What is person-centred counselling?
Person-centred counselling is a form of talking therapy that places you at the centre of the process, recognising you as the expert of your own life. My role as a counsellor is not to offer advice or direction, but to provide a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. This approach is founded on the belief that, when met with empathy, acceptance, and genuine understanding, individuals have the natural capacity to grow and discover their own answers.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and to build on our initial phone call, it is for you to share what brings you to counselling. We’ll talk about what you’d like to get from the sessions, go through the counselling agreement, and discuss confidentiality and boundaries and agree our way of working together.
How many sessions will I need?
That is up to you, and everyone is different, there’s no right or wrong number of sessions. Some people find that a few sessions are enough, while others prefer longer-term support.
To provide structure and continuity, sessions are offered in blocks of eight. There’s no obligation to complete all eight sessions; you’re free to pause or end at any time. Around session seven or eight, we’ll review our work together and, if it feels right, we can agree to continue for another block of sessions.
How long are sessions and how much do they cost?
Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £50 per session.
Payments are made via bank transfer before each session.
How do you offer counselling?
I offer counselling in the following ways:
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Online via Zoom, providing a confidential and accessible space to work together
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In person in Ware, Hertfordshire and Hackney, London (please note there is currently no availability for in-person sessions)
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By telephone, for those who prefer not to use video
Is counselling confidential?
Yes, everything you share is treated confidentially. The only exceptions are if I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or if required by law (for example, in cases of terrorism or safeguarding). Any concerns would always be discussed with you where possible.
How is my personal information stored?
All digital records, such as contact details or anonymised session notes, are kept on encrypted, password-protected systems, in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I do not keep paper copies.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights and data protection. My ICO registration number is ZC042999.
Your information is never shared with anyone else unless required by law or in situations where there is a serious concern for your safety or the safety of others, as outlined in my Safeguarding Policy.
All data is kept only for as long as required by law and professional guidelines, and is then safely deleted or destroyed.
What polices do you have?
I follow clear policies to ensure your safety, confidentiality, and the ethical running of my counselling practice these include:
- Confidentiality Policy
- Safeguarding Policy
- Data Protection & Privacy Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Equality & Diversity Policy
All policies are available for you to view upon request, and I’m happy to talk through any of them before or during our work together.
How do I book a session?
You can contact me via email or through the contact form on this website. I’ll get back to you within 1–2 working days to arrange a brief initial chat and schedule your first session. You can also make contact through my Counselling Directory or Psychology Today pages
What if I need to cancel a session?
I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may still be charged in full.
Are you qualified and insured?
Yes, I hold a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Person Centred Counselling achieved through the Collaborative Counselling Academy.
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) No. 0108610.
I am also an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) No. MNCPS (Acc.) S3784
I work in line with both the BACP Ethical Framework and Code of Ethics | NCPS
I hold full professional indemnity insurance, through Holistic Services Insurance.
What are the BACP and NCPS, and what does accreditation mean? Why are you registered with both?
The BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) are two of the main professional bodies for counsellors in the UK. They exist to set ethical standards, promote good practice, and protect clients by holding counsellors accountable for the work they do.
Being registered with a professional body means that a counsellor has met specific training requirements, works to an ethical framework, engages in regular supervision, and commits to ongoing professional development. It also provides clients with reassurance that there is a clear complaints and accountability process in place if concerns ever arise.
Accreditation is a further step beyond registration. It is a more advanced status that recognises a counsellor’s experience, depth of practice, and continued professional development over time. Accreditation usually requires substantial post-qualification hours, reflective practice, supervision, and a rigorous assessment process.
I am registered with the BACP and a accredited member of the NCPS because they are widely recognised and respected within the counselling profession. Being registered with both reflects my commitment to high ethical standards, professional accountability, and ongoing development. It also allows clients to feel confident that my work is guided by recognised professional frameworks, while giving them choice and transparency about the standards I work to.
What if I’m in crisis or need urgent help?
I’m not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please contact:
NHS: Call 111 or 999 if you are in immediate danger
Samaritans: 116 123 Available 24/7
Shout: Text 85258 Available 24/7 crisis text line
If you have any other questions or would like to see any of the polices, please do drop me an email: