Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about counselling?
This FAQ page explains what therapy involves, how sessions work, and what to expect when you reach out for support.
Get in touch if you want to know more
Find the answers to some your questions by clicking on the arrows below
Is counselling right for me?
Counselling can be helpful for people experiencing difficult thoughts, feelings, or situations. It can help you to look at situations from a new perspective, or to process difficult feelings or experiences. You may feel confused, anxious, stuck, or simply want to understand yourself better. Many people seek counselling to explore patterns of thinking or ways of being they’ve noticed in themselves. Processing a change in your life or gaining greater clarity about what you want can also be a goal of coming to counselling.
If you have questions, you can contact Candlewood Counselling, or visit the Counselling Services page for more information about the support I can offer.
It’s important to know that counselling is not a crisis service. If you are in crisis, you may need to contact your GP or NHS mental health services. You can find useful links to emergency and support services here.
What kinds of issues do you work with?
I support adults with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, stress, burnout, grief, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and life transitions. You can read more about some of the issues I can help you with here
If you are looking for counselling for a particular issue, find more information on the Counselling Services page
If you’re unsure whether counselling is suitable, you’re welcome to Get in Touch to learn more about how counselling might help you.
You could also read more about my approach to counselling and about how I could work with you.
Is everything I say confidential?
Yes. What you share in counselling is kept completely confidential, with a few legal exceptions related to safety. I’ll explain this fully in our first session so you know exactly where you stand. You can find out more about your privacy in the Privacy Policy page.
How much does counselling cost?
I charge £50 per session. Payment is usually made in advance online, or before the start of the session by cash or card. I offer a limited number of concessionary spaces—please ask if cost is a concern. Visit the Sessions and Fees page for more information.
How do I book a session?
You can contact me via email or call me on 077554 356807 and leave a message.
Alternatively, you can use the contact form here.
After you’ve contacted me, I’ll get back to you as soon as possible, to arrange a time to have an initial chat.
This is to explore what brings you to therapy and how I may be able to help.
It will last about 20 minutes and is free.
At this stage, I’ll take some brief details and complete an initial assessment form. This helps us establish what you’re hoping to achieve from therapy.
Once we agree to move forward, we’ll schedule your first session and I’ll confirm this by email or text.
I’ll also send you some paperwork by email for you to look over. This gives you a chance to read it before we discuss it in your first session.
Sessions last 1 hour and take place in a safe, confidential setting.
After this, we will arrange your first session.
To secure the same time each week, you can book a block of sessions in advance. Or you can book week-by-week, if you prefer.
Find out more about how the process works on the Sessions and Fees page
What happens during a session?
Counselling sessions are a space for you to talk freely about what’s on your mind. I’ll listen carefully and without judgment and help you explore what’s happening beneath the surface. I can support you in finding clarity or new perspectives on the issues you’re facing and help you to move forward.
It’s not about being “analysed” or told what to do — it’s a collaborative process where you set the pace of the work and what you want to the focus on. Find out more about how I work here, or find out about a first session on the Sessions and Fees page.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies from person to person. Some people find a few sessions helpful in looking at a particular issue, while others prefer longer-term support, perhaps when circumstances and past history are more complex. We’ll review your progress together and decide what feels right for you.
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What if I don’t feel a connection with the counsellor?
The therapeutic relationship between the counsellor and client is the foundation of effective therapy. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor and that you can begin to build a therapeutic connection. If after a few sessions you feel that I’m not the right fit for you, don’t worry – I’ll support you in finding someone who might be a better match.
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
Life happens, so there may be an occasion when you need to cancel a session. I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel. You can let me know by sending a text, an email or calling 07554 356807 and leaving a message. Where possible, I’ll try to reschedule a session, but late cancellations may still be charged. Visit the Sessions and Fees page for more information about sessions.
Can counselling really help me feel better?
Many people find relief simply from being in a space where they can be heard and understood. Counselling can help you feel better about the person you are, how you see yourself and how you interact with other people. Over time, counselling can help you gain clarity about a situation or shift unhelpful patterns in your thinking or reactions. It can help you to feel more confident in navigating life’s challenges. Visit the Counselling Services page to find out more about how counselling could help you.
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Looking for further information?
If you are looking for more information about counselling, or about some of the issues and problems we sometimes experience, check out
- The How Therapy Can Help page
- The Low Confidence and Self-Esteem page
- The Anxiety and Depression page
- The Relationships page
- The Trauma page
- The Useful Links page.
- A copy of my Privacy Policy here.
“In every change, in every falling leaf, there may be pain, there may be beauty- that’s the way new leaves grow.” – adapted from Amit Ray