Is counselling right for me?

Counselling can be helpful for people experiencing difficult thoughts, feelings, or situations. It supports those feeling confused, anxious, stuck, or simply curious about understanding themselves better. Many people come to explore patterns, process change, or gain clarity. If you have questions, you can get in touch or visit the counselling services page for more information.

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. If you are looking for counselling for a particular issue, you can find more information on the Counselling Services page or get in touch to discuss how I may be able to help.

Is everything I say confidential?

Yes. What you share in counselling is kept completely confidential, with a few legal exceptions related to safety. I explain this fully in our first session so you understand exactly where you stand. You can also read more in the Privacy Policy.

How much does counselling cost?

Sessions cost £50. Payment is usually made in advance online or before the session by cash or card. I offer a limited number of concessionary spaces—please ask if cost is a concern. More details are on the Sessions and Fees page.

How do I book a session?

You can contact me via email or call 07755 4356807 and leave a message, or use the contact form on my website. I will get back to you to arrange an initial free 20-minute chat to explore what brings you to therapy and how I may be able to help.

What happens during a session?

Sessions provide a safe space to talk openly about what’s on your mind. I listen without judgement and help you explore what’s happening beneath the surface. It is a collaborative process where you set the pace and focus. You can find out more on the Sessions and Fees page or by reading about my therapeutic approach.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies from person to person. Some people benefit from a few sessions, while others prefer longer-term therapy. We regularly review your progress and decide what feels right for you.

What if I don’t feel a connection with the counsellor?

The therapeutic relationship is an important part of therapy. If after a few sessions you feel that I may not be the right fit, I will support you in finding someone who might be a better match.

What happens if I need to cancel a session?

If you need to cancel a session, I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice. You can contact me by text, email, or phone. Where possible, I will try to reschedule, but late cancellations may still be charged. More details are available on the Sessions and Fees page.

Can counselling really help me feel better?

Many people find relief simply by being able to talk and be understood. Over time, counselling can help you gain clarity, shift unhelpful patterns, and feel more confident in navigating life’s challenges. You can learn more on the Counselling Services page.

How Do I Choose A Counsellor?

So you’ve decided that now is the right time to begin therapy – that’s fantastic. Taking that first step is a big decision. Now you have to pick who you want to work with. You might find yourself asking: How do I choose a counsellor? What should I look for? Where do I start to find a good counsellor?
Looking for a counsellor may feel overwhelming, like it’s going to take up loads of your time – but trust me, it’s worth taking the time to research your options and think about what you need from your counsellor.

How to know if a counsellor is right for you

Ok. So how do you know if you’ve found ‘the right one’? When it comes to finding your counsellor, it really is up to you. What works for one person may not work for another. If you haven’t worked with a counsellor before then there will be things you don’t know, which may feel uncertain. I know when I looked for a counsellor I had a million questions. But that’s ok. I’m going to try and answer some of the questions I had, below. I’m a qualified counsellor, but I’ve also been the client, so here is my guide to what to look for when choosing a counsellor:

Are they professionally registered and qualified?

The great thing about beginning your search is there are plenty of resources online to help. The bad news is, in the UK the titles ‘counsellor’ and ‘therapist’ are pretty much entirely unregulated. This means that literally anyone can call themselves a ‘counsellor’ without any qualifications or training. Kind of worrying really. A good place to start is to find a counsellor who is registered with a professional body like the BACP ( British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) or the NCPS ( National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society). Being registered means that a therapist holds a recognised counselling qualification and are committed to continuing professional development. They will also follow a code of ethics and have regular supervision to ensure they are practicing safely. You can find registers of BACP or NCPS members ( or any other professional counselling organisation) online. Make sure you counsellor is listed on there, or ask them which professional body they are registered with.

Do they have experience/ specialisms?

Obviously when picking a counsellor you’ll want someone who has experience working with the things you want help with. So if you’ve experienced depression, you might look specifically for someone who’s worked with depression in the past. Experience is obviously important, but it’s not the only thing to consider. Another thing to look into is a counsellor’s background, their training, how they keep up to date, and their counselling modality- in other words, their overall approach. Lots of counsellors will state their experience clearly on their website. Think about what you personally want to know about your counsellor and their background.

How will it work in practice?

Now you’ve got some ideas about who you might want to work with – think about the practicalities. When will you be able to meet up with your therapist? Where are you based? Do you need online counselling or are you able to travel to meet someone face-to-face?

