Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How long does counselling take?

There is no single answer to that question. I offer short- and long-term counselling. It might take a few sessions to see some benefits. Sometimes it may take longer, depending on the issues presented and your circumstances. We will discuss it in our first session, and we will regularly revisit this question in our subsequent sessions. I can work with you for as long as it is therapeutically beneficial. We can agree to have a fixed number of sessions or to have an open contract.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes, whatever you will share with me will be kept confidential. However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality to protect the safety of yourself and those around you. These will be discussed in our first session, and you will be aware of the exceptions before we start our session.

What if I am unsure whether I can commit to counselling?

If you are unsure whether counselling is for you at this time in your life or in general, I can offer you single-session counselling (SSC). SSC is different from a set of sessions. We will focus on one issue and work on it in just one session. After that, you can decide if you would like to proceed to discuss the issue in more depth or focus on other issues to explore in further sessions.

How long will the session last?

Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes. However, the first session of a set of sessions or a single counselling session will take 60 minutes.

What will happen in our first session?

Before we start our session, we will establish our working agreement. I will take you through my contract and discuss any doubts or questions you might have. If you are happy with the contract, we will explore your story. This is a time for you to tell me more about your life and allow me to understand you and what is currently causing you distress. I will also ask you what you hope to achieve with counselling sessions.

Do I have to prepare myself for the first session?

Some people find it easier to write things down before sessions. Others prefer to allow the conversation to flow in a natural, spontaneous way. Whatever works for you is the right thing.

Will you give me advice on what should I do with my problems?

No. I won’t give you advice, but I will assist you in your journey and make sure you are safe at every moment of our time together. Counselling is not about giving advice. Instead, I aim to challenge and empower you. I will do this by encouraging you to find the answer within yourself by uncovering blind spots and validating and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings. This may lead you to identify the best decision in your current circumstances.

How do I contact you and what is going to happen afterward?

Please contact me with the form on my website. We will then arrange a free 20-minute video or telephone chat to see if we are a good fit. Then, you can decide if you would like to continue booking sessions with me.

If you have any other questions that are not listed on this page, please use the contact me form. I aim to answer you within 24 hours on working days. Please note that I do not work on weekends. Enquiries received during weekends or bank holidays will be dealt with the next working day.