Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling
Starting counselling can bring up lots of questions, particularly if you have never spoken with a counsellor before. Below I have answered some of the questions I am most often asked about counselling, sessions and how I work.
What happens before I start counselling?
I offer a free 15-minute introductory conversation before you decide whether you would like to begin counselling. This gives us an opportunity to briefly discuss what has brought you to counselling, what you are looking for and whether I may be the right counsellor for you.
There is no obligation to book counselling following this conversation.
What happens in the first counselling session?
The first full session gives us more time to explore what has brought you to counselling and what you would like help with.
You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to talk about or having everything worked out. We can begin wherever feels most important to you and develop an understanding of what you would like from counselling together.
How long does a counselling session last?
Individual counselling sessions usually last around 50 minutes.
For couples counselling, sessions usually last around 50 minutes, however length of session can be increased if required.
How often will we meet?
Counselling will usually take place weekly at an agreed time, although this can vary depending on your circumstances and the type of work we are doing.
We can discuss what is appropriate for you when we first meet.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
There is no single answer because everyone comes to counselling for different reasons.
Some people come with a particular issue they want to work through over a relatively short period. Others find longer-term counselling more helpful, particularly where difficulties involve longstanding patterns, relationships, trauma or complex life experiences.
We will review how counselling is progressing rather than assuming from the outset that you need a particular number of sessions.
Is counselling confidential?
Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and what you discuss in sessions will normally remain private.
There are, however, circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken, particularly where there are serious concerns about safety, safeguarding or where disclosure is required by law.
I will explain confidentiality and its limits clearly when we begin working together, and these are also covered within my counselling agreement.
Are you a registered counsellor?
Yes. I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within the BACP Ethical Framework.
I also undertake regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development as part of my professional practice.
What type of counselling do you offer?
My approach is integrative and primarily humanistic. This means I don’t expect every client to fit one particular model of therapy.
Instead, I draw upon different therapeutic ideas and ways of working according to the person, their experiences and what they want from counselling.
My work includes particular experience in addiction and recovery, trauma and PTSD, anxiety and panic, relationships and couples work, and supporting families affected by addiction.
Do you specialise in addiction?
Addiction and recovery are significant areas of my professional experience.
I have worked within addiction and recovery services for around 15 years, including extensive experience within residential rehabilitation and detoxification.
I provide counselling for people concerned about their own alcohol or drug use, people in recovery, and partners and family members affected by someone else’s addiction.
Do you work with trauma and PTSD?
Yes. Alongside my core counselling training, I have completed specialist Level 5 and Level 6 Diploma training in Working with Complex Trauma and PTSD through Integrated Trauma Solutions.
Trauma work needs to be individualised and appropriately paced. Beginning counselling does not mean you will immediately be expected to describe traumatic experiences in detail.
Can you support me if my partner or family member has an addiction?
Yes. You do not have to wait for the person you are worried about to seek treatment before getting support yourself.
I work with partners, parents and other family members affected by addiction, including difficulties around boundaries, trust, helping and rescuing, relapse and understanding treatment options such as rehabilitation and detoxification.
Do you offer couples counselling?
Yes. I work with couples experiencing a range of relationship difficulties, including communication problems, conflict, loss of trust, significant changes within the relationship and feeling emotionally disconnected.
Couples counselling isn’t about deciding who is right or wrong. It provides a space to better understand what is happening within the relationship and how each person is experiencing it.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes. I provide confidential online counselling to adults across the UK as well as face-to-face counselling from my practice in Hertford, Hertfordshire.
Online counselling can be particularly useful if travelling to Hertford isn’t practical or you simply prefer to have counselling remotely.
How much does counselling cost?
Current fees are:
Individual counselling — £70 per session
Couples counselling — £80 per session
Online counselling — £70 per session
Telephone counselling — £70 per session
I also reserve a limited number of reduced-cost counselling spaces depending upon individual circumstances.
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
I understand that circumstances sometimes change and sessions occasionally need to be cancelled or rearranged.
The cancellation arrangements will be explained before counselling begins and are included within my counselling agreement, so that we both have a clear understanding of what happens if a session cannot be attended.
Where are you based?
My face-to-face counselling practice is based in Hertford, Hertfordshire.
I also provide online counselling for clients across the UK.
Do I need to be referred?
No. You can contact me directly.
You do not need a GP or other professional to refer you for private counselling.
How do I know whether you’re the right counsellor for me?
The relationship you develop with your counsellor is important, and qualifications alone cannot tell you whether someone will feel right for you.
That is one reason I offer a free 15-minute introductory conversation. It gives you an opportunity to speak with me, ask questions and get a sense of whether you would feel comfortable working together before deciding whether to book a session.
What if I need urgent help?
Aldridge Counselling Services is not an emergency or crisis service, and I cannot provide immediate or 24-hour support.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department.
Still have a question?
If you’re considering counselling but aren’t sure where to start, you’re welcome to get in touch. We can briefly discuss what is happening for you and whether counselling with me might be appropriate.