When are you free?

Let’s start with when. Do you have regular time that you know you’re free? If you’ve never spoken to a therapist before, you might need a bit of clearing some time in your diary. Make sure you have a think about when you’re available before you contact anyone. Most therapists will be pretty flexible when it comes to finding a mutually convenient time. Say you can only meet on Thursday afternoons, just let your potential therapist know. Compatibility is important so early on, let them know your time limitations.

On-line or face-to-face?

Online counselling is increasingly popular. There are benefits and down-sides to both meeting online and face to face. Online counselling means you don’t have to travel to meet someone, which can save time and money. Some people prefer online sessions, others prefer face to face, being physically present with a counsellor in a separated space. Think about what you’d prefer. If you’d like face-to-face counselling, you might want to consider where the therapist is located. If you don’t want to travel too far out of your home area that’s completely reasonable. Decide how far you want to travel and whether it’s important to be physically ‘in the room’ with them.

What can you afford?

Finally a big one is money. Private counselling can be expensive. Think about how much counselling you can realistically afford. Do you need to find lower cost counselling? Can your GP refer you for counselling on the NHS? You may have a long wait, but it might be worth considering. Think about how much money you can afford to pay per session, and see if you can find someone whose rate fits your budget.

Any accessibility needs?

Have you got any access requirements? Make sure your potential therapist can meet your needs. Ask if the counselling rooms are accessible? If you’re deaf do they have a hearing loop? What about if you’re wheelchair user? Whatever your accessibility requirements make sure your potential therapist can cater for your needs.

Feeling Comfortable is really important

Feeling comfortable is key. Every article I read about what makes therapy successful says the same thing. The quality of the relationship between client and therapist is the most important element for positive therapeutic outcomes. Feeling comfortable with your therapist and being able to speak openly with them is essential.
How you feel when you first speak to or meet with your therapist matters. Yes, counselling can be uncomfortable. Yes it will challenge you, and yes you may have to talk about some difficult things. But therapy will always feel awkward if you don’t trust and feel safe with your therapist. Your therapist should empower you to explore your feelings in a safe environment. If you don’t feel safe, it won’t work.

Your first contact with a counsellor

During your initial consultation with your counsellor, chat to them. Ask questions. They’re here to help you but this is also about YOU figuring out if you can trust this person with your thoughts and emotions. Most therapists will offer a free initial consultation as this is their chance to tell you what they offer, and for you to get a sense of who they are and how they come across. Ask your counsellor about how they work, listen to how they respond to you, and see if they feel like someone you can work with. Trust your initial feelings.

Take time to choose

Speak to a few therapists. If you don’t feel at ease, speak to someone else. I can’t stress this enough. Just because you contacted somebody doesn’t mean you have to go with them. Take your time. If you feel pressured into ‘committing’ to a therapist when you first speak to them, then that’s not the right therapist for you.

What if I start, but then don’t like my counsellor?

It happens sometimes. But if you don’t feel like the relationship is working out, tell them! They’ll completely understand. Therapy isn’t always easy. If you feel you’re not getting on with your counsellor it is totally fine to contact them and explain. If you’d like, they could help to find someone new for you to work with. It needs to be right for both of you.

So...what should I ask my counsellor?

I’ve listed a few below but these are just suggestions. Trust your gut and ask whatever you feel will help you decide if you can work with this person.

Questions You Could Ask

• What qualifications do you have? What organisation are you registered with?
• How much experience do you have working with ( insert issue here) ?
• How would you describe your therapy style?
• How long and how frequent are counselling sessions?
• Can you tell me about your availability?
• How will we both know when it’s time to finish counselling?
• How much do you charge per session? Any concessionary rates?
• What is your cancellation policy?

Final thoughts..

Picking a counsellor can feel daunting, but remember you’re taking big steps towards better self-care and looking after your mental health. Asking for help takes courage. Make sure you feel safe and supported with your counsellor so you can openly explore whatever it is that you need to work on.
Good luck, and I hope you find the counsellor that works best for you.

Samantha x

If you’re looking to untangle challenges your facing and find a path to firmer ground, I offer a counselling in a space that’s professional but human, gentle but honest. Find out more about me on the ‘About’ page to see if I sound like the right counsellor for you, or visit my Counselling Services page. Feel free get in touch below on Whatsapp.