Question 1

What is counselling and how does it differ from coaching?

Accepted Answer

Counselling offers a non-judgemental, confidential and safe space to reflect on emotional difficulties with a trained therapist. Coaching is more developmental and forward-looking, helping you grow into the person or leader you want to become. The two often overlap, and we can talk about which fits where you are right now.

Question 2

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with individual adults, couples, leaders and organisations. Sessions are available in person in Leamington Spa and online, so you can choose what feels most comfortable.

Question 3

What can counselling and coaching help with?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to be in crisis or have a diagnosis to come. People work with me on everything from anxiety, low mood and grief to relationships, identity, trauma, addiction, abuse dynamics, leadership and organisational culture. It can also help you understand yourself better and fulfil your potential.

Question 4

What does therapy feel like?

Accepted Answer

It's different for everyone. Therapy is a safe place to let your feelings out and share what's on your mind. Feeling heard, seen and understood can be very moving. You might find yourself crying, getting upset or angry in sessions or between them. This can feel intense, but I am trained to help you process and cope with the emotions that come up.

Question 5

Does therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside the personal accounts of many people who have been helped by therapy, there is a large body of evidence showing it is effective for most common mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety and the effects of trauma.

Question 6

How does therapy work?

Accepted Answer

The idea is for you to have the opportunity to explore the issue or concern you want to work on. Some sessions involve talking generally about your feelings, behaviours and thoughts; at other times we may use specific exercises or reflections. You set the pace, and there is no agenda but yours.

Question 7

Will you give me advice?

Accepted Answer

I will listen and ask questions, but I won't tell you what to do. This can feel difficult at first, but my role is to support you to open up and guide the process. Often, simply talking through a problem helps you see it in a different light and brings up new ideas you may not have considered.

Question 8

How much does a session cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary depending on the type of work (counselling, coaching or consulting) and whether it is for an individual, couple or organisation. I will share my current fees when we first get in touch, and I keep some lower-fee spaces available for those on limited incomes.

Question 9

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

One-to-one sessions are typically 50 minutes. Couple sessions may be a little longer. We will agree what works best for you at the outset.

Question 10

How often will I see you?

Accepted Answer

Most people see me once a week, at the same time. It can be more or less frequent depending on what we agree together and what you need.

Question 11

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Therapy can be short or long term. The number of sessions depends on you, the type of work and the depth and complexity of what you want to explore. It is unusual for therapy to last fewer than six sessions, and some continue for two years or more.

Question 12

Can we work online or over the phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work online and by phone as well as in person in Leamington Spa. Whichever way we meet, the same confidentiality and professional standards apply.

Question 13

When are you available?

Accepted Answer

I offer appointments on weekdays, including early mornings and evenings up to 9pm, and some Saturdays. We will find a time that works for you when we first arrange sessions.

Question 14

How do I choose a therapist to work with?

Accepted Answer

Start by getting in touch for a free initial conversation. This is a chance to get a sense of how I work and whether we feel like a good fit. Many people do not find the right therapist first time, and that is completely fine; it is important you feel comfortable.

Question 15

What should I expect from the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is a chance to get a sense of how we might work together. I will probably ask you to talk more about what brings you to therapy and may ask about the history of the issue, your past and what helps you cope. You can ask questions too, to help you decide whether you would like to continue.

Question 16

What happens if I want to stop?

Accepted Answer

Talk to me when you want to stop. We can think together about whether it is the right time to end and plan how and when to stop. It is best not to stop abruptly where possible. Sometimes therapy can feel unsettling, and you can speak to me about that as it happens so I can support you.

Question 17

How do I know you are properly qualified?

Accepted Answer

I am a registered member of the BACP (MBACP) and hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling and Development (PGCD) and an MSc. I am committed to ongoing learning, ethical conduct and good practice.

Question 18

Is what I share confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything you share is kept confidential, and I will let you know about the legal and ethical limits to that confidentiality. Your information is never shared without your consent.

Question 19

What's the difference between a counsellor, a psychotherapist, a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

The way counsellors and psychotherapists work can overlap; both use talking therapy to help with emotional difficulties, though their training differs. Psychologists have a degree in psychology and work to understand behaviour and address psychological distress. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose illness, prescribe medication and provide treatment for serious mental illness. A psychotherapist may also be a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional with additional training.

Question 20

Can I access therapy through the NHS?

Accepted Answer

You can access some therapies through the NHS, usually via your GP or an NHS psychological therapies service. However, there can be long waiting lists and less choice, and the most common offering is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Private therapy offers more flexibility over who you see and how you work.

Question 21

Where can I get help urgently?

Accepted Answer

If someone’s life is at risk, call 999 or go to your local accident and emergency department. You can also find your local NHS urgent mental health helpline online, or call 111 and ask for an urgent GP appointment. The Samaritans offer a free, confidential listening service 24 hours a day on 116 123 or by email at jo@samaritans.org.

Questions about starting therapy or coaching

About therapy & coaching

Practicalities

Getting started

Other questions

I'm happy to talk it through.