Questions & Answers
How We’ll Work Together
You’re an integrative counsellor. What does it mean?
It means I don't follow a 'one size fits all' approach. I draw from different proven therapeutic modalities to create a way of working that is tailored specifically to your individual needs. I value your unique life circumstances, upbringing, and goals, ensuring our sessions are always relevant and effective for you.Do you see clients face-to-face?
Yes, I do, in my Weymouth-based office. Parking is free but subject to availability.How much do you charge per session?
A standard individual counselling session (50 minutes) is £55 per session.Rates for clinical supervision vary based on the required session length:
• 60-minute supervision session: £55
• 90-minute supervision session: £65
Do you offer discounted rates?
Yes, I offer a concessional rate for counselling trainees. This reduced rate is currently available only to trainees at Level 4 or above who require personal therapy hours. As availability for these reduced-rate slots can be limited, please email me directly to enquire about current space and to confirm your trainee status.How do you work online?
I prioritize both security and your comfort for remote sessions. I primarily conduct all my online work using Zoom. It is a secure, encrypted, and private platform designed for professional use. If you are more comfortable with Microsoft Teams, I can also facilitate sessions using that platform. To ensure the highest standard of care, I have completed a professional certificate in working safely remotely. This specialized training equips me with the necessary ethical and technical tools to manage the unique challenges of online counselling.Do you offer email or live chat therapies?
No, I don’t offer any of these. Sessions are either video online sessions or face-to-face.How can I pay for my sessions?
To ensure a smooth process, I accept the following payment methods:• BACS (Bank Transfer): My preferred method. Account details will be provided upon booking your first session.
• PayPal: If you prefer to use PayPal, please let me know, and I will send you the relevant details/payment link ahead of our session.
Please note: I do not accept cash payments. Payment is due 24 hours before your appointment.
What happens once I contact you?
I highly recommend starting with a free, 15-minute initial consultation via phone or video call. This is an opportunity for both of us to determine if we are a "good fit." During this brief, informal call, you can: explain what brings you to counselling right now, ask any questions you have, get a sense of how we might work together. This consultation is no obligation. If you decide you would like to move forward, we will agree on the frequency and mode (face-to-face, online, or telephone) of your sessions and find a regular session slot for you.I will gather some essential background information, including:
• The primary reasons you are seeking support.
• Any relevant medical history or current medications.
• A brief review of any previous counselling experience (what worked and what didn't).
Once everything is agreed, I will send you a welcome pack to complete before your first session is due.
What is the purpose of this paperwork?
The initial paperwork serves to ensure your safety, confirm ethical practice, and meet the mandatory requirements of my professional body (e.g., BACP, NCS) and insurance. This documentation typically includes two main parts: a brief assessment and a counselling contract. The paperwork can be completed electronically before your first session, or you are welcome to complete it during the initial part of your first appointment (or bring it in).I work in shifts, so I can’t commit to the same day and time each week. Is that a problem?
Not at all. I understand the challenges of shift work and offer a flexible scheduling approach specifically for clients who can't commit to a fixed weekly slot. Instead of a recurring appointment, we use a session-by-session booking system to accommodate your schedule: we book our first session as usual, then towards the end of every session, we will discuss your upcoming shifts and find the next available slot that works best for both of us.This process requires flexibility and proactive communication from both of us, but it ensures you can access consistent therapeutic support without the stress of a rigid schedule.
I can only do evening sessions due to work. Are you available?
Yes, I am. I offer evening sessions specifically to accommodate those who work during standard hours. My evening slots typically begin from 5:00 PM onward. My latest session start time is 8:00 PM. As evening slots are highly popular, they are subject to current availability. Please contact me directly to discuss which days I have openings that work with your schedule.I can only do sessions on the weekend. Are you available?
Yes, I am. I offer sessions on Saturday between 9 am and 2 pm, however, these sessions are online only.Do you do couples counselling?
No, I do not currently offer couples or relationship counselling. My practice is focused entirely on individual counselling and clinical supervision.Do you work with children?
No, my practice is focused exclusively on adult individual counselling and supervision.I do not currently work with children or anyone under the age of 18. If you are looking for support for a minor, I recommend seeking out a counsellor or psychotherapist who is specifically trained and qualified in child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS). They will have the specialist expertise and legal framework required for this work.
Can I have a monthly session?
I offer sessions on a weekly or bi-weekly (fortnightly) basis as standard. Consistent, regular sessions are often essential, particularly in the initial stages, to build momentum and achieve therapeutic goals. I reserve monthly slots exclusively for established clients who have completed a substantial phase of work with me and require them only as a periodic "check-in" to maintain their progress.We will discuss the best frequency for you during our initial consultation.
What if therapy doesn’t work for me?
That's an important and common question. Therapy is a collaborative process, and sometimes the fit isn't quite right, or the method needs adjusting. We will have regular reviews to discuss what feels helpful and what doesn't, allowing us to collaboratively adapt the pace or focus of our work. I strongly encourage you to discuss your feelings of dissatisfaction or doubt with me directly first. This conversation is essential, as it often reveals a new direction we can take together. If, after discussing and adjusting our approach, we both conclude that I am not the right fit for your needs, I will happily offer professional referrals to colleagues or other services who may be better suited to support you.Do I have to do anything between sessions?
You are never required to do anything between sessions. The choice is always yours. However, many clients find that practicing skills outside of the session helps solidify the progress we make. We can work together to find what works best for you: I can provide worksheets, psychoeducational resources, or recommend specific books, techniques, or tools that align with your therapeutic goals. Ultimately, the work done in our sessions is amplified by applying new insights and behaviours to your daily life, but any between-session work will always be collaborative and optional.If we are utilising elements of CBT or similar models, we may agree upon simple exercises or "homework" to try out.