Person-centred counselling in Retford

Yes. Everything you share in sessions is held in confidence. I will not discuss what you tell me with anyone else without your knowledge and consent. There are a small number of exceptions to this, for example, if I had serious concerns about your safety or the safety of someone else, and I would always aim to discuss this with you first rather than act without your knowledge. Confidentiality and its limits are something we talk through openly at the start of our work together.

There is no fixed answer to this, and I would be cautious of anyone who gave you one. Some people find that six to twelve sessions is enough to feel meaningfully different. Others prefer to work over a longer period. The pace and length of our work is something we review together as we go, and you are always free to stop at any point. There is no minimum commitment.

These terms are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Counselling tends to focus on particular difficulties or life experiences, and is often shorter-term. Psychotherapy is similar but often involves deeper or longer-term work. Psychiatry is a medical specialism, psychiatrists are doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. In practice, the distinction between counselling and psychotherapy is less important than finding a practitioner you feel comfortable with.

That is completely fine. Many people arrive not knowing where to start, or with a vague sense that something is wrong but no clear words for it yet. We can begin wherever you are. Sometimes the most useful sessions start with 'I do not really know what I need from this.' You do not need to prepare, and there is nothing you need to have figured out beforehand.

If you are asking the question, that is usually reason enough to explore it. Counselling is not only for people in crisis. It can be useful when things feel stuck, when you are going through a significant change, when you want to understand yourself more clearly, or simply when you want a space to think out loud with someone who will listen properly. The free 20-minute chat we have before committing to sessions is specifically for you to get a sense of whether this feels right.

Life happens, and I understand that. I ask for as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule, ideally at least 48 hours. Sessions cancelled with less notice may still be charged, depending on the circumstances. We will agree a clear cancellation policy at the start of our work, so there are no surprises.

The practice is based in Retford, where I offer in-person counselling. Online sessions are available across the UK, including if you live further away or travelling is difficult.

The research suggests that online counselling is broadly as effective as in-person work for most people. Some people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space. Others prefer the clear physical boundary of meeting in person. There is no right answer. If you are unsure which would suit you, we can talk it through before we begin.

No. I charge a single flat rate, with no sliding scale or reduced-fee sessions. I find this keeps things simpler and more equitable, without the awkwardness of means-testing.

Yes. Regular clinical supervision is a professional and ethical requirement, and I attend it consistently throughout my practice. Supervision is a space where counsellors reflect on their work with a qualified, experienced supervisor in order to maintain quality, spot blind spots, and protect the people they work with. Your name and any identifying details are never shared.