About Counselling
If you've never been to therapy before, or just want to learn more about how I work, this page will answer most frequently asked questions. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to get in touch.
What's your availability?
​I have sessions available on most weekdays (exception is Thursdays) with some early morning and evening slots available. Please get in touch for a discussion on the best timing.
Where are sessions held?
​I have my own counselling room at Lombard House, which is in central Canterbury. It's a quiet and private space, and the building is very friendly and welcoming. There is wheelchair access through the back of the building.
New to therapy?
​If you've never been for therapy before, it can feel like a daunting experience. Connecting with a stranger and telling them things you may never have spoken about before can feel very vulnerable and frightening. It is important to find a therapist who you feel comfortable with, and feel is a good 'fit'. I offer a free initial consultation so you can get a better sense of whether I'd be the right therapist for you.
What happens in sessions?
In the initial consultation, we'll have a conversation about what's brought you to therapy now, and we can address any questions you may have. The consultation will last around 30 minutes.
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If you decide to come for regular sessions, each one may feel a little different. Sometimes you may have lots to talk about, other times you may not. If you're someone who struggles to open up to someone new, we can arrange the sessions a little differently to make it easier for you to feel comfortable. There's a stereotype that counsellors just sit in silence, and although I may sometimes be quiet, this is usually to enable you (and me!) to process in our own time. If silence is difficult for you, we can talk that through. Everyone is different and so I adjust my approach to each individual person, on each given day. Some sessions you may come out feeling like you've had a 'breakthrough'; other days you may wonder if it's working. We can always talk about any questions you have about the sessions, and if the approach needs to be changed for you to get more out of our time together.
How many sessions can I have?
I don't place a limit on the number of sessions a client can have, but this does not mean you'll be coming to therapy forever! The aim of therapy is always to enable the client to eventually move forward on their own. For some people, this may take a small number of sessions, for others, it may take more. We'll have a review every six weeks or so to make sure that the sessions are still feeling effective and you're happy to continue.
What does 'BACP registered' mean?
You may have seen this written around this website or on other therapists' sites. The BACP is the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, and they are one of the regulatory bodies for the counselling profession in the UK. Some therapists do not register with any professional body, and may not have had any formal training. Being BACP registered means I have passed a BACP approved course and the BACP's own proficiency test, and means I abide by their Ethical Framework, which you can read on their website.
How do I know if I need counselling?
Sometimes, people think they have to be in a serious crisis to need to see a counsellor, and believe that what they're struggling with 'isn't that bad' or they should be able to cope with it on their own. There is still a perception that seeking counselling is 'weak' and a sign of being unable to cope. But - we all struggle at times. Seeking out counselling doesn't mean that you're weak and doesn't mean that you're admitting 'defeat'. Many people can benefit from therapy to try and understand themselves and their lives more, and to help them to deal with life's struggles and disappointments. If you feel it would help you to speak to somebody neutral and outside your everyday world, then counselling may be of help to you.