FAQS
DOES COUNSELLING REALLY WORK?
Absolutely! Counselling is an evidence-based and effective form of therapy for many people. Research shows that counselling can help with depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions and other emotional challenges. NICE guidance supports counselling as an effective treatment for depression in adults.
That said, therapy isn’t a quick fix. How well counselling works can depend on the issue you’re bringing, what’s happening in your life, and – importantly – the relationship between you and your counsellor.
I believe we can’t underestimate the power of being truly heard and understood without judgement. When you feel safe and respected, meaningful change becomes possible. Counselling offers a confidential space to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace, with professional mental health support alongside you.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO FEEL BETTER?
This is a very common question about counselling and therapy. The honest answer is that it depends on you and the difficulties you’re facing.
Some people feel relief after a few counselling sessions, especially when working with anxiety, stress or a specific life issue. Longer-standing concerns such as depression, trauma or relationship patterns can take more time. Meaningful change in therapy often builds gradually.
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor with extensive professional training and ongoing CPD, and I am a accredited member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). This means I work within recognised ethical and professional standards.
In our first session, we’ll talk about your goals and agree a pace of counselling that feels right for you, reviewing progress together as we go.
WHAT IF DOESN'T FEEL LIKE IT'S WORKING?
It’s normal to question whether counselling or therapy is working. Sometimes it may not feel how you expected. Talking about anxiety, depression, trauma or relationship difficulties can feel uncomfortable before it feels relieving.
You might also feel you haven’t quite “clicked” with your counsellor. The therapeutic relationship is a key factor in effective counselling, so feeling safe and understood really matters.
If counselling doesn’t feel helpful, I encourage you to say so. We can review your goals, adjust our focus, or explore what isn’t working. Therapy should feel collaborative and supportive — and it’s always your choice whether to continue.
AS A COUNSELLOR, DO YOU HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS?
No. As a professional counsellor, I don’t give advice or claim to have all the answers. Counselling is a collaborative process where you are the expert in your own life. My role is to provide a safe, confidential space to help you explore your thoughts and emotions, gain clarity, and find solutions that feel right for you. Therapy supports self-awareness and lasting change — not quick fixes.
HOW IS COUNSELLING DIFFERENT TO CHATTING TO A FRIEND?
Talking to a friend or family member can feel supportive and uplifting — but it isn’t the same as professional counselling or therapy.
Friends and relatives naturally have their own views, history and emotional investment in you. You may also feel pressure to protect them, hold back, or “put on a brave face.” Counselling offers something different: a confidential, neutral and non-judgemental space focused entirely on you and your mental health.
As a qualified counsellor, I am trained to work therapeutically with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, identity and life transitions. Counselling is grounded in psychological theory and evidence-based practice, not personal opinion or advice.
I work within the BACP Ethical Framework, which means I follow clear professional standards, maintain confidentiality, and commit to ongoing training and development. We also agree clear boundaries from the outset, creating a safe and structured therapeutic relationship.
Counselling provides dedicated, professional mental health support — a space where you can explore thoughts and feelings more deeply than is often possible in everyday relationships.
IS EVERYTHING I SAY IN COUNSELLING CONFIDENTIAL?
Trust is the absolute cornerstone of the counselling relationship. What you share in a counselling session is confidential between you and your counsellor.
However, as counsellors we do have to work ethically and within the law. If confidentiality needs to be breached, I would usually discuss this with you, for example where I had concerns about the risk of serious harm to you or others. There are also incidences where I would be legally required to disclose for example to comply with the Terrorism Act (2000), Road Traffic Act (1991) and Children Act (1989).
Confidentiality would all be discussed with you in the first session, giving you an opportunity to ask questions.