Frequently Asked Questions

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, and you may have lots of questions before deciding whether it’s right for you.

Here are some of the questions I am most often asked. If there’s something you’d like to know that isn’t covered here, please feel free to get in touch.

Questions you might be asking yourself

  • Sometimes life can become overwhelming when the ways we have always coped no longer seem to be working.

    You may be managing lots of things on the outside while feeling exhausted, anxious or unable to cope on the inside. You may simply be longing to feel like yourself again.

    Counselling can give you the space to slow things down, talk openly about what your’re experiencing and begin to understand what might be contributing to how your feel.

    You don’t need to know exactly why you’re struggling before you come to counselling. We can explore that together.

  • If you regularly doubt yourself, compare yourself with others or need reassurance that you’re doing things right, it can be exhausting.

    Sometimes these patterns develop from the experiences we’ve had and the messages we’ve received about ourselves throughout our lives.

    Together, we can explore where these feelings may have come from and how they affect the way you see yourself today. This can help you begin to develop a more compassionate and accepting relationship with yourself.

  • Overthinking can feel like your mind is constantly switched on. You may find yourself going over conversations, worrying about what might happen or questioning whether you’ve made the right decision.

    Counselling can provide a space t explore what sits underneath the anxiety and understand the thoughts and patterns that may be keeping it going.

  • Perhaps you’re used to being the person everyone can rely on. Saying no may feel uncomfortable, or even selfish, and you may automatically put other people’s needs before your own.

    Learning to recognise your own needs doesn’t mean you care any less about other people.

    We can explore where the guilt comes from, how your boundaries have developed and what it might look like to begin making space for yourself too.

  • You may feel that you’ve spent so long doing what is expected of you or looking after everyone else that you aren’t really sure what you want anymore.

    Together, we can explore your experiences, values, beliefs and the patterns that may have shaped the way you see yourself.

    Counselling can give you the space to reconnect with what matters to you and begin finding you own way.

  • The end of a relationship or the loss of someone important can bring many different emotions, sometimes all at once.

    You may feel sad, angry, relieved, guilty, confused or simply numb. There is no “right” way to feel.

    Counselling can give you a safe space to talk about whatever you’re experiencing without judgement, and to begin making sense of your feelings at your own pace.

Questions About Counselling and Practical Questions

  • Counselling can sometimes feel challenging because we’re exploring things that may have been difficult to think or talk about.

    But you won’t be pushed to talk about anything before you’re ready.

    I work at your pace and the sessions are guided by you. My role is to provide a safe, supportive space where you explore what feels important to you.

  • That’s absolutely fine.

    You don’t need to arrive with everything sorted out or have a list of things you want to discuss.

    We can start wherever you are and see what feels important to explore. Sometimes simply talking about what is happening for you right now is enough to begin.

  • There isn’t a set number of sessions that everyone needs. Everyone’s circumstances, needs and goals are different.

    Some people may find that a relatively short period of counselling is helpful, while others prefer to have longer-term support.

    We’ll regularly review how things are feeling for you what you need from counselling.

  • No.

    Although earlier experiences can sometimes help us understand patterns in the present, we don’t have to explore anything you aren’t comfortable discussing.

    If exploring earlier experiences feels useful and appropriate, we can do so gently and at your pace.

  • I offer face-to-face counselling in Ilminster.

    The therapy room is accessed by a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

    If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to discuss whether the room is suitable for you, please get in touch and I’ll be happy to talk this through with you.

  • Yes, I offer online counselling for clients who prefer to work remotely or who are unable to attend face-to-face sessions.

    Online sessions take place in a private and confidential setting, and we’ll discuss what you need to make the sessions work comfortably for you.

  • Sessions are 60 minutes

  • My fee is £45 per 60 minute session

  • No, you do not need a referral from your GP to have counselling with me.

    As part of the initial process, I will ask for some information about your GP and relevant medical history. This helps me to understand your circumstances and support you appropriately. If I ever felt it was necessary to contact your GP, I would discuss this with you first.

  • I hold a Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice (Level 5) and I am a member of the NCPS (MNCPS Accredited Member)

  • My current availability can vary, so please get in touch to ask about available appointment times.

    If I don’t have a suitalbe time available, I’m happy to let you know when my availability changes.

Still not sure?

You don’t have to know exactly what you need before contacting me.

If something you’ve read here has resonated with you, you’re welcome to get in touch and ask any questions you may have.

There is no pressure to make a decision straight away. sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation.

Get in touch