About Me

I'm nervous about starting therapy

 

It's completely normal to be worried about talking to someone new about your thoughts and feelings. Most people are nervous before their first session. It takes a lot of courage to decide to speak about the issues that scare you, make you anxious or feel down.

However, if you take that step, there are benefits to having a space apart from your life where you can explore things. You don't have to worry about being judged, being talked about or what people in your life may think about your feelings.

Therapy is a space separate to your life where you can be yourself and speak freely in a supportive environment.

 

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

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Successful counselling outcomes are very much about the quality of the relationship between the counsellor and the client. You need to find someone you feel really comfortable with. This is why I suggest a 20 minute phone call to see if you think I might be a good fit.

Firstly, do take time to read through my website and find out a bit about me and how I work. Then I suggest getting in contact and having a free 20 minute chat with me to see if you feel comfortable speaking with me.

It may be helpful to see the first couple of sessions as trying out how we work together. In session you will get a good sense of how I work and if working with me feels right for you.

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How long will therapy take?

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Maybe you are asking about how long it will take because you are suffering and want to feel better as soon as possible. New clients often feel relief after the first couple of sessions, just the opportunity to release feelings with a supportive person can reduce pressure.

After a few sessions you will hopefully be beginning to understand yourself better and be learning new ways to manage the difficulties in your life.

 

The total length of therapy differs from client to client.

Sometimes a client comes in with a single issue and feels ready to move on in a few sessions.

Other clients benefit from more long term therapy, which may range from 12 sessions upwards. You are always in charge of how long the therapy will take and we will review this together regularly.

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How much is a counselling session?

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I charge £60 for 50 minutes.

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Does what we talk about in counselling remain confidential?

 

Absolutely! I adhere to the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists Ethical framework. This is linked here.

 

Unless there is an imminent and serious danger to yourself or another person, then what you share is completely confidential.  I will respect your privacy and value your trust.

I will tell you about how confidentiality works in our first session and give you the opportunity to ask any questions.

 

There’s some stuff that I don’t want to talk about…

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Counselling is guided by you. You bring the issues you want to work on and I will support you in those. You are always in control and don’t have to speak about anything that you are not ready to discuss. Equally, if you begin a conversation and find it overwhelming, I will help you re-ground yourself and we can change to a different topic if you wish.

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I'm scared that if I open up you will judge me - think I'm crazy or wasting your time.

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I can assure you that I will not think you are crazy or wasting my time. So many people struggle on with pain and issues that get in the way of their daily lives, and yet do not seek help. By being on this website you are already considering taking a step to feel better. That shows a lot of courage.

 

Whatever you are struggling with, I will provide a warm supportive and safe space for you to be heard without judgment.

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What happens in the first session?

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The first session is for you to get a feel of how we might work together and decide whether this works for you. I will tell you about how I work and encourage you to ask any questions you may have about me, my background and training.

 

I will invite you to share more about yourself and how you are feeling. I will begin to get to know you and understand what difficulties you are facing and what your goals are for counselling. Some questions I may ask are:

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• What has brought you to counselling?

• Have you gone to counselling before? What was that like for you?

• What goals would you like to achieve from counselling?

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What next?

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Get in contact with me here via email or telephone and arrange a free 20 minute consultation. After our consultation, you can decide whether you would like to book your first 50 minute session. I offer in-person, online and walk and talk counselling.