FAQs

Section 1: Understanding Counselling

Q1. What is counselling?
Counselling is a safe and confidential space where you can talk openly about what’s on your mind. It isn’t about being given advice, it is about being listened to and supported while you explore your emotions and experiences. The aim is to help you understand yourself better and find ways to move forward with greater balance and confidence.

Q2. What happens during a counselling session?
Each 50-minute session is your space to talk about what’s been affecting you, at your own pace. Together we might explore your feelings, relationships, or patterns of thought, helping you gain new insight and coping strategies.

Q3. What will not happen during a session?
You won’t be judged, told what to do, or rushed to share anything before you are ready. Counselling isn’t about advice or quick fixes, it is a gentle process of self-understanding and growth.

Section 2: How Counselling Works

Q4. What approaches do you use, and how do they work?
I use an integrative approach, combining several methods depending on what you need:

Person-Centred: builds safety and trust through empathy.
REBT: helps challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with realistic ones.
SFBT: focuses on small steps toward your goals.
Psychodynamic: gently explores how past experiences shape your present feelings.

Each approach helps you feel heard, supported, and empowered to make positive changes.

Q5. How long will I need counselling for?
That depends on your goals. Some clients attend a few focused sessions; others prefer longer-term support. We’ll review your progress regularly and decide together what feels right for you.

Section 3: Emotional Safety & Support

Q6. How is emotional safety maintained?
Emotional safety is central to every session. Everything shared is confidential, and if anything feels overwhelming, we’ll slow down or use grounding techniques to help you stay calm and centred.

Q7. What is grounding and why is it important?
Grounding is a way to bring your focus back to the present when emotions feel intense. Techniques may include deep breathing, noticing your surroundings, or focusing on your senses, helping you stay balanced during and after sessions.

Q8. What if I need more support than counselling offers?
I can signpost you to additional services, such as your GP, specialist mental health teams, or wellbeing organisations. You will never be left alone with your struggles, we will explore together what extra support feels right for you.

Q9. Will my GP be involved?
Your GP isn’t automatically informed. If GP involvement would be helpful, you will need to reach out to them to discuss your medical needs or possible referral to specialists such.

Section 4: Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Q10. Can lifestyle factors like diet and sleep affect mood?
Yes. Poor sleep, irregular meals, or nutritional imbalances can all influence mood and energy. Small changes, like balanced meals, better hydration, and good sleep habits, can support emotional health.

Q11. What blood tests can help identify mood-related issues?
You can speak with your GP about checking:

Vitamin D
Iron and B12
Folic acid
Thyroid function

Low levels in these can impact mood, focus, and motivation. Your GP can interpret results and advise on next steps.

Section 5: Starting Counselling

Q12. What if I feel nervous about starting?
That’s completely normal. The first session is simply a relaxed conversation to see how it feels and discuss what you’d like to focus on. There’s no obligation to continue.

Q13. Do you offer online sessions, and are they effective?
Yes, online and phone sessions are as effective as in-person work, offering flexibility and comfort.

Q14. What happens when counselling ends?
We’ll review your progress, reflect on what you’ve learned, and discuss ways to maintain your wellbeing after therapy ends. I can also share resources or signpost you to ongoing support if you wish.