking available in the yard situated behind the building that I work in.

Sessions cost £55 for one hour.

I offer reduced rates to trainee counsellors and occasionally at my own discretion, to clients on very low incomes.

Payment can be paid by BACS transfer, cash or cheque.

I require 24 hours’ notice of any cancellations. If notice is given in less than 24 hours, I will still require payment in full for the missed session. In terms of rescheduling, I will also need 24 hours’ notice, and I would always endeavour to be flexible and fit clients in where possible.

Yes. The only reason I would ever need to break confidentiality, would be if I were worried for a client’s safety, or the safety of someone close to them. Also, if the client disclosed that they had committed a serious criminal offence, such as terrorist – related activity, money laundering, drug trafficking, or human trafficking. In the event of needing to break confidentiality, I would always endeavour to inform the client first.

Yes – I can also offer counselling via the telephone or online, using Google Meet. I have undergone training in relation to delivering counselling through these methods.

I hold a Level 2 Counselling Skills Certificate, a NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills, and a DipHE Level 5 in Humanistic Counselling (Foundation Degree), from Portsmouth University.

Previous to my work in private practice, I spent a year at Butterflies Bereavement Charity in Eastleigh, where I gained experience as a bereavement counsellor. I continually add to my CPD (Continuing Professional Development), and I hold certificates in the following areas: – Childhood Sexual Abuse, Sibling Grief, Self Harm, Suicide Awareness, Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems, Narcissism, Personality Disorders, Grief & Bereavement, Depression, Anxiety and Maternal Mental Health.

Yes – I am a registered member of the BACP (The British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists). I also hold ‘Public Liability Insurance’ with Holistic Insurance Services and ‘Records Management & Security Insurance’ with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office).