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Frequently Asked Questions
- 01Counselling provides space to explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences and relationships, particularly when you may be struggling with something or going through a difficult or uncertain time. As a person-centred, integrative counsellor, I work with you as an individual, drawing on different therapeutic approaches depending on what feels most helpful for you. There is no “one size fits all” approach. Coaching tends to be more focused on the present and future, helping you gain clarity about what you want, identify what may be holding you back, build confidence and take steps towards your goals. It can be particularly helpful when you're feeling stuck, facing a transition or wanting to make a change in your personal or professional life. There can be some overlap between counselling and coaching, and sometimes you may not be sure which is the right fit. That's okay. We can talk through what you're looking for and decide together which service feels most appropriate. Counselling and coaching are offered under separate contracts, with clear boundaries around the purpose and nature of each service.
- 02It’s completely understandable to feel nervous about starting counselling or coaching. Talking to someone new about yourself and what you’re experiencing can feel daunting. You don’t need to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out before you begin. We can take things at your pace, and there’s no expectation to share anything you’re not ready to talk about. My aim is to offer a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can feel comfortable being yourself.
- 03Confidentiality is an important part of both counselling and coaching, and what you share with me will be treated with respect and kept private. There are some legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, which we will discuss at the beginning of our work together. These may include situations where there is a serious concern about your safety or the safety of someone else, or where I am legally required to share information. The boundaries of confidentiality will be explained clearly in your contract, so you know what to expect.
- 04Whether you’re coming for counselling or coaching, you don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to. We can work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and you remain in control of what you choose to share. You may choose not to talk about certain things at all, and that’s okay. There is no judgement or pressure to disclose anything that doesn’t feel right for you.
- 05Yes. I offer a free 20-minute introductory call to give us an opportunity to briefly talk about what you’re looking for and whether counselling or coaching feels like the right fit for you. It’s also a chance for you to ask any questions, hear a little about me and how I work, and for us to consider whether I’m the right person to support you. There’s no obligation to book a session.
- 06Sessions are 50 minutes and cost £55 per session.
- 07I offer a limited number of concessionary-rate sessions for counselling and coaching students, as well as for those who may be experiencing financial difficulty or are on a lower income. These spaces are subject to availability, so please feel free to get in touch to discuss this with me. We can talk about your circumstances and what may be manageable for you.
- 08Sessions are usually held weekly, as regular sessions can provide consistency and continuity. However, the frequency can be discussed together and may depend on your individual needs, circumstances and what feels manageable for you. We can review this as we work together and adjust the frequency if needed.
- 09There is no set number of sessions, as everyone’s needs and circumstances are different. Some people may find a few sessions helpful, while others may benefit from longer-term support. We can regularly check in about how things are feeling for you and what you would like from the work. You remain in control of the pace and length of our work together.
- 10Sessions are available in person or online via video conferencing. For online sessions, a secure video link will be sent to you before your appointment. In person sessions are held at either: Riverside Church, St Thomas, ExeterThe Good Life Therapy, Sowton, Exeter
- 11I understand that sometimes things come up and you may need to change an appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know as soon as possible.If I need to cancel or reschedule a session, I will also let you know as soon as possible and offer an alternative appointment where possible. My cancellation policy will be explained clearly when we begin working together and included in your contract, so you’ll know what to expect regarding cancellations, rescheduling and any applicable fees.
- 12Yes. You are free to end counselling or coaching at any time. We can talk about ending the sessions together, if you would like to, and make sure there is a clear and appropriate ending to our work. If you decide that you would like to stop, you can simply let me know.
- 13Finding the right person to work with is important. I offer a free initial conversation where we can talk about what you’re looking for, what you’d like support with, and whether counselling or coaching feels like the right fit. It’s also an opportunity for you to get a sense of how I work and whether you feel comfortable with me. There’s no pressure to book sessions, and you can take time to decide what feels right for you.
- 14Sometimes, another type of support may be more appropriate for what you’re experiencing. If I feel that would be the case, we can talk about it openly and discuss the options available to you. Where appropriate, I can refer you to another professional or service that may be better suited to your needs. My priority is making sure you have the right support, even if that means working with someone else.
- 15Counselling and coaching are separate services, with different focuses and separate contracts. For this reason, I would not normally provide both at the same time. However, one may naturally flow into the other as your needs change. If, for example, you complete your counselling and feel that coaching would be helpful moving forward, we can discuss this and, if appropriate, begin coaching under a new contract. The same applies if you move from coaching into counselling. Any change would be discussed and agreed with you, with a new contract put in place so that the nature and boundaries of the work are clear.
- 16Yes. I am neurodivergent-affirming and have experience working closely with neurodivergent children and young people in SEN (Special Educational Needs) schools, as well as supporting their families. This experience has given me a practical understanding of the different ways neurodivergent people may communicate, process information, experience emotions and navigate relationships and everyday life. It has also taught me the importance of adapting communication and creating a space where people feel understood, respected and able to be themselves. I understand that there is no single way to be neurodivergent, and I take an individual approach rather than making assumptions based on a diagnosis or label. I aim to communicate in ways that work for you, whether that means using clear and direct language, taking things at your own pace, allowing processing time, or adapting how we work together.My approach is about understanding and working with your individual needs, strengths and experiences, and adapting our work together to suit you.
- 17Yes. I currently offer sessions at Riverside Church, Exeter and The Good Life Therapy Centre, Exeter, and I’m happy to discuss any accessibility or additional needs you may have before your first appointment. Riverside Church is fully accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with additional needs. There is step-free access via street level and ramp access from the riverside. There is also a lift to the room I work from. Accessible toilets with appropriate handrails and facilities are available on-site. There are nearby parking options, including limited on-street parking and Okehampton Street Car Park, which has accessible parking for Blue Badge holders. The Good Life Therapy Centre is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access to the building, waiting area and therapy rooms. There is free on-site parking, including designated accessible parking spaces close to the entrance. Please note that the toilets at the centre are not wheelchair accessible. There is, however, an accessible toilet available at the Starbucks next door. If you have particular access requirements, please let me know when booking. I’m very happy to talk through the practical details with you beforehand, so you know what to expect and can feel comfortable when you arrive.
- 18Parking options are available at both venues, although they differ slightly. Riverside Church, Exeter has limited on-street parking available nearby, as well as Okehampton Street Car Park, which is a short walk from the venue. Okehampton Street Car Park is a council-operated, paid car park. Blue Badge holders can use accessible parking spaces there. The Good Life Therapy Centre, Exeter has free on-site parking, with designated parking spaces close to the entrance. There is ample parking at the front and back of the building (feel free to use the green spaces, if needed). Parking is available for up to 3 hours, which will provide plenty of time for your appointment. If you have any questions about parking or need help finding the most suitable option for your visit, please feel free to ask when booking.
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