Frequently Asked Questions about counselling/therapy
Thinking about counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. In this section, you’ll find answers to common questions about counselling/therapy.
Counselling offers a safe, non-judgemental space where you can talk openly with a trained professional to explore what is going on in your life. It is a supportive relationship, built on trust and understanding, which can be the foundation for real change. A counsellor can offer clarity, reassurance and a sense of safety, while also helping you recognise patterns or ways of coping that may no longer serve you and supporting you to find new ways forward.
Counselling and therapy are both forms of talking therapy that can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD for example. Counselling is often shorter-term and focuses on providing a supportive listening space, helping you work through current difficulties. Therapy tends to be longer-term and explores emotional and behavioural patterns more deeply, helping you understand underlying issues and make lasting changes.
You don’t need to be at ‘rock bottom’ or have a mental health diagnosis to come to therapy. Sometimes life just feels a bit tough and a bit of extra support can make all the difference. You might be dealing with something short-term, something that’s been around for a while or something that’s recently resurfaced. If it’s affecting how you feel or getting in the way of daily life, counselling can really help.
You can check a counsellor’s qualifications by seeing if they’re registered with a professional body, like the UKCP or NCPS for example. They should also have professional insurance. You can also ask about their training and experience. Any good counsellor will be honest, open and happy to discuss this with you before you start therapy.
Most people choose to see a counsellor weekly, especially when starting therapy. Others find that fortnightly sessions work well for them. We can talk this through together and find what feels right for you.
You’ll know you and your counsellor are working well together when you feel safe, valued, and genuinely heard. A strong therapeutic relationship allows you to be open about your thoughts and feelings, with your boundaries always respected. Your counsellor will be approachable, transparent, and trustworthy, creating a space where you can discuss any concerns freely. Over time, you should also notice progress and feel supported in exploring any changes you want to make. Finding the right fit is important, so I offer a free consultation. It’s a relaxed chat where you can learn more about me, I can learn about you, and together we can decide if moving forward with sessions feels right.
Frequently Asked Questions about working with me
If you’re considering starting counselling with me, you might have practical questions about how I work. Don’t see your question answered, get in touch.
Each session lasts 50 minutes. On rare occasions, a longer session may be helpful. This is something we can agree in advance and adjust the fee accordingly.
I am an integrative therapist, which means I draw on a range of approaches to offer therapy that’s tailored to you and your needs. My main training is in Transactional Analysis, which looks at how our patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving are shaped by past experiences and relationships and how they affect us today. I also draw on other therapeutic approaches as needed, combining tools and techniques to support you in the way that works best for your journey.
Counselling costs can vary. I charge £50 per 50-minute session. On rare occasions, a longer session may be helpful. If this feels right, we can agree it in advance and adjust the fee to reflect the extra time.
There isn’t a simple answer to this, as everyone’s needs and circumstances are different. Together, we’ll explore what you hope to achieve in therapy. While any number of sessions can be helpful, it’s important to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved in the timeframe. I often recommend longer-term therapy to allow time to uncover patterns and processes that may have been present since childhood. That said, I understand everyone’s situation is different, so the timescale should be agreed together between client and counsellor.
My primary location is in Beverley. However, I have limited availability at The Ellesmere Centre, 267 Beverley Road, Hull HU5 2ST. I also work online and over the telephone.
I offer in-person, telephone and online with Google Meet.