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 kind of issues can counselling help with?

Counselling can support a wide range of issues, including Anxiety, stress, and depression

Grief and loss

Relationship or family difficulties

Low self-esteem or confidence

Addiction and recovery support

Trauma or childhood experiences

Life transitions, work-related stress, or burnout

I feel it’s important to recognise that counselling isn’t only for times of difficulty, it can also support personal growth, self-development, and greater self-awareness.

If you’re unsure whether counselling is right for you, we can talk this through during an initial consultation.

 

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.

 

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. All sessions take place online via Zoom, allowing you to access counselling from the comfort of your own space. You’ll need a private, quiet room and a stable internet connection.

 

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.

 

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 registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) No. 0108610.

I work in line with the BACP Ethical Framework

I hold full professional indemnity insurance, through Holistic Services Insurance

 

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.

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 stated in my Safeguarding Policy.  

All data is kept only for as long as required by  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.

 

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.

 

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:

stuart@sgcounselling.org.uk