Trust Counselling
Frequently Asked Questions
It's completely normal to have questions before starting counselling, particularly if you've never experienced it before.
I've answered some of the questions I'm most often asked below. If there's something you'd like to know that isn't covered here, you're very welcome to contact me.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
You don't need to be in crisis or have a particular diagnosis to come to counselling.
People come for many different reasons. You may be struggling with something specific, or you might simply feel that something isn't quite right and want somewhere to talk things through.
If you're unsure, we can have a free 15-minute initial conversation before you make any decision.
What happens in my first counselling session?
The first session gives us time to begin getting to know one another and talk about what has brought you to counselling.
I'll explain anything you need to know about how we work together, and you'll have an opportunity to ask questions.
You don't need to prepare anything beforehand or arrive knowing exactly what you want to say.
What if I don't know what to talk about?
That's absolutely fine.
You don't need to arrive with a list of things to discuss, and there are no right or wrong things to talk about. Sometimes knowing where to begin can be difficult, particularly when you've been carrying something for a long time.
We can find a starting point together.
How many sessions will I need?
There isn't a set number.
Some people come to counselling for a relatively short period to work through something specific, while others find longer-term counselling more helpful.
We'll regularly consider how the counselling is going and whether it continues to feel useful to you. You're not committing yourself to a particular number of sessions when you begin.
How often will I have counselling?
Most clients attend weekly, particularly when we first begin working together.
Having a regular time can help provide continuity, but we can discuss what is appropriate for you and review this as our work develops.
More Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a counselling session?
Sessions last 50 minutes. Face-to-face sessions are available in Stockport Town Centre, and online sessions are available through Microsoft Teams.
How much does counselling cost?
Face-to-face counselling: £60 per 50-minute session. Online counselling via Microsoft Teams: £60 per 50-minute session. I also offer a free 15-minute initial conversation so that we can have a brief chat before you decide whether you'd like to begin counselling
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you tell me in counselling is treated as confidential. There are some circumstances where I may need to consider sharing information, for example where there is a serious risk of harm, a safeguarding concern or a legal obligation. Where it is safe, lawful and appropriate, I would normally try to discuss this with you first. You can find more information in my Privacy Notice and Counselling Agreement.
Do you discuss clients in supervision?
Yes. Regular clinical supervision is an important part of safe and ethical counselling practice and is a requirement of my professional work. I may discuss aspects of my client work with my supervisor, but identifying information is avoided wherever practicable and only information relevant to supervision is shared.
Will you tell me what to do?
No. I may ask questions, notice patterns or sometimes gently challenge you to consider something differently, but my role isn't to make decisions for you. Counselling is about helping you understand yourself, your experiences and your choices more clearly so that you can decide what feels right for you.
What if I become upset?
That's okay. People sometimes worry about crying or becoming emotional during counselling. You don't need to apologise or feel embarrassed if that happens. Equally, you don't have to become emotional for counselling to be meaningful. Everybody experiences and expresses things differently.
Do I have to talk about my childhood?
No. Earlier experiences can sometimes help us understand what's happening in the present, but counselling doesn't automatically mean spending every session talking about childhood. What we explore will depend on you and what brings you to counselling.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes. I offer online counselling through Microsoft Teams at £60 per 50-minute session. You'll need somewhere reasonably private where you feel comfortable talking and a suitable internet-connected device.
Where are face-to-face sessions held?
Face-to-face counselling takes place at: Suite 4, Prudential Buildings 61 St Petersgate Stockport SK1 1DS There is no waiting area, so I ask clients to arrive no more than five minutes before their appointment.
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel a session, please give me as much notice as possible. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice are normally charged at the full session fee. Missed appointments are also normally chargeable.
Can I stop counselling whenever I want?
Yes. Counselling is your choice and you are not tied into a fixed course of sessions. Where possible, I encourage us to talk about ending rather than simply disappearing from one another. An ending session can give us an opportunity to reflect on the work we've done and bring the counselling relationship to a thoughtful close.
What if I see you outside counselling?
Stockport isn't enormous, so it's always possible that we might bump into one another. If that happens, I'll normally let you decide whether to acknowledge me first. This protects your privacy and means you don't have to explain to anybody you're with how you know me. If you say hello, of course I'll respond.
Are you a qualified and registered counsellor?
Yes. I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills and a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Concepts. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) — MBACP and work within its Ethical Framework. I also undertake regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development.
How do I get started?
You can contact me by email, telephone, text or through the contact form on this website. You don't need to explain everything in your first message. Simply letting me know that you're interested in counselling is enough to begin. If you'd prefer, we can arrange a free 15-minute initial conversation before you decide whether you'd like to book a session. Sometimes the first step really can be as simple as saying hello.