Frequently Asked Questions
My specialism is working with adolescents between 11 and 25 who are experiencing a challenging time. Whether you feel paralysed by procrastination, angry or unmotivated, or hyperaware of what others are thinking, counselling can help.
Sometimes when there are specific outside stressors, like losing a loved one or juggling the pressure of exams, it is clear we need a space to be understood. Often, though, the experience of not knowing why we feel the way we do, or struggling to pinpoint or express it, can be infinitely more frustrating and confusing. It can make us feel out of control, helpless or stuck. In these instances counselling can be a huge help to untangle and make sense of what is going on inside.
I work with clients in the UK and in selected US states, in accordance with applicable state laws and professional regulations.
I support young people with a wide and complex range of challenges, including anxiety, low mood, stress, life transitions, grief or bereavement, and difficulties with school, friendships or family life.
Every young person’s experience is different, and you don’t need to fit into a specific category to seek support. I also have substantial experience working with neurodivergent individuals.
I offer online sessions only in my private practice.
It is completely normal to feel unsure about starting something new. And yet, if we stick to what feels familiar and do what we’ve always done, things rarely change the way we might hope for. Starting counselling can feel strange, but you are in control of the pace and the experience is led by you. Sometimes people start counselling and decide that it isn’t the right time for them, and that’s completely OK.
An initial session can simply be a chance to meet, ask questions, and see whether it feels like a good fit. Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision and there’s no obligation to continue if it doesn’t feel right.
The first session is a chance to get to know each other and talk about what has brought you to counselling. I’ll explain how counselling works, including confidentiality and safeguarding, and there will be space to ask any questions. There’s no pressure to share anything before you’re ready. There’s no rush — we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable.
Parents or caregivers are usually involved in the initial stages, particularly when arranging sessions. They may also want to share background information. With younger clients, parents may wish to discuss how they can support their child.
Ongoing sessions are confidential to support trust and openness for the young person. They need to experience counselling as a space that is uniquely theirs. This helps them feel emotionally safe and have the best outcomes in therapy. Where appropriate, and with the young person’s consent, I can work collaboratively with parents while always keeping the young person’s wellbeing at the centre.
Any safeguarding concerns will be managed carefully and in line with professional guidelines.
Everything shared within a counselling session is treated as confidential. The only exception is if I am concerned about a person’s safety or the safety of others. In these situations, I have a professional duty to act in line with UK safeguarding guidelines, which differ for under-18s and adults. If I need to share information outside the counselling session, I will always do my best to inform you first. I handle safeguarding disclosures with sensitivity and care whilst prioritising safety.
Sessions last 50 minutes.
Especially when first beginning, weekly sessions are recommended to build a foundation and momentum for the young person. People come to see me for a length of time that feels right to them. I offer both short-term work, usually 6–10 sessions, and longer-term, more open-ended work. Often, people might do a shorter-term piece of therapeutic work and come back in the future when a different challenge arises. It is something we have regular check-ins about, and it’s never awkward to talk about stopping. Endings are important in counselling and that’s why we have check-ins regularly to facilitate young people being able to advocate for themselves when it might feel like enough and empower them to have a planned ending.
I work flexibly, and often young people want to attend during the school term and take breaks during the holidays. This is easily facilitated.
Counselling is a space to have your feelings and experiences held and treated with care. It is a place to express and explore, and that process does not always follow a predictable trajectory. That said, individuals often experience relief and benefits from the first session of counselling. In some cases, six sessions can be sufficient to build a foundation of insight that causes a shift in experience. This can be especially true for clients aged 17 and over. I currently work within a six-session model at a university and have seen consistent data supporting this. I have observed that clients aged 11–16 often need additional time to build trust and security before they begin to experience positive effects or relief from distress.
Sessions are priced at £70.
Block pricing is available but is not recommended until after four sessions, when you and the young person have a more informed view about whether you want to continue. I would never want someone to feel obliged to attend because of finances. This is particularly important when working with young people, as they are aware that their parents are funding the sessions and this could create a negative association with talking about their experiences.
Concessional rates are available for individuals who are self-funding and not living with their parents. Please contact me for details.
Payment is required 24 hours before a session to guarantee the booking. Cancellations must be made at least 12 hours before a session for me to be able to reschedule the session at no cost. A missed session or late cancellation incurs a £35 fee.
Having a regular session time at the beginning can help the client experience the stabilising effects of counselling.
If you fill in the contact form, I will get in touch and we’ll arrange an initial conversation to talk about your needs and see whether working together feels like a good fit. There’s no obligation to continue beyond this first step.
Still have questions?
Starting therapy is a big step, and it’s natural to have more questions. If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you navigate this process.