How do I know if I need counselling?

There are many reasons why people start counselling. Some may want to maintain the happiness they currently feel or it might come down to knowing that you have had enough of the way things are, you have had enough of the same negative thoughts, the same patterns of behaviours and would like some clarity for your own peace of mind. 

It’s easy to say: ‘there are people worse off than me,’ and ignore our own concerns but please don’t let that thought stop you from getting the help you feel you want, need or deserve.  

What happens in a counselling session? 

In many cases, no two counselling sessions are the same. Yes, we’ll talk about thoughts, feelings and behaviours on topics that might be difficult to share to begin with but counselling isn’t always just about talking about thoughts, feelings and emotions. We can laugh (very important) and discuss your friends, family, hobbies and what you like or dislike. The space I provide is yours to discuss topics that you wish to share or explore. 

What issues can counselling help with? 

Talking therapies can help with all manners of emotional and behavioural concerns; stress, anxiety, depression, life changes or transitions, relationships, identity, bereavement, loss, OCD, disordered eating, self-harm, phobia, fears, low self-esteem and confidence, childhood trauma, trauma, addiction and substance misuse the list is nearly endless. It’s about hearing you and understanding your story and helping you reach the goals you set. 

How much does counselling cost? 

I charge £40 for online and telephone sessions and £50 for in-person sessions. I have limited spaces to offer a reduced fee due to individual circumstances which we can discuss in our initial consultation. I am happy to discuss monthly sessions or block payments of 4, 6 and 8 sessions.

It is really important to go with a counsellor that you can afford and if you are finding yourself in financial difficulty there are many charities and organisations that can provide free/reduced fee help. There are also great messaging counselling services available, and these can be found on the NHS website.

What can I talk about during counselling? 

There is no subject off-limit in counselling when it comes to talking about your world and your story.

All sessions are confidential unless I feel there is a risk to yourself or others and in this case, I have a duty of care and would break confidentiality (where possible I would discuss this with you) and inform the appropriate individuals or organisations. 

How long do I need counselling for and does it need to be every week? 

Other than the length of the sessions (5o minutes), I do not like to set boundaries on the time frame in which counselling may be needed for. I offer short (6 weeks) and long term (6 weeks+) counselling, but I prefer to work in an open-ended way on the basis that together, over time, will both be able to recognise the natural ending of the work.

Some people find their answers in under 6 sessions; some people start but realise it’s not the right time; some people spend months and sometimes years seeing a counsellor. It is such an individual process and only one that you can decide. 

Meeting on a weekly basis helps build our relationship and provides routine and stability when working through the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that you feel are holding you back. I do realise that this isn’t always possible so I’m happy to discuss bi-weekly sessions as this maybe more suitable for people.

You can end the work whenever you like. All I ask is that you give 1 weeks notice to ensure that we can end our work together in an ethical and appropriate way. 

Do you do in-person counselling? 

Yes – I offer in-person sessions in Kings Hill and Staplehurst as well as online, telephone sessions and where appropriate walk and talk sessions.

Do I need to be a certain age?

Counselling is for all ages and I am comfortable working with individuals of any age.  

If you are under the age of 18 then I need your parents’ consent to be able to work with you, ‘here’ is what I will and won’t tell your parents. 

Do you provide evening sessions?

Yes, I provide evening sessions at no extra cost.

What kinds of people have counselling? 

People from all backgrounds of life seek counselling. I am all-inclusive and welcome you regardless of your culture, religion, ability, family set-up, sexual orientation, gender, employment group. 

I’d like to work with you. What next? 

As I am only providing online and telephone counselling at the moment, we will discuss which will work best for you. If we opt for Zoom I shall send you the Zoom Meeting link which you will need to keep safe for our meetings.s