Frequently Asked Questions

  • Talking about our difficulties can help. The act of sharing painful feelings by talking about them with a trusted person can provide feelings of relief, a reduction in stress and improvement to our mental health. 

    It can also help us to gain some understanding, view problems with new perspectives and feel some clarity. 

  • When we are struggling in life, concerned for our mental health, feeling stuck, hurt, confused, empty, or alone, we all deserve a place to talk with someone who we know will not judge or shame us. We need someone who will give us the space to say what we need to say and who will listen with warmth and hope.

    Sometimes, talking with family and friends gives us the comfort and clarity we need. But there are times when it’s helpful to talk to someone outside our daily circle - someone who knows how to listen deeply, is removed from our every day life, and is able focus entirely on you. I can offer you this.

  • Perhaps you’re struggling to sleep, have low energy or feel bad about yourself? Maybe you’re feeling low, stressed, anxious or feel confused, empty or lost.

    We all have these sorts of feelings from time to time, but if your feelings are persistent, overwhelming or it’s difficult to cope, you might benefit from some extra support.

    Maybe you’re not sure, but have a feeling that things aren’t quite right. There doesn’t have to be anything ‘wrong’ for you to benefit from counselling. A space to talk things through, free from judgement, can be enormously beneficial. It could help you discover more about yourself, what’s important to you and what you want from life.

  • Counselling is a unique experience for everyone, but people often find it most helpful when they feel ready to open up about things that may feel personal or vulnerable. It’s also a chance to explore your feelings and behaviours in a supportive and understanding space.

  • Your first therapy session with me is an opportunity for us to see if we’d work well together. Research shows that the success of therapy often depends on the strength of the relationship between therapist and client, so this is an important step.

    During our session, I may ask questions like:

    • What’s brought you to therapy?

    • Why now?

    • How will you know when you’re feeling better or ready to finish counselling?

    You might already have specific topics or areas you’d like to explore, and we can start to look at those together.

    This is also your chance to get a sense of how I work and ask any questions you might have. If you feel comfortable and happy to book more sessions, we can arrange that at the end of our time together. If you’d prefer to take a little time to think, I’ll check in with you a few days later to see what you’d like to do next.

  • Yes of course! If you’re still unsure, have other questions, or you’d like to make contact for any other reason before booking a first session, no problem. I offer a free 20 minute online or telephone call. There’s absolutely no obligation to book any further sessions.

  • Counselling is confidential. This means I will not share information about you with a third party unless you consent to that disclosure. So I will not tell anyone that you attend counselling, or what you say in our sessions, without your permission to do so.

    Exceptions to confidentiality:

    There are circumstances when I might have no choice but to share information about you, even if you do not agree to this happening. These are:

    • If there is a serious concern for your or someone else’s safety, particularly if a child is at risk of serious harm;

    • If there is a legal obligation relating to your involvement in, or knowledge of, a serious crime;

    • If there is a court order requesting information about you;

    • If it is essential to prevent a serious and imminent threat to either public health or national security.

    Where possible, though, I will always seek your consent before any disclosure.

  • A session is 60 minutes long and is usually held at the same time weekly or fortnightly.

    I do offer some weekend, evening and term-time only spaces for those for whom it would benefit.

  • I offer counselling online or on the telephone. Online sessions offer flexibility and the opportunity to avoid a commute, and flexibility to continue sessions around work and daily commitments.

    I also offer in-person therapy in central Exeter, a short walk from Exeter High Street. On street parking is available.

    If you would like to arrange a session and my room is not suitable for you, please get in touch to see whether other options, such as phone or video call sessions, might work for you.

    • Initial 20 minute chat: FREE

    • 60 minute therapy sessions: £45

    I have a limited number of discounted spaces for student counsellors. Please ask.

  • I take a person-centred approach to counselling, which means I won’t tell you what to do or how to live your life. I believe there’s no such thing as a perfect life—only the lives we have and what we make of them.

    My passion lies in creating a safe, trusting, and hopeful space where you feel fully accepted and supported, while also gently challenged to grow in meaningful ways. Together, we can explore what the life you truly want looks like.

    With training and experience in a range of therapeutic approaches, I can tailor our sessions to meet your unique needs and goals.

  • I warmly welcome all adults over 18 to reach out and explore whether counselling with me feels like the right fit for you. I have extensive experience in supporting people through a variety of challenges, including:

    • Abuse, including emotional, physical, and coercive control

    • Anxiety, panic, and stress

    • Depression, low mood, and persistent sadness, including suicidality 

    • Trauma

    You might be facing difficulties in your relationships, navigating changes in your body or workplace, or feeling stuck at a crossroads in your life, unsure of where to turn next.

    If there’s something on your mind that isn’t listed here, please don’t let that stop you from reaching out. Research shows that the most important factor in therapy is finding the right person to support you—and I’d be happy to see if we can take that step together.

  • Counselling is a deeply personal experience, and it’s different for everyone. Some people start to feel better quite quickly, while for others, the process takes more time.

    It’s important to know that therapy can sometimes bring up difficult or painful emotions. That’s why finding the right counsellor is so important—someone who makes you feel safe, supported, and understood. A strong relationship with your counsellor can make all the difference. It’s about feeling that you can trust them, ask questions, and be completely honest.

    Many people find that counselling helps ease pain and suffering, builds their ability to cope with life’s challenges—both big and small—and brings more joy, purpose, and self-acceptance into their lives.

  • Samaritans

    116 123 free-phone helpline for support, or email at jo@samaritans.org (24 hour service)

    MIND

    www.mind.org.uk offer information and advice on all aspects of mental health and well-being they also offer Side-by-side.

    Side-by-side www.sidebyside.mind.org.uk a supportive online community where you can be yourself.

    Silver Line

    0800 4 70 80 90 – a confidential, free helpline for people over 55 across the UK (24 hour service). They also offer friendship calls.

FAQ