FAQs
If you’re considering therapy, you may have questions about how it works, what to expect, and whether it’s right for you. Below are answers to some of the most common questions I’m asked. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Getting Started
How do I book my first session?
The first step is to get in touch by email at or by calling 07814 014984. I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation so we can discuss what you’re looking for and decide whether we’re a good fit. There’s no obligation, and if I’m not the right therapist for you, I’ll do my best to point you in a helpful direction.
What happens in the first session?
If you want to go ahead after the intial 15 minute telephone consultation, you can then book your first session. This will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to share what’s brought you to therapy. I’ll ask some questions to understand your circumstances, and we’ll discuss what you’re hoping to achieve. We’ll also talk about how therapy works, confidentiality, and any practicalities. There’s no pressure—we’ll go at your pace, and you only share what feels comfortable.
Do I need to prepare anything before my first session?
No preparation is necessary. Just come as you are. Some people find it helpful to think beforehand about what they’d like to talk about or what they’re hoping to gain from therapy, but this isn’t essential. We’ll work it out together. However, I will send you some information in advance of the first session, to read and sign in agreement.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important factors in successful therapy and this takes a few sessions to develop. However choosing from the many therapists out there can be daunting task. That’s why I offer a free initial consultation of 15 minutes —so we can both get a brief sense of whether we’re a good match, without any obligations. And if we both agree we’re a good fit then you can go ahead and book a first session with me.
About Therapy
How long does therapy take?
This varies from person to person. Some people benefit from short-term work over a few weeks or months, while others find longer-term therapy more helpful. We’ll review your progress regularly and adjust as needed. You’re in control of how long you continue, and we can discuss what feels right for you at any stage.
How often will we meet?
Most clients attend weekly or fortnightly sessions, although this may vary according to personal circumstances or progress. Consistency helps build momentum and trust, but we can also arrange sessions flexibly depending on your needs and circumstances.
How long is each session?
Sessions are 60 minutes long. This gives us enough time to explore what’s on your mind whilst maintaining clear boundaries and structure.
What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, counselling focuses on specific issues or life challenges, while psychotherapy explores deeper, longer-term patterns. In practice, I work integratively, which means I adapt my approach to suit your needs—whether that’s practical support with a current difficulty or deeper exploration of long-standing patterns.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
That’s completely normal, especially at the beginning. Therapy isn’t about performing or having the “right” things to say—it’s a space to think out loud, explore what’s troubling you, and make sense of your experience.
Will you give me advice?
Therapy isn’t about me telling you what to do. Instead, I’ll help you explore your options, understand your feelings and patterns, and come to your own decisions. I may offer observations, ask questions that invite reflection, or suggest practical strategies, but the focus is always on empowering you to find your own way forward.
Confidentiality & Safety
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything you share in therapy is confidential and will not be discussed with anyone else without your explicit consent. The only exceptions are if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or in the unlikely event that the law requires disclosure.
What if I’m working with a young person—will parents be told what’s discussed?
For clients under 16, I usually ask for parental or guardian consent before starting therapy. However, the content of sessions remains confidential unless there are safeguarding concerns (I have a safeguarding policy, available upon request). Young people need to feel safe to speak openly, and I respect that. If concerns do arise, I’ll talk to the young person first about what needs to happen next. If the young person were happy to agree, it may be that a person with parental responsiblity could join our sessions at key points along the way.
What happens in a crisis?
As a sole practitioner I am unable to provide crisis support. If you’re in crisis or need urgent support outside of our sessions, please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or reach out to the Samaritans on 116 123 (available 24/7). In an emergency where someone is at immediate risk, call 999. I’ll always discuss crisis planning with you as part of our work together.
Are you DBS checked?
Yes, I hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate, which is checked by Disclosure & Barring Services annually. I am also registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical framework. I attend regular clinical supervision to ensure a high standard of clinical practice. I have full insurance with Holistic Services Insurance and am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office), following their GDPR guidelines.
Practical Information
How much do sessions cost?
Individual sessions (face-to-face, online, telephone or Walk & Talk) are £60 for 60 minutes. If you book/pay for a block of 4 sessions together, the price is £220. The initial 15-minute telephone consultation is free.
How do I pay?
Full payment must be made at least 48 hours prior to the session to confirm your booking. The session cannot go ahead unless this payment has been made. Payment can be by bank transfer. Receipts are provided upon request.
What’s your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 48 hours’ notice. Late cancellations or missed appointments without 48 hours notice will be charged at the full session fee, as this time has been reserved for you.
Where do sessions take place?
I offer face-to-face sessions at comfortable, confidential locations in Matlock, Bakewell, and Crich in Derbyshire. For Walk & Talk therapy, we meet at local outdoor locations that have been fully risk-assessed. Online and telephone sessions are also available.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Yes, I offer daytime, evening and Saturday morning appointments where possible. Availability varies, so please get in touch to discuss what works for you.
Can I bring someone with me?
Therapy is usually one-to-one, but if you’d feel more comfortable bringing a support person to your first session, we can discuss this.
Do you offer online or telephone therapy?
Yes. Online and telephone therapy are also available. These sessions will be conducted using a secure, encrypted platform (Zoom) in line with BACP guidelines and can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions.
Walk & Talk Therapy
What is Walk & Talk therapy?
Walk & Talk therapy involves meeting outdoors and walking together while we talk. It combines the benefits of traditional therapy with gentle exercise and time in nature. Many people find it easier to open up when walking side-by-side, and being outdoors can feel less intense than sitting face-to-face in a room.
Is Walk & Talk therapy safe?
Yes. All walking routes are carefully selected and fully risk-assessed. We walk at a gentle pace on accessible paths, and confidentiality is maintained. If the weather is very poor, we can rearrange or switch to an indoor session.
What should I wear or bring for walk & talk?
Just wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking outdoors. Bring a coat or layers depending on the weather. We will discuss this in more detail if you choose this option.
Still Have Questions?
If you’d like to know more or discuss whether therapy might be right for you, please get in touch:
Email: Phone: 07814 014984
I aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
