Does a counsellor give advice?
A counsellor will not give advice, tell you what to do, or judge you. Instead, counselling supports you to make your own decisions, as only you know what feels right for you. Your counsellor may reflect back what they have heard to help you gain clarity and decide on your next steps.

What can I expect in a session?
After you make contact, an initial assessment appointment will be arranged. Your counsellor will ask questions about your life and current situation to gain an understanding of your circumstances and what you hope to achieve through therapy. During this first session, you will also agree a working contract covering confidentiality, session timings, and other practical details.

How long do sessions last?
Sessions last 50 minutes and take place in a quiet, private room, over the phone, or online via Zoom. They usually occur weekly at an agreed day and time. This regular commitment helps build momentum and consistency in the therapeutic process.

How many sessions will I need?
Counselling can be shortterm or longterm. You and your counsellor will discuss what feels right for you. Some people attend for a set number of sessions with specific goals in mind, while others continue for as long as they feel it is helpful.

Do I have to talk about things I don’t want to?
No. You are always in control of what you choose to talk about. Your counsellor will work with whatever you bring to the session and will never pressure you to discuss anything before you feel ready.

Are counselling sessions confidential?
Yes. Your privacy is paramount, and what you share in our sessions is kept strictly confidential. As a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) I strictly adhere to their Ethical Framework which protects your privacy.

The only rare exceptions to confidentiality occur if I believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm, or if I am legally required to disclose information by a court of law. Wherever possible, I would always discuss this with you first. To maintain the highest standards of care, I also discuss my caseload anonymously with a qualified clinical supervisor, who is bound by the same strict confidentiality rules.

What is clinical supervision?
In line with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Ethical Framework, counsellors attend regular clinical supervision to ensure safe and effective practice. This is always done anonymously to protect client confidentiality.

How do you protect my data and comply with GDPR?
I am fully compliant with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act, and I am registered as a Data Controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). To protect your identity, your records are split into two separate, secure places. I keep a record of your personal details—such as your name, address, and next of kin—which is stored completely separately from your session paperwork. After each session, I write brief, factual notes that are entirely anonymized using a unique coding system, ensuring your spoken words cannot be linked back to your identity.
To maximize your privacy, I do not use cloud networks, digital storage, or AI software; all records and notes are entirely paper-based and kept securely in a locked filing system. The only digital or communication platforms used in my practice are Zoom or telephone for our confidential sessions, and email, text, or WhatsApp for basic administrative tasks (such as scheduling appointments). I do not use text or messaging platforms to discuss clinical or therapeutic content, ensuring your personal journey remains private.