Frequently Asked Questions

If you want somewhere to talk, understand what's happening and have someone alongside you. You may want to explore  → Counselling with me.

If you've maybe had some therapy already and want to explore things more deeply through the body, nervous system and parts of yourself. You may want to explore → Somatic & IFS-informed therapy with me

Counselling FAQ

I've never had counselling before. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Many people who contact me are coming to counselling for the very first time.

You don't need to know what to say, have everything figured out, or even be sure counselling is right for you. We simply begin with a conversation and take things one step at a time.

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What happens before I book a session?

I offer a free 20-minute introductory chat.

It's a chance for us to meet, talk a little about what's bringing you here, ask any questions you may have, and get a feel for whether we seem like a good fit.

There's no pressure to book afterwards. Sometimes that first conversation is enough to help you know what feels right.

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What happens in a counselling session?

Every session is different because every person is different.

Some people need space to talk. Others want help making sense of what's happening in their lives. We might explore stress, anxiety, relationships, burnout, grief, family dynamics, life changes, or simply how you're feeling right now.

There is no right or wrong way to come to counselling. We begin where you are and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

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What if I feel nervous or don't know what to say?

That's completely normal.

Many people tell me they've been thinking about reaching out for months before making contact.

You don't need to arrive with the right words or tell me everything in the first session. Building trust takes time, and we'll go gently.

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I'm autistic, ADHD or think I might be neurodivergent. Will you understand?

Yes.

I work in a neuro-affirming way and welcome people who are diagnosed or self identifying as Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, Dyselexic and a wide range of Neurodiverse experiences including highly sensitive. Maybe you are currently curious and exploring whether neurodiversity may be part of your experience.

Alongside my professional training, I also bring lived experience of neurodivergence, I feels this helps me to understand that we all experience and move through the world differently.

Many of my clients bring a drink, use fidget toys, draw, move around, take breaks, bring a pet to their online sessions, stim and settle into their session in whatever way feels most supportive.  My hope is to create a space where you don't have to mask or be anyone other than yourself, before our first session we discuss any ways that I can support you and as we get to know each other, we keep exploring together what will support you in the sessions.

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Do you offer online or face-to-face counselling?

Yes.

I offer online counselling across the UK and face-to-face counselling in Bristol.

Together we can decide which feels most comfortable for you.

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How often do sessions take place?

Everyone's needs are different.

Some people come weekly, others fortnightly, some people work with me in long term counselling, while some choose shorter-term support around a particular issue.

With my Somatic and IFS work I am able to offer ad hoc and monthly sessions. 

We'll decide together what feels manageable and supportive for you.

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Do you offer a sliding scale?

Yes.

Accessibility is important to me, and where possible I offer a sliding scale to help make counselling more accessible.

You can find my current fees on the Fees page, or we can talk about them during our introductory chat.

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Will everything I share be confidential?

Yes.

Everything you share is treated with care and respect. There are a small number of legal and ethical exceptions where there is a serious risk of harm or safeguarding concern.

I'll explain confidentiality fully before we begin and answer any questions you may have.

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How will I know if counselling is helping?

Counselling looks different for everyone.

Over time, many people tell me they feel calmer, more connected to themselves, clearer about their needs, and more able to navigate life's challenges with greater self-compassion.

Somatic & Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed Therapy FAQ

What is  Somatic and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.

It's a gentle, compassionate approach, together we explore the connection between your mind, body, nervous system, emotions and the different parts of you, helping you build greater self-understanding, inner safety and self-compassion.

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I've had counselling before. How is this different?

Many people who come to this work may have already had counselling or therapy.

They may understand their story but still notice they feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, blocked or caught in the same ways of coping.

Somatic Therapy and IFS gently explore not only what happened to you, but how those experiences may still be held in your body, nervous system and protective parts. It offers another layer of healing alongside talking and other supportive healing modalities 

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What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic Therapy gently explores the connection between your body, emotions and nervous system.

Sometimes stress, burnout, trauma or difficult experiences can leave us feeling constantly on alert, exhausted or disconnected from ourselves.

Rather than pushing through, we slow down and become curious and aware about what your body might be communicating, helping to support you feel more grounded, regulated and connected.

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What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is based on the idea that we all have different parts of ourselves.

You might recognise an inner critic, a people-pleasing part, an anxious part, or the part that always feels it has to keep going.

Rather than trying to get rid of these parts, we gently get to know them with curiosity and compassion, understanding how they've been trying to help you.

You don't need any previous knowledge of IFS. I'll guide you through it gently.

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Do I have to talk about my trauma?

No.

You are always in control of what you choose to share.

We don't need to revisit difficult experiences before you feel ready. Your sense of safety is far more important than telling your story.

We work gently, respectfully and at your pace.

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How do I know if this approach is right for me?

Many people come to me because they're curious about the different parts of themselves maybe exploring parts like an inner critic, a good girl part or the hidden shadow parts, the opposing polarised parts. They want to learn more about their nervous system, attachment, reparenting, inner child work, parts work. They maybe navigating challenging situations and systems, burnout, chronic stress, trauma, or understanding why they may keep finding themselves in the same patterns.

Others simply want to find ways to feel more connected to themselves, exploring and experience ways to feel a sense of calm, self-compassion, reconnect with all their emotions and find ways to sit, be with, tend to them and process them.

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Do I need to know anything about Somatic Therapy or IFS before we begin?

Not at all.

Many people are completely new to these approaches.

I'll introduce everything gently, using clear, everyday language, and we'll only explore what feels supportive for you.

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Why might I choose to work with you?

Many of the people who find me have been searching for a therapist who feels warm, gentle, compassionate, attuned and down to earth.

Many of my clients have spent years reading books, listening to podcasts, trying to understand themselves, or having counselling before. They maybe curious to explore Somatic and IFS and to work collaboratively with me so we can explore and use these approaches in ways that work for you.

Alongside my Integrated Counselling training, I bring specialist training in Somatic Therapy and Internal Family Systems informed training (IFS), specialist trauma training, my own journey in using Somatic work and IFS in my personal healing,  over 30 years of experience in community & creative wellbeing, and lived experience that continues to shape how I work.

My approach is trauma-informed and trauma sensitive, neuro-affirming, body-affirming and inclusive. 

My hope is to offer a space where all the parts of you are welcome, a place you can slow down, have space to be heard, seen and accepted, and gently begin creating a sense of home within yourself.