Whether this is the first time you have considered counselling or you are thinking of returning to it, you may have some questions…

What does counselling involve?

Counselling is known as a talking therapy, and in its simplest terms that is exactly what it is. It offers a safe space for you to be heard, to explore whatever it is that has brought you to counselling and to find a way forward that is right for you. Sessions are usually weekly at the same time each week. In the first session we will agree how we are going to work together, which is known in counselling as contracting. There’s no right or wrong way for you, as a client, to do counselling. We’ll simply start with two questions: what’s brought you to counselling and what do you hope to get out of it? And then we’ll take it from there.

You may find it helpful to have a look at this from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy: what is counselling?

Will it work?

Working with our feelings and emotions is not an exact science - far from it. It is not always easy and change may feel slow to come, but that is not to say that counselling has not been proved to help people to feel more in control of their lives, to improve their self-confidence, and to find their own way forward. Research has shown that the biggest factor of success is the client’s willingness to engage in the process - which in humanistic counselling is a truly collaborative one between client and counsellor.

How many sessions will I need?

There are no rules as to how long counselling should go on for and I have worked with clients for anything from 3 weeks through to 18 months. I don’t ask clients to sign up for a minimum number of sessions, but in the case of longer-term work I find it helpful for us to review how it’s going every 6 weeks or so. Some clients find it useful to come back for a ‘top up’ session at some point after the counselling has ended, which can be a good way of reflecting back on how far they have come.

Is counselling confidential?

Confidentiality and trust are key elements of the counselling relationship, however it is important for all clients to understand that there are limits to confidentiality in certain circumstances when information may need to be passed on to someone else. These include safeguarding concerns (if you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm) and legal requirements (eg regarding disclosures of terrorist activity). A discussion around confidentiality and the implications for us both will form part of our original contracting.

Are you the right counsellor for me?

You are the best person to decide that! It is really important to find the right counsellor for you and it can be hard to do that from a website or directory listing alone. Why not get in touch and we can talk about how we might work together. I offer a free 30 minute introductory session on the phone with no obligation.

Where are you based?

Face-to-face sessions are held in comfortable premises. I am currently working from two locations in York: Millers Yard on Gillygate and a venue on Micklegate, both of which are close to parking and easily accessible by public transport. If you have any accessibility needs, please let me know.

Who do you work with?

I work with individuals who are 18+. Face-to-face sessions take place in York. For phone and online sessions I am able to work with anyone who is based in the UK. I am unable to accept clients who are based outside the UK for insurance purposes.

I’m worried about someone - can you help?

You may be looking for a counsellor on behalf of a family member or friend, and I understand how hard it is to see a loved one in distress or struggling to cope. If that is the case for you, please do pass on my contact details and encourage the person in question to get in touch if that feels right for them.

What else do I need to know?

As a Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, I work to high professional and ethical standards. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, fully compliant with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and have the appropriate comprehensive insurance to work in private practice as a counsellor. I am happy to provide more information in simple, practical terms on what any of this means for you as a client.