- Frequently Asked Questions -

Here are some frequently asked questions or things you might wonder about counselling. Feel free to send me an email if your question is not answered here.

​​

What is counselling?

​

Counselling is a collaborative, and confidential space where you and I (client and counsellor) come together to navigate the challenges in your life that you would like to work on. I will help you explore your thoughts, make sense of your feelings and find direction that aligns with the person you want to be and what matters to you most. 

 

What is the benefit of talking to a counsellor, instead of a friend?

​

As a counsellor, I am a trained professional who provides a confidential and non-judgemental space. Our conversations are entirely focused on you and your wellbeing. As Jacques Lacan once said "Talking to a friend brings comfort, talking to a therapist means facing a truth your friends might protect you from". Because I am not personally involved in your life outside of our sessions it can feel easier for you to open up about difficult topics. If we see each other in public, I won't acknowledge you unless you talk to me first. This is done to protect your confidentiality. 

 

I can also gently challenge you when needed and consistently provide a grounded and supportive space, regardless of the emotions that might arise for you in our sessions together.

 

It can be helpful to have both supportive friends and a counsellor when life gets tough!

​

Do I need to be in a crisis to come to counselling?

​

You definitely do not need to be in a crisis before coming to counselling. Counselling is helpful for a wide range of challenges, big or small. If it's important to you to talk about it then it's important to me as well. 

​

What if I don't know what to say?

​

That is common! Sometimes clients can find it hard to know where to begin. It's a part of my role to help guide the conversation to create a space where things can naturally unfold. That might look like starting with what's been on your mind recently, or it might be just taking it one step at a time however that might look. 

​

What happens in the first session?
 

Our first session is a chance for us to meet each other and talk to your comfort level about what you would like support with. It's also a chance for your brain to become familiar with me and my counselling room. Above all, we take it at your pace, however that looks for you. My priority is for you to feel safe and comfortable. 

​

How many sessions will I need?

​​

It depends! Sometimes the work done in counselling is just a drop in the client's wellbeing bucket, and sometimes it is much more than that. This can depend on client/counsellor suitability, the number of sessions, and the complexity of the presenting challenge. We can discuss together how many sessions might be of benefit to you and make a plan accordingly.

​

Are you going to judge me?

​

A key part of being a counsellor is being non-judgemental. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone is doing the best they can with the experiences, knowledge, and resources they have at the time, and with this comes genuine non-judgement. I also believe that if a counsellor was to judge a client, that is something the counsellor needs to reflect on, and not anything that the client has done wrong. 

​

What if I feel nervous?

​

Feeling nervous is completely normal and expected. In our first session I am just a stranger to you, and you have come to talk about your personal thoughts and feelings so it is completely normal to feel nervous. We can go at your pace, taking time to build trust, before you share anything personal. You are in control.

​

What if we aren't a good fit?

​

That is totally fine, and it does happen from time to time. If this is the case, I am more than happy to help you find another counsellor who is better suited! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​