There's No Wrong Way to Start
Many people put off reaching out because they're not sure what counselling actually involves, or worry they won't know what to say, or feel they're not struggling enough to deserve support. None of those things are true — and this page is here to take away the uncertainty so you can focus on what matters.
Your Journey — Step by Step
You reach out
Contact me by email, phone, WhatsApp, or through the booking link — whichever feels easiest. You don't need to have it figured out or know exactly what to say. "I'm thinking about counselling" is enough. I respond within 24 hours, usually much sooner.
The free consultation
An informal 20-minute call or video chat. A chance to get a feel for how it is to talk with me, ask anything you want to know about counselling or how I work, and tell me a little about what's brought you here. No sales pitch, no pressure. If it doesn't feel right, that's completely okay.
Your first full session — contracting
The first paid session begins with contracting — covering the practical and ethical foundations of our work together. We'll go through confidentiality properly: what it means, why it matters, and the very limited exceptions. We'll agree on practical arrangements: how sessions are booked, cancellation, and how to contact me between sessions.
This isn't box-ticking. It's about establishing a clear, safe foundation so you know exactly where you stand. Most people find it reassuring rather than formal.
You bring what you bring
After contracting, the session is yours. There's no agenda, no checklist, and no expectation of how much you should share. I might ask an open question — but even that is just an invitation, not a requirement.
Some people arrive ready to talk and speak for the whole session. Others say very little. Both are completely fine. I'll listen carefully, reflect back what I'm hearing, and ask questions that help you explore your own experience. No notes, no analysing from a distance, no telling you what to do. Just genuine presence.
We check in and close
Towards the end we'll check in with how you're feeling, and think about whether you'd like to continue. If you want to book the next session, we'll agree a regular time. If you want space to reflect first, that's fine too. No expectation either way.
Things you don't need to worry about
- You don't need to have the "right" words — just honest ones
- You don't need to know what's wrong — just that something is
- You don't need to cry, or not cry — whatever happens is okay
- You don't need to have tried everything else first
- You don't need to commit to a set number of sessions upfront
- You can change your mind at any point — you're always in control
Common Worries — Answered Honestly
"I don't know what to say"
You don't need to prepare anything. Many people start with "I don't really know where to begin" — and that's a perfectly good place to begin. I'll help you find your way into the conversation.
"I'm not struggling enough"
You don't need to be in crisis to deserve support. If something is making your life harder or less fulfilling than it could be, that's a good enough reason. Counselling isn't just for rock-bottom moments.
"What if I get upset?"
Completely okay. This is one of the few spaces where you're allowed to feel whatever you feel, without managing anyone else's response to it. I've sat with all of it before, and I'll be steady with you.
"Will you tell anyone what I say?"
No. Everything is confidential. I'll explain the full details in contracting, but the short answer is: what you say stays between us. The only exceptions are very specific situations involving serious risk of harm, which are genuinely rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the first session?
50 minutes, the same as all regular sessions. The free consultation beforehand is 20 minutes and separate. Together they give us both a good foundation before we begin the deeper work.
Do I have to commit to a set number of sessions?
No. There's no minimum commitment. Some people find a few sessions enough; others prefer longer-term support. We check in regularly and you can stop at any point. I ask for reasonable notice when finishing — we'll agree the details in contracting.
What if we're not the right fit?
That's important information, and I'd rather you tell me than feel stuck. If after meeting me it doesn't feel right, I'll do my best to help you find someone more suitable. No judgment and no hard feelings — the right fit matters more than anything.
Can I have my first session online?
Absolutely. The consultation and first session can both be online via Carepatron's secure video platform. Everything works the same way — the contracting, the conversation, the confidentiality. Many people prefer to start online.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
I respond to all enquiries within 24 hours, usually much sooner. A free consultation can typically be arranged within a few days depending on current availability. I'll be upfront about wait times if there are any.
What happens between sessions?
That's entirely up to you. No homework, no tasks, no expectation. Some clients like to reflect on what came up; others prefer to let it settle. Both are fine. If something important comes up you need to share, you can contact me — though I'm not available for out-of-hours crisis support.
How will I know if counselling is working?
Progress often doesn't feel like a straight line. Some sessions leave you lighter; others stir things up before they settle. Over time most people notice shifts — in how they think about themselves, how they respond to situations. We'll review how things are feeling regularly.
What if I need to cancel a session?
Life happens and I understand that. I ask for as much notice as possible — we'll agree the specific arrangements in contracting. I'll always do the same for you if something unexpected comes up on my side.
Ready to Take the First Step?
The free 20-minute consultation is a no-pressure way to see how it feels. You don't have to commit to anything. You just have to turn up and be yourself.