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 think together about how past experiences, relationships and repeated patterns could be affecting how you feel now.
What can I bring to counselling?
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, family issues, work pressures, or a general feeling of being stuck.
You do not need to 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 home.
What are your fees?
My fee is £55 per 50-minute counselling session.
Before starting ongoing counselling, I offer a free 15-minute introductory chat either online or by telephone followed, if you would like to continue, by a free 50-minute initial consultation.
Ongoing sessions can be paid for by card, cash or bank transfer. Fees and payment arrangements can be discussed before counselling begins.
Do you offer a free introductory chat?
Yes. I offer a free 15-minute introductory chat, either online or by telephone.
This is an informal opportunity for you to tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions you may have, and get a sense of whether you would feel comfortable talking with me.
There is no obligation to continue.
What happens after the introductory chat?
If you would like to continue, we can arrange a free 50-minute initial assessment.
This gives us more time to explore what you would like help with, for me to explain how I work, and for us both to consider whether counselling together feels like the right fit.
The assessment can take place face to face in Witham or Chelmsford, online, or by telephone.
If we both feel that counselling together would be appropriate, we can then arrange a regular weekly session.
Is counselling confidential?
Counselling is confidential, and I will explain confidentiality clearly at the start of our work together.
There are some limits to confidentiality, for example if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or if I am legally required to share information. These limits will be discussed with you so that you understand how confidentiality works.
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 say.
The free 15-minute introductory chat gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of whether you would feel comfortable talking with me. If you decide to continue, the initial assessment gives us more time to think together about whether counselling may be helpful for you.
Who will I be seeing?
When you get in touch, you will be contacting me directly.
Your introductory chat and initial assessment 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 site, I mostly use the word counselling, but therapy can also describe the kind of regular, confidential talking space I offer.
Whether you call it counselling, therapy, or looking for a therapist, the most important thing is finding someone you feel able to talk to.
How do I book?
You can book a free 15-minute introductory chat online, or contact me directly by email.
Email: contact@midessexcounselling.org
The introductory chat can take place online or by telephone. If you would like to continue afterwards, we can arrange your free 50-minute initial assessment.