Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling or therapy provides a space to explore personal issues or challenges in safety with a qualified therapist. My role is to support you through the process, without judgement or trying to fix the problems, but to support you and work with you to understand what is causing any difficulties.

Therapy may lead to you feeling worse before you feel better, as exploring emotions and issues from the past can bring them back into your mind. 

You are in charge of how often you attend or when you stop therapy. 

We will discuss any aims or areas that you wish to explore during the first sessions. 

You are under no pressure.

The number of sessions each person requires is based upon their individual need. Some people like to have a few sessions and then have a break, others like to deal with one specific item or issue and others like to use therapy to explore deeper issues which can take many sessions.

From time to time, we will check whether the sessions are still useful. There is no pressure but ideally, we will build to an ending together.

Different types of therapy work on different aspects of personality or issues. 

I am a qualified integrative therapist and a trainee psychotherapist. This means that I have studied a number of different theories and techniques, which I use in my counselling model. 

I will use the person-centered therapy approach as the cornerstone to our session. This means our sessions will be led by you. I will listen to you, reflect back what you have said and ask questions. I will offer you a space to explore what’s going on without any judgment.

If you want to explore a particular aspect or issue, or if I feel that a particular intervention may help, such as understanding attachment styles or using a CBT technique to help with a particular problem then I may suggest it. 

It is for you to decide whether you want to try any suggestions.  

I offer a free discovery session which can last for upto 30 minutes. You can ask me any questions and if it is the first time you have used therapy, I will explain how it works. We will agree the frequency, day and time of future sessions, including our first longer session. 

Confidentiality is really important in a therapeutic relationship. Details of each counselling session are confidential, and anything discussed with not be shared with anyone without consent. 

The are some exceptions to this 

1) where there I feel that you, or someone you mention may be in serious risk of harm, I may find it necessary to disclose certain details to relevant people, such as your GP.

2) where I am legally obliged to disclose to relevant parties, for example, if you were to inform me that you were breaching terrorism law, conducting money laundering or drug trafficking. I will also be obliged to provide information by a court order. 

I am required for professional standards to have clinical supervision for my work.  My clinical supervisor is a member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapist (BACP) and follows the same code of standards and ethics. Any discussions are to assist my work and develop my practice, which is required by the NCPS. No identifiable information is shared with my supervisor.

I complete a minimum of 30 hours continuing professional development each year. Sessions may be recorded for training or monitoring purposes. This will be discussed as, or if, applicable. 

When we first meet, I will create a folder for you and assign a code instead of using your name. This will help me to maintain your confidentiality. 

The assessment details which we complete in the first session will include identifiable details. As such these as are stored separately from any anonymous information.  All information is stored in a locked filing cabinet in a locked room.  

Documents are retained for 7 years post therapy, or 7 years post the 18th birthday of a young person. 

I use a personal computer with a password and security software. Any online meetings will be via Zoom or Google Meet, which is encrypted (it converts information to code to prevent unauthorised access).

If possible, you should use a private password protected computer and private e-mail address for correspondence or email exchanges. It is recommended that virus and spyware are regularly updated on any devices.

For full information, please see the privacy notice.

For young people under the age of 16, parental consent is required. Confidentiality will be outlined to the parent / carer during the first 10 minutes of the first session and/or any initial discussions. This ensures that the young person and parent/carer understands the boundaries of the relationship. 

Disclosure of confidentiality will only take place at the young person’s request, or where I am concerned for their wellbeing, or feel that they may be at serious risk of harm (also see the above). 

I will consider the Gillick Competencies, in line with the young person’s age. My approach to counselling may vary with the young person’s age and personality and needs. For example, I may include creative work and/or psychoeducation. 

Each young person will be different and their therapy, and my approach, will be adapted to suit them.