Frequently Asked Questions
You may have questions before getting in touch. Below are some common questions about counselling, sessions, fees and how I work.
What is counselling or therapy?
Counselling offers a confidential space to talk about what feels difficult, confusing or painful. It is not about being told what to do, but about having time to speak openly and begin to make sense of your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
My approach is psychodynamic, which means we may also think together about how earlier experiences, relationships and repeated patterns continue to affect how you feel today.
What can I bring to counselling?
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood or depression, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, grief or loss, family difficulties, work pressures, or simply a sense of feeling stuck.
You do not need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what is wrong before getting in touch. We can begin with whatever feels most important to you.
How long is each session?
Ongoing counselling sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place at the same time each week.
Meeting regularly can help create a steady and reliable space where we can think together about what is happening for you.
Do you offer open-ended counselling?
Yes. I offer open-ended counselling rather than a fixed number of sessions.
This means we do not need to decide at the beginning how long counselling will last. We can continue for as long as the sessions feel useful, reviewing this together as we go.
Do you offer face-to-face and online sessions?
Yes. I offer face-to-face counselling in Witham and Chelmsford, as well as online counselling for adults across the UK.
Online sessions can be helpful if you live further away, have work or family commitments, or simply prefer to attend from your own space.
What are your fees?
Ongoing counselling sessions are £55 per 50-minute session.
Before counselling begins, I offer a free 50-minute initial consultation, available face to face or online.
Ongoing sessions can be paid for by card, cash or bank transfer.
What happens at the free initial consultation?
The initial consultation gives us time to talk about what has brought you to counselling and what you may be hoping for.
You can ask any questions, and I can explain more about how I work. It also gives us both an opportunity to get a sense of whether working together feels right.
There is no obligation to continue afterwards.
What if I don't know what to talk about?
That is completely fine. You do not need to arrive with a list of things to discuss or know exactly why you are seeking counselling. We can begin with whatever is on your mind and allow things to unfold at your own pace.
Is counselling confidential?
Counselling is confidential, and I will explain confidentiality clearly at the beginning of our work together.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
You do not need to be certain before making contact.
Many people begin counselling with mixed feelings, or without knowing exactly what they want to talk about. The free initial consultation gives us time to think together about what has brought you to counselling and whether working together may be helpful.
Who will I be seeing?
When you contact Mid Essex Counselling, you will be contacting me directly.
Your initial consultation will be with me and, if we decide to continue, I will also be the counsellor you see for your regular weekly sessions.
What is the difference between counselling and therapy?
People often use the words counselling and therapy in similar ways.
On this website I mostly use the word counselling, but therapy can also describe the regular, confidential talking space I offer.
Whether you call it counselling or therapy, the important thing is finding someone you feel able to talk to.
How do I book?
You can call, email or text me, or use the contact form on the Contact page.
We can then arrange your free 50-minute initial consultation, either face to face in Witham or Chelmsford, or online.