Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the first session?

Our first meeting is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another.We'll explore what has brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain from it, and any questions you may have about the process.

There is no expectation that you tell your whole story straight away. We begin wherever feels right for you.

What if I don't know what to say?

Many people arrive feeling exactly like that.

Finding words for difficult experiences is often part of therapy itself.

You don't need to prepare anything in advance or have everything worked out before we meet.

Warm cup of tea on a wooden table representing a welcoming counselling environment.

Do I have to talk about my past?

Not necessarily.

Some people come wanting to focus on present difficulties, while others find it helpful to explore earlier experiences.

Together we'll follow what feels most relevant to your life and your goals.

Will you give me advice?

My role isn't to tell you what decisions to make.

Instead, I aim to help you explore your experiences, clarify your thoughts and feelings, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself so that your choices become your own.

How many sessions will I need?

There isn't one answer to this.

Some people benefit from short-term counselling focused on a particular issue, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns and questions.

We can review the work together regularly and decide what feels most appropriate.

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Is everything confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the foundations of therapy.

Everything we discuss remains confidential except in the rare circumstances where there is a serious risk of harm, or where I am legally required to disclose information.

I will explain this fully when we begin working together.