What happens in a first session?

The first session is a gentle starting point. It’s a chance for us to meet, for you to get a feel for me and how I work, and for us to begin to talk about what’s brought you to counselling now. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels manageable.

I’ll ask some questions to help me understand you and your situation, explain the practicalities (such as confidentiality and timing), and we can think together about what you might need going forward. There is no expectation to have everything figured out, and no pressure to commit to ongoing sessions at this stage.

How long are sessions and how often will we meet?

Sessions last for 50 minutes. Most people find that meeting once a week at the same time helps create a steady, reliable rhythm to the work. Having a regular space can make it easier to open up and to stay connected with what we’re exploring together.

If weekly sessions don’t feel possible for you, we can talk about what might be realistic and supportive in your circumstances. We’ll agree any changes together so that you feel clear about what to expect.

What is your cancellation policy?

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the following cancellation policy applies: Less than 48 working hours notice – Full fee. Between 48–72 working hours notice – Half fee. More than 72 working hours notice – No fee.

What is your availability?

For my most up-to-date availability, please email me. In general, I provide in-person sessions on Tuesdays in Bedminster from 9am–2pm, and I work online flexibly.

Is everything confidential?

What you share in our sessions is treated with care and respect. I don’t talk about what you say outside of our sessions.

However, there are a few rare situations where I have a legal or ethical duty to act to keep you or someone else safe, for example, if there is serious and immediate risk of harm. I’ll explain these limits to confidentiality clearly in our first session, and you’re welcome to ask about them at any time so that you feel informed and in control.

For more information please see my privacy notice

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

It’s very common to feel unsure about whether counselling is right for you, or to wonder if things are “bad enough” to seek support. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Many people come because they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about understanding themselves more deeply.

The best way to find out is to try it and see how it feels. The initial chat and first few sessions are there to help you get a sense of whether this way of working feels supportive. If it doesn’t, we can think together about other options that might suit you better.

What issues can counselling help with?

People come to counselling with many different experiences. Some of the areas I commonly work with include:

• anxiety, worry, or feeling on edge
• low mood, depression, or a general sense of flatness
• stress related to work, study, or caring responsibilities
• relationship and family difficulties
• self-criticism, low self-esteem, or shame
• life changes and transitions, such as moving city, changing job, or becoming a parent
• loss, bereavement, and endings
• feeling stuck, lost, or unsure of who you are or what you want

You don’t need to fit neatly into a category for counselling to be helpful. If something about your inner world or your life feels hard to manage alone, we can explore it together at your pace.

How many sessions will I need?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Some people come for a shorter period (for example 6–12 sessions) to focus on a particular issue. Others choose to work more open-endedly, allowing time to explore things in greater depth.

We’ll talk together about what feels right for you, and we can build in regular check-ins so you have space to reflect on how counselling is going and whether you’d like to continue, pause, or bring our work to an end.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Both counselling and psychotherapy offer a regular, confidential space to talk with someone trained to listen and support you. In practice, there is a lot of overlap between them.

Broadly speaking, counselling is often thought of as focusing on particular difficulties or life events, sometimes for a shorter period of time. Psychotherapy can describe longer-term work that looks more deeply at patterns in your life, relationships, and sense of self.

In my practice, I draw on both counselling and psychotherapy training and experience. What matters most is finding a way of working that feels safe, respectful, and helpful for you, rather than the label we use.

How do I get started?

The first step is to get in touch to arrange an initial chat. You can use the details on my Contact page to send a short message about what’s bringing you to counselling, or simply say that you’d like to talk things through.

From there, we’ll find a time that works for both of us and decide together whether to book a first session. There is no obligation to continue if it doesn’t feel right- the aim is to help you make a choice that feels supportive and manageable for you.