Frequently Asked Questions

Is counselling right for me?

People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, a sense of feeling stuck, or a vague feeling that something is not quite right. You do not need to be in crisis, and you do not need to have a clear explanation for why you are seeking support. Counselling can be helpful if you are curious about yourself, struggling with repeated patterns, or wanting space to think and feel more deeply. Many people begin counselling without knowing exactly what they want to talk about. We start wherever you are.

What if I don’t know what to say?

This is very common. You are not expected to arrive knowing what to talk about or how to explain how you feel. Counselling is not about performing or saying the right thing. We work slowly and thoughtfully, allowing space for things to emerge over time. Sometimes sessions begin with uncertainty, silence, or confusion. These experiences are part of the process and can be explored together.

Do I have to talk about my past?

Not necessarily. Psychodynamic counselling is interested in how past experiences may influence present feelings and relationships, but this does not mean you are required to talk about your childhood or revisit memories before you feel ready. We pay attention to what feels most alive or relevant for you in the present, and we work at a pace that feels manageable. Any exploration of the past happens gradually and collaboratively.

What if counselling hasn’t helped me before?

If you have tried counselling before and found it unhelpful, this does not mean that counselling cannot help you now. Different approaches, different relationships, and different stages of life can all affect how therapy feels. Psychodynamic counselling places importance on the therapeutic relationship itself. If something felt missing, rushed, or unsafe in previous therapy, this can be spoken about and understood rather than ignored.

How can counselling help?

Counselling offers a confidential and reflective space to explore thoughts, feelings, and patterns that may be difficult to manage alone. Over time, this can support greater self-understanding, emotional regulation, and more compassionate ways of relating to yourself and others. Rather than offering quick solutions, psychodynamic counselling focuses on understanding why difficulties have developed and how they continue to affect your life.

What might progress look like in counselling?

Progress in counselling is not always linear or dramatic. It often happens gradually and in subtle ways. You might begin to notice a greater understanding of your emotional responses, more awareness of patterns in relationships, or a softening of self-criticism. Over time, people may feel more able to tolerate difficult feelings, make choices with greater freedom, and experience a stronger sense of self. Progress looks different for each person and unfolds at its own pace.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet and begin to think together about what has brought you to counselling. You may share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. I will also explain how I work, answer any questions you may have, and we can consider whether this way of working feels right for you.

How often are sessions, and how long do they last?

Sessions usually take place once a week and last 50 minutes. Regular sessions help provide consistency and continuity, which is an important part of psychodynamic work.

What does counselling cost?

My standard fee is £65 per 50-minute session, and fees are payable weekly on the day of your session. If you have questions about fees or are unsure whether counselling is financially manageable for you at this time, we can think about this together during an initial conversation. A limited number of concessionary spaces may be available for counsellors in training. If you would like to ask about this, you are welcome to contact me to discuss further.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes. Counselling is confidential, with a few legal and ethical limits that will be explained clearly at the beginning of our work together. I work in line with professional and ethical guidelines.

What if I’m not sure I’m ready?

It is okay to feel uncertain. Many people feel unsure before starting counselling, and this uncertainty can be part of what brings them. You are welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation to ask questions and explore whether counselling feels like the right step for you at this time.