F.A.Q
What do I expect from our free consultation?
The free consultation is a gentle, informal space for us to meet and see how we connect. It gives you a chance to talk about what brought you to seek support, ask anything you’re unsure about, and get a feel for my style and approach.
I’ll also walk you through the essentials: how sessions work, what confidentiality means in practice, and the therapeutic framework we might use, so you can make an informed decision about whether you’d like to continue.
There’s absolutely no pressure to commit. The purpose of this meeting is simply to ensure you feel at ease, informed, and confident before choosing to begin therapy together.
I’ll also walk you through the essentials: how sessions work, what confidentiality means in practice, and the therapeutic framework we might use, so you can make an informed decision about whether you’d like to continue.
There’s absolutely no pressure to commit. The purpose of this meeting is simply to ensure you feel at ease, informed, and confident before choosing to begin therapy together.
What do I expect from my first session in Counselling?
If you choose to move forward after the consultation, our first counselling session will be centred around understanding you and your needs.
We’ll explore what brings you to therapy and complete an assessment together, taking things steadily and at a pace that feels right for you.
We may talk about your current difficulties, aspects of your history, and what you’re hoping therapy will support you with.
You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable — there’s no expectation to dive into anything before you’re ready.
We’ll also go over practical elements such as confidentiality, the flow of sessions, and any questions you may have.
My aim is for you to leave the session feeling listened to, supported, and with a clearer sense of how our work together can help you.
We’ll explore what brings you to therapy and complete an assessment together, taking things steadily and at a pace that feels right for you.
We may talk about your current difficulties, aspects of your history, and what you’re hoping therapy will support you with.
You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable — there’s no expectation to dive into anything before you’re ready.
We’ll also go over practical elements such as confidentiality, the flow of sessions, and any questions you may have.
My aim is for you to leave the session feeling listened to, supported, and with a clearer sense of how our work together can help you.
What do I expect from my first session in Hypnotherapy?
Following our consultation, if you decide hypnotherapy feels right for you, we’ll begin with a calm conversation about your intentions, your background, and what you’re hoping to change or improve.
This allows me to shape the session around your unique needs and ensure you feel grounded and safe.
I’ll explain how hypnosis works and gently address any worries or myths, so you know exactly what to expect.
When you feel ready, I’ll guide you into a relaxed, focused state, a natural experience where you remain aware and fully in control.
This state simply helps your mind become more open to positive suggestions and therapeutic shifts.
By the end of the session, most people feel calmer, supported, and clearer about the direction of the work. Every stage unfolds at your pace, with your comfort guiding the process.
This allows me to shape the session around your unique needs and ensure you feel grounded and safe.
I’ll explain how hypnosis works and gently address any worries or myths, so you know exactly what to expect.
When you feel ready, I’ll guide you into a relaxed, focused state, a natural experience where you remain aware and fully in control.
This state simply helps your mind become more open to positive suggestions and therapeutic shifts.
By the end of the session, most people feel calmer, supported, and clearer about the direction of the work. Every stage unfolds at your pace, with your comfort guiding the process.
How many sessions will I need?
I offer short-term and long-term counselling, psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy, and the number of sessions is entirely flexible. Some people prefer brief, focused work, while others appreciate a longer-term space to explore and grow.
You can pause, stop, or return to therapy whenever it feels right for you. A key part of the process is learning to tune into your own needs and recognising what level of support best aligns with where you are.
I encourage open conversation about this throughout our work together.
We will continually shape the frequency and length of therapy to support your wellbeing, your goals, and the rhythm that feels most nourishing for you.
You can pause, stop, or return to therapy whenever it feels right for you. A key part of the process is learning to tune into your own needs and recognising what level of support best aligns with where you are.
I encourage open conversation about this throughout our work together.
We will continually shape the frequency and length of therapy to support your wellbeing, your goals, and the rhythm that feels most nourishing for you.
How frequent do sessions need to be?
You are welcome to choose the frequency of your sessions and adjust it later on as your needs evolve.
Many people find it helpful to begin with weekly sessions, as this allows us to build a strong therapeutic relationship and gain a solid understanding of what you are experiencing.
Fortnightly sessions are also possible, depending on availability.
Monthly sessions can be arranged, though they tend to function more as check-ins rather than ongoing therapy.
