Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
I offer a free intial session to all clients, so you have a chance to get to know me before committing to working together. After this, all sessions are £60 for one hour.
How do I pay?
There are two ways to pay:
> In person clients can pay using cash or card at the session.
> Online clients pay by bank transfer on the day of the session.
I usually ask for payment at the end of each session.
How does it work?
If you would like to book a session, just drop me an email and I will get back to you within 48 hours to offer an initial appointment. If you'd prefer to talk by phone before booking, just let me know and I'd be happy to give you a call.
What is the initial session like?
The initial session is a chance for you to talk openly about what is happening for you and discuss how you would like counselling to help. It's also a chance for you to get to know me before deciding whether or not to book further sessions. I will explain a little about how I work and ask you to complete a short form. If after the initial session you would like to continue we will take things from there.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions you will need depends on you. Some people come for one or two sessions and find this is all they need. Others return over weeks and months. This is generally if they have complex needs, such as a long history of abuse or trauma, or if they are looking for ongoing mental health support. If you are unsure, I suggest starting with 6 sessions and reviewing after this, as this is enough time for most people to notice some benefit from counselling and to guage whether or not they would like to continue.
Where does it happen?
In person sessions happen at my home office in Bebington - you can find my address here. This is my therapy room:
Online sessions happen on Google Meet. This is a simple and secure platform that doesn't require you to download any software. After booking an online session I will send you a link to join the online meeting room.
Do you offer telephone therapy?
Yes. I am trained to offer telephone therapy and have worked in this way with many clients. If you would prefer telephone sessions just let me know.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Everything we discuss in therapy is confidential. However, there may be times when I would need to disclose something to others. For example, if I believed that you intend to harm yourself or someone else, then I would have a duty to tell someone. These are things that we would discuss in the first session.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes. I am sometimes able to do home visits with clients in my local area. Whether I'm able to will depend on your circumstances and my current availability. Please contact me for more information.
How frequent are sessions?
Most people come weekly or fortnightly, but I’m happy to work in a way that fits into your life.
Do you offer evening and weekend sessions?
Yes. Please contact me for current availability.
What if I need to change or cancel an appointment?
If you need to change or cancel an appointment, let me know and I will try my best to accommodate. If you cancel at short notice (within 24 hours of the appointment) then I may need to charge you for the missed appointment.
What are your credentials?
I hold a master’s degree in counselling and psychotherapy from Liverpool John Moore’s University. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), which is the main accrediting organisation for therapists and counsellors. I undertake regular additional training and have also conducted research into men’s mental health.
What type of therapy do you offer?
I am a person centred therapist. This is an evidence based approach to helping that leverages the therapeutic relationship itself to bring about positive change. My main focus is on building a safe and supportive relationship where you can explore what is happening for you and find solutions that work for you.
Typically, sharing your story with a kind and empathetic therapist will help you to see the situation more clearly, understand where the difficulties lie, explore alternatives and make decisions about how to move forward. In my experience, therapy clients become more attuned to their emotional experience, gain insight into their patterns of thought and behaviour, understand their past more fully, process painful experiences, improve their relationships, and make positive choices about how they want to live.
I also draw on ideas from other ways of working, as I believe that no one approach to therapy is right for everyone. In particular, my work is informed by existential psychotherapy and affective neuroscience. I find that some clients benefit from discussing existential concerns and learning more about how their brains and their bodies work.
What is your background?
I grew up in Hampshire and moved to the North West in 2005. I originally trained as a sound technician and for several years worked in live music venues. I play guitar and have played in bands since I was a teenager, later touring as a session musician. I have also spent several years working in art galleries and have extensive experience of working with artists and other creatives.
Why did you become a therapist?
Like many therapists I started as a client. For many years I struggled with my mental health. As a child, I was impacted by family breakdown, I have had difficult relationships, and at several points in my life I have been impacted by suicide. Working with a patient and thoughtful therapist helped me to tell my story, process my experiences and find ways to move forward. I decided to retrain as a therapist so that I could use my experience to help others. I draw on my personal history to inform my work and am always happy to discuss my experiences if this is of benefit to you.
How do I know if you’re the right counsellor for me?
Counselling is about relationships, and when choosing a counsellor it’s important to find someone who you feel comfortable working with. There is a wealth of evidence that the most important factor in effective therapy is the quality of the relationship you have with your therapist. Most counsellors and therapists will offer a free session or phone call, and it's a good idea to speak to a couple before deciding who to work with.
I offer a free initial session to all clients, so you have a chance to meet me before deciding whether to continue. If you’d like to book a free initial session just drop me an email and we’ll take it from there.