is counselling right for you?

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel surprisingly hard — especially when you’re already tired, overwhelmed, or used to putting everyone else first. I’ve kept the process as simple and gentle as possible, so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Here’s what working together usually looks like.

1. Making initial contact

You can get in touch in whatever way feels easiest for you — either by emailing me directly or using the Contact Me section on my website.

You don’t need to have the “right words”. A few lines about what’s been going on for you is more than enough.

Everything you share at this stage and ongoing is treated confidentially, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework.

2. Booking a free 15-minute call

Once you’ve been in touch, I’ll invite you to book a 15-minute call. This is a chance for us to gently explore whether counselling together feels like a good fit.

During the call we can:

• Talk about what’s bringing you to counselling right now

• Look at your availability and mine

• Explore which way of working might suit you best

• Think together about whether counselling feels like the right support at this point

This isn’t an assessment you need to “pass”. It’s simply a chance to ask questions, get a sense of how I work, and notice how it feels to talk together.

3. Deciding whether we can work together

An important part of ethical counselling is making sure the support offered is appropriate and safe.

During our call, I’ll also be gently assessing whether I’m the right counsellor for you and whether counselling with me is suitable for what you’re experiencing. Just as importantly, you’ll be checking whether I feel like the right fit for you.

Counselling works best when it feels like a shared decision.

4. Arranging your first session

If we both feel happy to move forward, we’ll agree a day and time for your first session.

Before your first session, I’ll email you:

• A proposed counselling contract outlining how we’ll work together

• Some clear information about the counselling process

• A few forms to help us understand your starting point

You’re welcome to:

• Read and complete these in advance
  or

• Bring them with you to your first session

All information is held confidentially and securely, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework.

5. Your first session

The first session is a gentle beginning — not a deep dive unless you want it to be.

We’ll:

• Get to know each other

• Agree how we’ll work going forward

• Think together about what you’re hoping for from counselling

• Make a plan for future sessions

We can go at your own pace. Nothing needs to be decided or shared before you’re ready.