Question 1

What is Counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is a professional, confidential process where individuals work with a trained therapist to explore and navigate personal challenges. It provides a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, or any other emotional or psychological challenges. The goal of counselling is to support clients in understanding their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping and empowering them make informed decisions and improve their overall well-being.

Counselling can be short-term or long-term, depending on the individual's needs and the complexity of the issues being addressed. Therapists use a range of approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, or psychodynamic methods, which is tailored to each individual. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or simply want to understand yourself and build awareness, counselling can be a valuable resource for personal growth and emotional healing.

Question 2

How can I help?

Accepted Answer

As your counsellor, I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive space where you can explore whatever is on your mind, without fear of judgment. I’m here to listen, to help you reflect, and to guide you in understanding yourself more deeply. Together, we’ll work to make sense of your experiences, identify patterns or obstacles that may be holding you back, and explore new ways of thinking, feeling, or responding to the challenges that you face

Counselling isn’t about giving advice or telling you what to do. Instead, it’s a collaborative process where we focus on your goals and what feels right for you. I will support you in building emotional resilience, improving relationships, gaining clarity, and finding healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges. Your active involvement is key, my role is to walk alongside you as you move toward the changes and growth that you seek.

Question 3

What is the frequency and length of sessions?

Accepted Answer

At the start of your therapeutic journey, sessions are typically held once a week and last for 50 minutes. This consistent rhythm helps to build a safe, trusting relationship and offers a supportive structure for exploring your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Weekly sessions provide the continuity that fosters meaningful progress. Over time, the frequency can be adjusted to reflect your evolving needs and goals. It’s quite common for clients to move to fortnightly sessions once they feel more equipped to navigate their challenges independently. We’ll regularly review the pace together to ensure it continues to support your personal growth and well-being.

Question 4

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions you may need depends on what you’d like to explore and the depth of change you’re hoping to achieve. Counselling can be helpful in both the short term—typically 6 to 12 sessions—for focused issues or support through a specific life event, as well as in longer-term work, which may last from 6 months to 2 years or more.

Some clients come for a brief period to gain clarity or emotional relief, while others choose to engage in a deeper, ongoing process of personal development and healing. We’ll regularly review our work together to ensure the therapy is meeting your needs and helping you move forward.

Question 5

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

I am based in Yeovil, Somerset, and offer in-person counselling sessions at Nine Springs Natural Health Clinic. Sessions take place in a comfortable, private room that provides a safe and confidential environment for our work together.

If you're not local or prefer more flexibility, I also offer online counselling.

70 Hendford, Yeovil, Somerset. BA20 1UR

Question 6

What is the cost of a session and how do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Each 50-minute session costs £55. Payment is required in advance of the session to confirm your booking. You can pay via bank transfer, or if you prefer, you're welcome to bring cash and hand it over at the start of the session.

If you have any questions about payment or need to discuss alternative arrangements, please feel free to get in touch.

Sort Code: 04-00-03   Account Number: 79637413

Question 7

How do I get in contact?

Accepted Answer

You can get in touch by emailing me at info@growth-counselling.com or calling/texting 07359440542. If I’m unable to answer straight away, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can—usually within 24 hours.

You’re also welcome to fill out the contact form on my website to request an initial 15-minute call, where we can briefly discuss what’s bringing you to therapy and whether it feels like the right fit.
If you have any questions before arranging a session, don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m happy to help.

Question 8

What can I expect from the initial call?

Accepted Answer

The free 15-minute initial call is a chance for us to briefly explore your reasons for seeking therapy. I may ask a few questions to better understand your background, current concerns, and what you’re hoping to gain from counselling. I’ll also explain how I work and outline my approach, so you have a clear sense of what to expect.

You’re welcome to ask any questions during this time, about the process, my style, or anything else that matters to you. It’s completely natural to feel a little nervous, especially if this is your first experience of therapy. There’s no pressure to share everything, just go at your own pace.
By the end of the call, we’ll have a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit, and we can look to book your first session if you’re ready.

Question 9

What can I expect from the first session?

Accepted Answer

In the first session, we’ll take time to begin building a therapeutic relationship and discuss what brings you to therapy. We’ll talk about your current concerns, your background, and what you hope to achieve through counselling. I may ask questions to help guide the conversation, but there’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with.

We’ll also go through a working agreement, this is an important part of the process, as it helps establish clear boundaries, expectations, and how we’ll work together. It ensures that we’re on the same page regarding confidentiality, session structure, and the goals you want to focus on.

As part of the session, we’ll complete a couple of assessments, to get an initial measure of the severity of any symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Please note that these assessments are not diagnoses, but tools to help us track your progress and review your situation over time.

Finally, we’ll start to look at some goals for therapy, identifying areas where you’d like to see change or improvement.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous at the start of therapy, especially if it’s your first time. Rest assured, we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. By the end of the session, we’ll have a good understanding of your needs, and you’ll have a clearer sense of how we can work together moving forward.

Question 10

Do you offer online counselling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I offer  online counselling sessions via a secure video platform. This can be a convenient and flexible option if you prefer to speak from the comfort of your own space, have mobility limitations, or live outside the local area.

Online sessions follow the same structure as in-person therapy and are held at a regular weekly time. All you need is a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection. I’ll provide full guidance on how to set up for your session and ensure everything runs smoothly.

If you're unsure whether online counselling is right for you, we can discuss this during the initial call.

Question 11

Who are the BACP?

Accepted Answer

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is a professional body that sets high standards for counselling and psychotherapy practice in the UK. They provide ethical guidelines, a code of conduct, and a complaints procedure to protect both clients and practitioners.

As a BACP-registered counsellor (401203), I adhere to their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, which means you can expect a professional, respectful, and ethical approach to therapy. My registration also reflects a commitment to ongoing training, supervision, and reflective practice to ensure safe and effective support for clients.

You can find more information about the BACP at www.bacp.co.uk.

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