Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions About Online Counselling Answered 

Everything you want to know about sessions, neurodivergence, and how I work

💬 How do we get started?

Please email me to arrange a free 20-minute introductory call. This is a chance to see whether we feel like a good fit. We’ll talk about what brings you to counselling, what you’re hoping for, and you’re welcome to ask any questions.

🛋️ What happens in the first session?

If you decide to go ahead, the first session will involve going over our counselling agreement (also known as a therapeutic contract) and beginning our work together, wherever you’d like to start.

🔒 What is confidentiality?

Everything you share in therapy is confidential. I protect your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
There are rare exceptions where I may need to break confidentiality, such as if there’s risk of serious harm or to comply with the law. This is explained fully in our counselling agreement, and we can discuss any concerns.

☂️What is neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is a non-medical umbrella term that emerged from the neurodiversity movement. It describes people whose brains process, learn, or experience the world in ways that differ from dominant societal norms. These differences can be innate or acquired.

While often associated with autism and ADHD, the term is broader and can include dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette’s, brain injury, and, in some understandings, certain mental health conditions. Rather than seeing these differences purely as disorders, the neurodiversity perspective recognises them as natural variations in human cognition. Challenges can be real, but so can strengths.

🧘‍♀️ How should I prepare?

Ensure you have a private, quiet space where you won’t be interrupted or overheard. You’ll need a charged device and a reliable internet connection. You may also be more comfortable if you can be hands-free.
You might like to jot down anything you’d like to bring, but it’s also okay to show up and see what comes up in the moment. Please arrive promptly and make payment as agreed.
You’re welcome to explore other forms of expression too, such as drawing or writing in session, or bringing something you created between sessions such as music, writing or art, if that feels helpful.

📆 How often should I have therapy?

Weekly sessions are usually the most effective for building consistency and trust. However, we can discuss what works best for you.
You’ll usually be offered a regular time slot, and future sessions can be confirmed as we go.

⏱️ How long are sessions?

Each session lasts for 50 minutes, often called the "therapeutic hour."

🤝 Can we make reasonable adjustments to how we work?

Absolutely. I welcome conversations at any stage about what might help the space feel as supportive and accessible as possible for you. This could include adjustments to timing and pacing, sensory needs, movement or breaks during sessions, communication preferences, the use of visual aids, taking your own notes or verbal summaries, or support with transitions into and out of sessions.

If there’s anything else that would help you engage more comfortably or effectively in therapy, please feel free to bring it into our work - your needs are always valid and worth exploring together.

🪴 How long will we work together?

That’s entirely up to you and based on what meets your needs. Some people choose open-ended work and review as we go. Others prefer a set number of sessions. The work may also shift and change as we go. However we work, I encourage us to plan an ending session to reflect and bring closure when the time feels right - although you are also welcome to return, should that feel helpful. 

🗂️ Do you keep records of sessions?

Yes. For insurance, supervision, and good practice, I keep brief, pseudonymised notes of our sessions. These are stored securely in line with UK GDPR and are not shared with any third party, unless you are otherwise advised e.g. those coming via agencies.
I keep records for 7 years from the end of therapy and then securely destroy them.
You have the right to access, rectify, or request erasure of your data. Please see my Privacy Policy for more details.

🔄 Would you refer me to another service or counsellor?

If I feel your needs would be better met by someone with different expertise or training, I’ll talk with you about this and help with any onward referral. This is in line with the BACP ethical framework and ensures you get the best support.

🚨 What if I’m in crisis or need urgent help?

I don’t offer crisis or emergency support. If you are at immediate risk of harm, please contact your GP, NHS 111, attend A&E, or call 999. You can also contact Samaritans on 116 123 for 24/7 support. 

🗓️ What is your availability?

I offer flexible weekday appointments, which we can discuss in your introductory call. I don’t currently offer weekend sessions.

🎨 Can I work creatively?

Absolutely. The space is yours, and if you’d like to explore things beyond talking, we can include creative elements. This might include drawing, writing, music, using objects, or other approaches that feel meaningful to you.

🤔 How do I know you’re the right counsellor for me?

It’s a really important question. The relationship between us is at the heart of therapy.
We’ll check in about the fit during our first session and ongoing work. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re encouraged to bring it into the space. Sometimes that’s part of the therapeutic process; sometimes it’s a sign that a different approach or practitioner might be better.
What matters most is that you feel safe, supported, and able to be yourself.

🌍 Do you work with clients outside of the UK?

I only work with clients who are located in the UK at the time of sessions. This is due to legal, safeguarding, and privacy reasons.

📚 What is the BACP?

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is a professional body that ensures ethical and competent therapeutic practice.
I am a registered member, having undergone recognised training, adhering to their ethical framework, and engaging in ongoing professional development. You can view the BACP Ethical Framework here.

📣 What if I have a concern or complaint?

If you have any concerns about our work together, I encourage you to raise them with me so we can talk them through. If we’re unable to resolve things, you can follow the BACP complaints procedure. Details are available on the BACP website.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? You can always contact me or book a free exploratory call to talk through any questions.