Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you've never done it before. Here are the questions I get asked most often. If something isn't answered here, you're always welcome to get in touch.
What is psychotherapeutic counselling?
Psychotherapeutic counselling sits between traditional counselling and psychotherapy. It goes deeper than problem-solving or coping strategies — we explore the roots of what you're experiencing, the patterns that keep showing up, and what needs to change for life to feel different.
Do I need to have a specific problem to start therapy?
Not at all. Some people come with a clear presenting issue — anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, low confidence. Others come with a sense that something isn't quite right, or that they keep ending up in the same place no matter how hard they try.
What happens in the first session?
Before your first session, we'll have a free 15-minute introductory call — a chance to briefly explore what you're looking for and how I work, so we can see if we feel like a good fit. There's no obligation after the call.
If we both want to move forward, your first full session is a structured intake assessment. This gives me a proper picture of your situation, history, and what you're hoping to get from therapy — and gives you a chance to ask anything you want to know about how we'll work together. It's thorough, but it's also a conversation, not an interrogation. By the end of it, we'll both have a clearer sense of what the work looks like going forward.
How long does therapy take?
This varies enormously from person to person. I usually work with clients weekly for a period of months — the depth-oriented work I do tends to take time to develop, and the most meaningful changes often emerge gradually rather than overnight.
That said, shorter-term work is possible if that's what you need. We'd discuss this in our introductory call and keep reviewing it as we go. There's no fixed end point imposed on you.
How much does it cost?
Sessions are £60 for 50 minutes.
The initial 15-minute introductory call is free of charge.
I ask clients to give at least 48 hours' notice if they need to cancel or reschedule a session. Late cancellations may be charged at the full session rate. We'll discuss this when we start working together.
Where are you based?
I offer face-to-face sessions at three locations in Northumberland:
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Paikes St, Alnwick, Northumberland
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Oldgate Therapy Centre, Morpeth, Northumberland
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Babyama, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
I also work online with clients from anywhere in the UK.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Research suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person work for most people and most presenting concerns. Many of my clients work with me online and find it suits them well — particularly those who value flexibility, or who would otherwise struggle to access therapy in person.
What matters most is that you have a private, quiet space to speak from, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera. If you're unsure whether online is right for you, we can talk it through in our introductory call.
What if I've never tried therapy before?
That's absolutely fine — and more common than you might think. A lot of people feel nervous before their first session, unsure of what to expect or whether they'll be able to 'do it right'. There is no right or wrong way to be in therapy.
My approach is gentle and there's no pressure to disclose anything before you're comfortable. The introductory call is a good, low-pressure way to get a sense of how I work before committing to anything.
Are you registered with a professional body?
Yes. I'm a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), membership number [415196]. You can verify my registration on the BACP's online register at bacp.co.uk/search/Therapists.
BACP membership means I work within a clear ethical framework, maintain regular clinical supervision, and commit to ongoing continuing professional development.
What if it's not working, or I want to stop?
You're always free to end therapy. I'd encourage you to raise it with me first if you feel comfortable doing so — sometimes what feels like therapy 'not working' is actually part of the process, and it's worth exploring together. But ultimately, this is your therapy, and you're in charge of it.
I take endings seriously and wherever possible I'd like to have at least one final session together to close the work properly.
