Frequently Asked Questions
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What happens in a session?
We talk for fifty minutes. You bring whatever matters to you that day, and we go at your pace. There is no programme to follow and nothing to prepare.
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Do I have to talk about anything in particular?
No. You choose what we talk about, and how much of it. If you don't know where to start, we can start there.
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Will anyone else know what I tell you?
What you say stays between us. There are a few exceptions: a court order, a serious risk of harm to you or to someone else, and a small number of specific legal duties. I also talk about my work with a supervisor, as every counsellor does, but you are not named. You'll read the exceptions in full in the agreement before your first session, so you know where you stand before you tell me anything.
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How do I know whether you're the right person for me?
You don't have to decide from a website. We can start with a free 15-minute call, by phone or video: you ask me anything, and you see how it feels. No charge, and no commitment either way.
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What does it cost?
£38 a session, for fifty minutes. The same for adults and for young people. If you're a student, unemployed, on benefits or caring for someone, there's a reduced rate. Just say so when you get in touch.
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How often would we meet?
Usually once a week or once a fortnight, at a time that suits us both. We'll look at how it's going every six sessions or so.
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How many sessions will I need?
There is no set number, and I won't prescribe one. You can pause or stop whenever you want. It's worth saying that counselling can be hard work, and you may feel worse before you feel better.
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Where do sessions happen?
Online by video, wherever you are in the UK. Or in person, from rooms in Knowle, Solihull, if you'd rather sit in the same room as me.
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Can we talk by phone instead?
The first 15-minute call can be by phone if that's easier. Counselling sessions themselves are by video or in person rather than by phone.
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When can we meet?
Mondays and Fridays, 10am to 4pm. Tuesdays, 10am to 7pm. Those are the times I finish, so the last session of the day starts at 3pm, or 6pm on a Tuesday.
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How do I pay?
By bank transfer, at least 48 hours before the session. I'll send you my details once we've arranged the first one.
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What if I need to cancel or move a session?
Tell me as soon as you can. With at least 48 hours' notice I'll cancel the session and refund you in full. With at least 24 hours' notice I'll move you to another time instead, depending on what I have free, though the fee stays on the session rather than being refunded. If I ever have to cancel, I'll give you the same 48 hours' notice and we'll rearrange. If two sessions in a row go by without word, I'll get in touch to talk about whether this is the right time for you to be in counselling.
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Do you keep notes?
Only brief ones, and they're anonymised. Your personal details are kept separately from them, and both are stored securely and locked away, as the GDPR and the BACP ethical framework require.
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Do you work with young people?
Yes. Children and young people aged 11 to 18, as well as adults. I hold a diploma in counselling children and young people, and I have worked in a primary school and for an agency supporting that age group. If you're a parent or carer, email or call me rather than booking online, and we'll talk it through first. If you're under 18 yourself, please ask a parent or carer to get in touch for you.