Frequently asked questions

Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for you to talk to a trained professional about your issues and concerns. I will help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and of others. I will not give you my opinions or advice or prescribe medication. I will help you find your own solutions – whether that’s making effective changes in your life or finding ways of coping with your problems.

In general terms counselling refers to short term work, whereas  psychotherapy is seen as a longer term form of treatment. Counselling is usually focused on present issues that are easily worked with on a conscious level, while psychotherapy extensively examines a person's psychological history.  

As a registered member of the BACP, the privacy and confidentiality of each client is treated with utmost importance. There are ethical and legal limitations where confidentiality will be broken if;

• You or others are, in the opinion of the therapist, in danger or at serious risk of being harmed.
• The therapist is required to do so by subpoena.
• The client implies involvement in or knowledge of an act of terrorism or of money laundering. 
• The client implies knowledge of or involvement in drugs trafficking. 
• The client implies knowledge of or involvement in behaviours that may, in the therapists opinion, lead to harm or neglect to children and vulnerable adults.

The need to share information with a third party will, in most instances, be discussed with you first.

The length of therapy is dependent on your own circumstances and needs. Some people choose to have a small number of sessions while others find it useful to have open ended therapy. There are no obligations and you are free to stop whenever you feel.

Online therapy takes place on the online video platform Zoom. Zoom is a way for you to see your counsellor face-to-face from your computer whilst engaging in therapy. You will be guided through setting up your own encrypted Zoom account and you will meet your counsellor on Zoom at a time that you have previously arranged. Sessions are 50 minutes in length. Being able to see your counsellor gives you many of the benefits you get from face-to- face counselling but with the convenience of not having to travel to sessions.