Questions people ask before starting counselling

You might be feeling a little daunted by the idea of counselling and by taking some action in this way. I want to reassure you that considering counselling takes courage and can be a real turning point. It's a way of acknowledging that you matter and that you are willing to explore the possibility that life could be better than it is right now.

You may be concerned that your issues aren't 'big enough' to need counselling. Counselling is for anyone who feels they need some time, space and support. You might be feeling depressed, anxious and finding everyday life a struggle. You might have a specific problem that you feel you need to work through. You might have a feeling that life just doesn't feel right and isn't how you want it to be. You might, at this stage, not know what it is you feel and need to make sense of it all.

Perhaps it is time for you to feel important and to be seen, heard and validated.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of what makes counselling different from other relationships. No one else needs to know that you are having counselling. What is spoken about in sessions is safe, private and confidential.

We can discuss what confidentiality means when we meet. I do take some notes for my own process to support our work together. These are private (although you have the right to see them) and are password protected.

I am registered with the professional body BACP and I am working towards accreditation. This means that I continue to meet the standards of training and experience required by the organisation. I follow the Code of Ethics outlined by the BACP.

I attend regular supervision, where I process and reflect on my work. I am committed to ongoing professional development.

You can read more about how I look after your information on the privacy page.

Some concessionary spaces are available for people on a lower income.

Online or phone counselling is available where meeting in person is difficult.

I am LGBTQ+ friendly and welcome clients of all genders aged 18 and over.

Counselling can be shorter term, for an agreed number of sessions. It can also be more open-ended, where we work together in the longer term until you feel ready to end.

I work with clients at a regular time each week. This creates a secure routine for the work we do together.

In-person sessions take place from my home in South Bristol (BS3), near Bedminster and Southville. I also offer sessions online (via Zoom) and by phone, so we can find what works best for you.

You don't need to know what to say. We'll talk about what has brought you here and whether working together feels right.

There is no obligation to continue. If it feels right, we agree a regular weekly time. If not, that is completely fine.

You are in control of this process. Beginning therapy starts by allowing me to provide a safe space and support as you begin to explore the things that might be causing your life to feel out of balance.

I offer a free 30-minute initial meeting in which you can decide if you would like to go forward with counselling. To make contact, simply email or call and leave a message. I will aim to respond within 24 hours.