Because my approach is relational, having regular contact is important for creating a secure and supportive space where meaningful therapeutic work can take place. Longer gaps between sessions can make it harder to maintain that depth of connection.
Monthly check-ins can, however, be a suitable option for clients who feel they are approaching the end of therapy and would like to space out their final sessions.
Many people find it helpful to begin with weekly sessions, as this allows us to build a strong therapeutic relationship and gain a solid understanding of what you are experiencing.
Fortnightly sessions are also possible, depending on availability.
Monthly sessions can be arranged, though they tend to function more as check-ins rather than ongoing therapy.
Because my approach is relational, having regular contact is important for creating a secure and supportive space where meaningful therapeutic work can take place. Longer gaps between sessions can make it harder to maintain that depth of connection.
Monthly check-ins can, however, be a suitable option for clients who feel they are approaching the end of therapy and would like to space out their final sessions.
What are NCPS, BACP, UKCP, and other professional bodies?
In the UK, the professions of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Hypnotherapy are not legally regulated, and the titles “counsellor,” “psychotherapist,” and “hypnotherapist” are not protected.
This means that, in theory, anyone could call themselves a therapist and work with clients without formal training or qualifications.
Professional bodies such as the NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society), BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy), and UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) are voluntary organisations that set recognised standards for training, ethics, and professional practice.
Similarly, in hypnotherapy, organisations like the NCH (National Council for Hypnotherapy) serve the same purpose.
Although therapists are not required by law to join these bodies, many choose to register or seek accreditation to show that they meet certain training, ethical, and professional criteria.
Being a member of such an organisation can help clients feel confident that their therapist is qualified, accountable, and committed to high standards of care.
I am a Registered Member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (MNCH) and a Student Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP).
I adhere to both the NCH Code of Conduct and the BACP Ethical Framework, and I am actively working toward full BACP accreditation as I complete my Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling training and clinical placement.
This means that, in theory, anyone could call themselves a therapist and work with clients without formal training or qualifications.
Professional bodies such as the NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society), BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy), and UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) are voluntary organisations that set recognised standards for training, ethics, and professional practice.
Similarly, in hypnotherapy, organisations like the NCH (National Council for Hypnotherapy) serve the same purpose.
Although therapists are not required by law to join these bodies, many choose to register or seek accreditation to show that they meet certain training, ethical, and professional criteria.
Being a member of such an organisation can help clients feel confident that their therapist is qualified, accountable, and committed to high standards of care.
I am a Registered Member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (MNCH) and a Student Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP).
I adhere to both the NCH Code of Conduct and the BACP Ethical Framework, and I am actively working toward full BACP accreditation as I complete my Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling training and clinical placement.
Why do I need to complete a client–counsellor agreement form and share personal details like my GP or emergency contact?
The client–counsellor agreement form is there to protect your safety, wellbeing, and rights while we work together.
I understand that sharing personal details can feel sensitive, and I only ask for information that genuinely supports your care.
Your GP details and emergency contact are requested solely for situations where your safety might be at risk, or if there is a serious concern about your wellbeing.
These situations are rare, and I would always aim to discuss any concerns with you first wherever possible. Having this information means I can act appropriately and responsibly if unexpected circumstances arise.
The form also outlines how we will work together — including confidentiality, boundaries, fees, cancellations, and what you can expect from me as your therapist. This creates a clear, supportive foundation so that you feel informed, respected, and safe from the very beginning.
My purpose in gathering these details is not to intrude, but to ensure that you receive ethical, professional, and compassionate care throughout our work together.
I understand that sharing personal details can feel sensitive, and I only ask for information that genuinely supports your care.
Your GP details and emergency contact are requested solely for situations where your safety might be at risk, or if there is a serious concern about your wellbeing.
These situations are rare, and I would always aim to discuss any concerns with you first wherever possible. Having this information means I can act appropriately and responsibly if unexpected circumstances arise.
The form also outlines how we will work together — including confidentiality, boundaries, fees, cancellations, and what you can expect from me as your therapist. This creates a clear, supportive foundation so that you feel informed, respected, and safe from the very beginning.
My purpose in gathering these details is not to intrude, but to ensure that you receive ethical, professional, and compassionate care throughout our work together.