Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is counselling?

A. Most people seek counselling in order to change some aspect of their life (e.g. dealing with difficult feelings, making decisions etc).

In its simplest form, counselling is a focussed conversation between a client and a qualified therapist. This process relies heavily on a sound trusting relationship between the two. The type of counselling required will depend on the needs of the client. Counselling is very different from a conversation with friends or family members, in that the therapist is an experienced and qualified independent party who can focus on supporting you to resolve the issues that cause you distress. In fact, it can be troubles with relationships and family that lead you to seek help. Of course, your family and friends may have an important role in supporting you through your therapy.

There are many counselling approaches and it can be confusing to make sense of how they differ and which would be best for you. Sound counselling practice is founded on research which will determine the methods your counsellor will choose.

Despite the arguments for one type of therapy over another, recent research shows that a key factor in achieving change is the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client.

Q. How do I choose which Counsellor or type of Counselling is best for me?

A. It is important that you work with someone you trust fully and is appropriately qualified. It can be helpful to get a recommendation from a friend, GP or other health practitioner. After satisfying yourself that the therapist is appropriately qualified, the initial phone conversation with the therapist should give you some idea of whether you could work together. You can also check that the counsellor is registered with and / or acredited by a Professional Body by visiting the relevant web sites.

When you speak with the counsellor you might like to enquire what experience they have in dealing with the issues you need to discuss.

Q. How many sessions will I need?

A. Ultimately it is up to you how many sessions you have. At the end of your initial session you can discuss with the counsellor and agree a number of sessions. You can always extend or shorten this if you wish.

Q. Will everything we discuss be confidential?

A. My full Privacy Policy can be found here.

Q. What records do you keep about me and what we discuss? How long are they kept?

A. My full Privacy Policy can be found here.

Q. How do I book an appointment?

A. You can email me or telephone me, my contact details are here.

Q. When do you offer appointments?

A. I offer day time appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and evening appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Q. Where are you ?

A. I am located in Kingston Upon Thames, five to ten minutes walk from the main line Railway Station. Location details are here.

Q. How much will it cost?

A. My fees are displayed here.