Question 1

Does online therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Yes it does. As a consequence of the Covid Pandemic therapy moved online.   We now have extensive research evidence that shows online therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy.

Online therapy has also been shown to reduce barriers, which prevented some people from seeking help. People can now have access to a counsellor from the comfort of their home, or privacy of their car or office, without the perceived stigma of walking into a therapy practice. Some men, for example, struggle with the idea of going to see a counsellor, with only 30% of counselling clients being male. Online therapy is helping to reduce this barrier.

Question 2

Do I have to talk about painful childhood experiences?

Accepted Answer

In popular culture counsellors are often, stereotypically, depicted asking intrusive questions like, “what was it like growing up in your family?” or “were you abused as a child?” As a person-centred counsellor, this is not how I work. We will only discuss what you bring to therapy. Which means, if you never talk about your family or childhood, we will not discuss them. You will decide the direction of travel, what we talk about, or do not talk about.

Clearly, clients bring a range of complicated and difficult issues to counselling. Should you wish to explore painful or distressing areas of your life, we will always work at your pace.

Question 3

Is everything I talk about confidential?

Accepted Answer

This question is a common one and rightfully so. Whatever you share with me, will stay with me.

Counselling is a confidential service. Individuals, who share sensitive information want to be sure that everything that is said remains private between themselves and their counsellor. This is the case, though there are a few exceptions to do with serious risk and safeguarding, but these will be explained to you before counselling begins.

Question 4

How many sessions do I need?

Accepted Answer

There is no one-size-fits-all to the counselling process as it is dependent on the person and their needs. For some people a few sessions will suffice and for others, it may take many sessions.

I offer time-limited therapy (up to 15 weeks), medium-term therapy (3 to 6 months) and longer-term therapy (up to 3 years or more, in some cases). As a useful guide, the National Health Service usually offers between 6 and 12 sessions to their clients, focused on relieving the immediate symptoms or problems.  Medium and longer term therapy (psychotherapy) is focused on addressing deep-seated, underlying issues and usually follows short-term therapy (counselling). Psychotherapy sessions are weekly, fortnightly or monthly and can vary according to need.

Question 5

Do you offer couples or relationship counselling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I  work with couples and other relationship types such as; family dyads (e.g., mother and son), friendship dyads, employment dyads and polyamorous relationships.   I welcome opposite sex and same sex couples, regardless of relationship status, whether that be married, civil partnered, living together, living apart, divorced, separated or dealing with the aftermath of an affair.

Often people come to couples or relationship counselling when they are in crisis or experiencing communication problems.  I aim to guide and support you as we work through the process appropriate to your goals of either; repairing, rebuilding, or moving on from your relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions