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 help-seeking, 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 is a common and important question. Many people want reassurance that they can speak openly in therapy without their personal information being shared with others.Counselling is a confidential service. What you discuss in our sessions will remain private between us, and I will treat what you share with care, respect and sensitivity. Confidentiality allows you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences knowing that what you share will remain private. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality, including serious risk of harm, safeguarding concerns, or legal requirements to disclose information. These situations are extremely rare, and should one arise, I will discuss this with you beforehand and involve you in the process wherever possible.

Question 4

How many sessions do I need?

Accepted Answer

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long therapy takes. It depends on your individual circumstances, what you would like to explore, and the changes you hope to make. For some people, a few sessions may be enough to address a specific issue, while others may benefit from longer-term support.Therapy can be short-term (up to 15 weeks), medium-term (3 to 6 months), or longer-term (from 6 months to several years). We will regularly review our work together to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs and remains helpful for you.

Question 5

Do you offer 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

Does online therapy work?

Do I have to talk about painful childhood experiences?

Is everything I talk about confidential?

How many sessions do I need?

Do you offer relationship counselling?

Can you fix me?

Do men benefit from counselling?

What can I expect after I make contact?

What happens if I cannot attend?

I have some questions, what should I do next?