Frequently asked questions
At present, I only offer face to face sessions.
I know that finding time to prioritise yourself and your needs can be tough, particularly if you’re juggling work and caring responsibilities. However, the Covid pandemic showed us the importance of face-to-face conversation (although telephone and video calls provided a lifeline, they weren’t the same as physically being in each other's company).
In my experience, clients feel more connected and supported in face-to-face sessions, and I feel that this enables us to build trust and rapport. I also find that clients feel my counselling room provides a space where they are free from distraction without fear of being overheard, and feel more able to open up and speak freely.
I am based near the seafront in Heene, Worthing. There is free on street parking in the road, and I provide off street parking for one small car.
My fees are outlined here.
I believe therapy should be accessible to everyone and so I try to keep my counselling sessions as affordable as possible, while also ensuring that I am able to cover my costs (such as insurance, professional development and supervision).
If you are struggling financially, I offer 6 sessions on a 'pay what you can' basis. I reserve one appointment a week and I operate a waiting list.
Please let me know on the contact form that you wish to have 6 sessions on a ‘pay what you can’ basis and I will let you know when the next available slot will become available.
I also offer a concessionary rate for student counsellors.
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long.
When you're ready to start, coming every week at the same time really helps you make progress. And coming regularly is important - it's like looking after a plant where you water it little and often, so it grows better.
Weekly sessions give you time to think about what we talked about and try out any new ideas we came up with together. You might be surprised by how much can change between our meetings and how easy it can be to forget important things we discussed. That's why meeting regularly helps so much.
Meeting at the same time each week also helps us get to know each other better. When we don't meet regularly, it can feel like we're starting again each time. By us getting together regularly, you'll find it easier to trust me and talk about thoughts and feelings that are hard to share, so that real change can happen.
Everyone’s needs are different and the number of sessions you have will depend on the complexity of the issues you want to work on. I tailor your counselling accordingly.
I initially offer 6 sessions, after which we will have a ‘review’. In my experience, once you start counselling new issues can emerge that you weren’t previously aware of, and so you may wish to extend the length of time we work together beyond the 6 weeks. But the review session gives you the opportunity to decide.
You may benefit from counselling if you're experiencing emotional problems. You may feel overwhelmed or extremely stressed and be struggling with your daily life. You may feel you no longer enjoy things you used to or are withdrawing or isolating yourself. You may be feeling hopeless or are finding it difficult to make rational decisions. Click here to read more.
Therapy can be beneficial for almost anyone. But even if it’s been suggested by a friend, a member of your family or a work colleague, deciding to see a counsellor is a personal choice.
No.
That’s a difficult question to answer as there isn’t really a typical counselling session.
What we talk about is up to you – whether that is an everyday issue that is causing you distress, or thoughts and feelings that have been bothering you for a while. I am trained to listen to you and to help you explore your issues.
I know anything new can feel a bit daunting at first, but don’t be nervous. Most people feel easier once they’ve had an initial conversation and found out what they can expect – which is why I offer an initial free consultation. It’s important to find a counsellor you can feel at ease with, as you want to feel comfortable discussing personal and emotional issues.
We’ll meet on a one-to-one basis as, for therapy to be effective, it is important that the sessions are confidential. But asking a good friend or relative to accompany you on the journey to and from your appointment might make it feel a little easier.
I hold either a face-to-face or online consultation, whichever is more convenient for you, as I find it makes it easier for us to both get an idea of whether we can work together.
I’ll ask you to outline the problems, feelings or concerns that you want to work on and I will explain how I work, outlining things like boundaries and confidentiality. It is also a time where you can ask any questions you have about therapy.
The term ‘therapist’ is a very broad umbrella term (it can be used to refer to a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor) and counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably, which I know can be confusing.
I refer to myself as a counsellor as I have an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
Counselling and Psychotherapy are both ‘talking therapies’. The main difference is that counselling is typically more suitable for addressing a specific or current issue in a person's life. Psychotherapy tends to be longer-term and involves more in-depth work on those deep-seated problems that continue to affect someone’s emotional well-being, behaviour and relationships.
For me as a counsellor, maintaining confidentiality is an ethical responsibility, and is crucial for building trust. It allows clients to explore sensitive issues without fear of information being misused and its what makes counselling different from speaking to friends or family.
Counsellors are held to professional standards to protect all information discussed in sessions. However, there are certain limitations to confidentiality. For instance, I see a clinical supervisor to discuss how I am working (although I discuss cases, the information shared is anonymised). And there are circumstances where I may need to break confidentiality because of a legal obligation. I outline this in my contract with you.
Please use the form to send me a message or to request an appointment. I will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours.
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