Question 1

What is counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is a professional, confidential process where you work alongside a trained therapist in a safe, non-judgemental space.

Together, we explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to help you better understand yourself, make sense of life's challenges, and find your own way forward.

Whether you're facing a specific difficulty or simply seeking greater self-understanding, counselling can support both emotional wellbeing and personal growth. Sessions can be short-term or longer-term, depending on your needs.

Question 2

What kinds of issues can counselling help with?

Accepted Answer

Some of the common issues I work with include, but are not limited to:

Anxiety: Feeling constantly worried, overwhelmed, restless, or finding it difficult to switch off racing thoughts.

Depression: Experiencing persistent sadness, emptiness, loss of motivation, or finding little enjoyment in everyday life. Depression can sometimes be accompanied by thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and it's important to seek appropriate support.

Burnout: Feeling emotionally, mentally, or physically exhausted from prolonged stress, responsibilities, or caring for others.

Low Self-Worth: Struggling with self-doubt, self-criticism, confidence, or feeling that you're "not good enough."

Grief and Loss / Bereavement: Processing the loss of a loved one, relationship, health, identity, or any significant life change.

Identity: Exploring who you are, your values, purpose, or making sense of changes in different stages of life.

Cultural Adjustment: Navigating the emotional challenges of living between cultures, adapting to a new environment, or balancing different cultural expectations.

Trauma: Working through the lasting emotional impact of distressing or overwhelming experiences at a pace that feels safe for you.

Life Transitions: Adjusting to significant life changes such as becoming a parent, changing career, moving country, retirement, or other major turning points.

Question 3

What counselling approach do you use?

Accepted Answer

I work from an integrative approach, tailoring therapy to your individual needs rather than following one single model.

My work is grounded in Person-Centred counselling, providing the core conditions for change, which are empathy, acceptance, and genuineness, so you feel safe to explore your experiences without judgement.

Where helpful, I also draw on:

Gestalt: increasing awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Existential: exploring meaning, values, purpose, and life's big questions.

Compassion-Focused: developing self-kindness and reducing self-criticism, shame, or feelings of not being good enough.

Mindfulness: learning to become more present, respond with calm and intention.

Question 4

What happens during the first counselling session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll talk about:

What has brought you to counselling
What you hope to gain
Any questions or concerns you may have. 
I'll also explain how counselling works, confidentiality, and what you can expect from working together.

There is no pressure to share everything straight away. We move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Question 5

Will you give me advice?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no.

Rather than telling you what to do, I'll support you in understanding yourself more deeply so you can make decisions that feel right for you.

Question 6

Is counselling confidential? How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a few legal and ethical exceptions, such as serious risk of harm, safeguarding concerns, or where disclosure is required by law. These will always be explained before we begin.

There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people benefit from short-term counselling, while others choose longer-term support. We'll regularly review your progress and decide together what feels most helpful.