I’ve never had counselling before. What should I expect?

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first session. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what you want to say.

Our first session gives us time to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what life feels like for you at the moment and what you might like to be different. We’ll go at a pace that feels manageable for you and you can share as much or as little as you feel ready to.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?

That’s absolutely okay. You don’t need to arrive with a list of things to discuss and you won’t be expected to fill every silence.

Part of my role is to help you gently explore what is happening for you. Sometimes we might begin with what has happened during your week and other times something deeper naturally emerges as we talk.

How do I know if you’re the right counsellor for me?

Finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with is important. This is why I offer a free 15-minute discovery call before you decide whether you would like to book.

It gives you an opportunity to tell me a little about what you are looking for, ask questions and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you. There is no obligation to book afterwards.

What is integrative counselling?

Being an integrative counsellor means I don’t believe that one approach fits everyone.

At the heart of my work is the relationship we build together. Depending on what you need, I may also draw on psychodynamic, CBT, attachment-informed and creative approaches. This allows us to explore both what is happening for you now and, where helpful, how earlier experiences may be influencing the way you feel about yourself and relate to others.

Do I need to be in crisis to come to counselling?

No. People come to counselling for many different reasons.

You may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, relationships, grief, trauma or feeling overwhelmed. You might also simply recognise that something doesn’t feel right, notice the same patterns repeating or want to understand yourself better.

You don’t need to wait until things become unbearable before asking for support.

Is what I tell you confidential?

Yes. What you share in counselling is treated confidentially and your privacy is very important to me.

There are some limited circumstances where I may need to share information, particularly where there is a serious safeguarding concern or legal requirement. I explain confidentiality and its boundaries clearly before we begin so you know exactly what you can expect.

Where will my sessions take place?

I offer face-to-face counselling from my private counselling room in Loose, Maidstone, with free parking available.

I’ll send you directions before your first appointment so you know exactly where you are going.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. I also offer counselling online via Zoom, which can work particularly well if travelling to Maidstone is difficult or you simply prefer having sessions from home.

Online sessions are still private one-to-one counselling sessions and we can discuss whether online or face-to-face counselling would suit you best.

How long are counselling sessions?

Individual counselling sessions are usually 50 minutes.

We can discuss how frequently we meet depending on what brings you to counselling, your circumstances and what feels sustainable for you.

Do you work with ADHD?

Yes. I work with adults who have ADHD as well as people who recognise ADHD traits in themselves.

Counselling can provide space to explore more than organisation or productivity. We might look at overwhelm, emotional regulation, relationships, self-esteem, masking, rejection sensitivity and the impact of spending years feeling that you should be able to cope differently.

You do not need a formal ADHD diagnosis to talk about these experiences in counselling.

Do you offer Christian counselling?

Yes. If your Christian faith is important to you, it can be included naturally within our work together.

For some clients this might include exploring faith, identity, relationships, forgiveness or experiences within church. For others, faith may simply form part of how they understand themselves and their life.

I also warmly welcome clients of other faiths and those with no faith. I will always respect your own beliefs and values.

What happens when I contact you?

You can contact me through the website and tell me briefly what you are looking for. You don’t need to explain everything in your first message.

We can then arrange a free 15-minute discovery call. If we both feel that working together could be a good fit, we can arrange your first counselling session.

There is no pressure to make a decision during the call.