Frequently Asked Questions
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, a significant life change, loss, or simply a sense that something no longer feels right.
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. We can begin with wherever you are and work together to understand what is happening and what you would like to change.
What can counselling help with?
Our first session is an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to therapy and what you would like support with. I'll ask questions to help me understand your experiences, circumstances and what you hope to gain from counselling.
It's also an opportunity for you to get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working with me. A good therapeutic relationship is an important part of the process.
What happens in the first session?
Most clients attend weekly sessions, particularly at the beginning of therapy. Regular sessions provide continuity and allow us to build on the work from week to week.
The frequency and length of therapy will depend on your circumstances and what feels appropriate for you. We'll review this together as the work progresses.
How often would I need to come?
How long is a counselling session?
Sessions are 50 minutes and take place at the same time each week where possible.
There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people come for a relatively short period to work through a specific difficulty, while others benefit from longer-term therapy to explore deeper or more longstanding patterns.
We'll discuss your progress regularly and make decisions together about what feels right for you.
How many sessions will I need?
Yes. I work with couples who may be experiencing communication difficulties, recurring conflict, emotional distance, loss of connection or uncertainty about the future of their relationship.
Couples therapy provides a space to slow things down, understand the patterns you have become caught in and develop new ways of relating to one another.
Do you offer couples counselling?
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes. I offer secure online sessions for clients who prefer to work remotely or who are unable to attend in person.
Where are you based?
I offer counselling in Sevenoaks and Blackheath, as well as online sessions.
Yes. What you discuss in therapy is treated as confidential, within the professional and ethical boundaries that apply to counselling practice.
At the beginning of therapy, I'll explain confidentiality and the limited circumstances in which information may need to be shared.
Is counselling confidential?
That's completely okay. You don't need to arrive with a diagnosis, a clear explanation or even a specific goal.
Sometimes people simply know that they aren't feeling themselves, that they keep repeating the same patterns, or that they want to understand themselves better. We can begin there.
What if I don't know what I need help with?
Therapy isn't about me telling you what decisions to make. Instead, I'll help you explore your thoughts, feelings, patterns and choices so that you can develop a clearer understanding of yourself and decide what feels right for you.
I will, however, offer thoughtful challenge when I feel it could help you see something differently.
Will you tell me what to do?
You can go at a pace that feels manageable for you. There is no expectation that you have to talk about everything immediately.
A trusting therapeutic relationship develops over time, and we'll work together to create a space where you feel able to explore difficult experiences safely.
What if I find it difficult to talk about certain things?
You can get in touch by phone, email or through the contact form on the website. We can arrange a free 20 minutes initial consultation and discuss what you're looking for from therapy.
How do I book an appointment?
You don't have to work everything out on your own.
If something in your life feels difficult, confusing or stuck, counselling can provide a space to pause, understand what's happening and consider what you want to do differently.
Would you like to talk?
Schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation to see if we are a good fit to work together.