Counselling in Bath
Frequently asked questions

About starting counselling

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

Many people come to counselling without being certain what they need. You don’t have to be in crisis, and you don’t need to have a clear problem in mind. If something doesn’t feel right, or you’re finding life harder than it used to be, counselling can be a way of exploring that safely.

Will counselling still be helpful even if I’m not sure what’s wrong?

Absolutely. Part of what we do is making sense of things together. You can begin exactly where you are, even if all you have is a sense that something needs attention.

Do I need a clear goal before starting counselling?

No. Some people come with a clear focus, others don’t. Goals often emerge as we work together, rather than being fixed at the start.

What if I’m unsure about reaching out to a counsellor?

It’s very common to feel hesitant about contacting a counsellor. You might wonder whether your concerns are serious enough, feel unsure how to put things into words, or worry about being understood.
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you come. Counselling is a place where we can gently explore what’s going on - together.

What makes counselling effective?

Research consistently suggests that one of the most important factors in successful therapy is the quality of the relationship between counsellor and client. Different approaches can be helpful, but feeling understood, respected and able to speak openly often provides the foundation for meaningful change.

About starting counselling

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

Many people come to counselling without being certain what they need. You don’t have to be in crisis, and you don’t need to have a clear problem in mind. If something doesn’t feel right, or you’re finding life harder than it used to be, counselling can be a way of exploring that safely.

Will counselling still be helpful even if I’m not sure what’s wrong?

Absolutely. Part of what we do is making sense of things together. You can begin exactly where you are, even if all you have is a sense that something needs attention.

Do I need a clear goal before starting counselling?

No. Some people come with a clear focus, others don’t. Goals often emerge as we work together, rather than being fixed at the start.

What if I’m unsure about reaching out to a counsellor?

It’s very common to feel hesitant about contacting a counsellor. You might wonder whether your concerns are serious enough, feel unsure how to put things into words, or worry about being understood.
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you come. Counselling is a place where we can gently explore what’s going on - together.

What makes counselling effective?

Research consistently suggests that one of the most important factors in successful therapy is the quality of the relationship between counsellor and client. Different approaches can be helpful, but feeling understood, respected and able to speak openly often provides the foundation for meaningful change.

What are counselling sessions like?

What happens in a first session?

The first session is a chance to talk about what has brought you to counselling and to get a feel for how it might be to work together. There’s no expectation to share more than you feel ready to. It’s also a chance for you to decide whether counselling feels right for you.

Do you give advice or tell me what to do?

I don’t offer quick fixes or tell you how to live your life. Instead, I work with you to understand what’s going on for you and to explore choices in a way that feels realistic and grounded.

Will you challenge me?

At times, yes - but gently and thoughtfully. Any challenge is always in service of understanding, not judgement, and you’re free to say if something doesn’t feel helpful.

Does counselling always involve talking about difficult things?

Not at all. While counselling can sometimes involve exploring difficult feelings or experiences, it can also include moments of relief, insight, curiosity, humour and moments of connection. We will work at a pace that feels manageable for you. Many clients find that alongside talking about challenges, counselling also helps them reconnect with their strengths, interests and what brings meaning to their lives.

What is it like to work with you?

Different people experience counselling differently, but clients often describe feeling listened to, understood and able to bring difficult experiences into the room without fear of judgement. I aim to offer a steady and supportive presence so that you can explore your experience openly and at your own pace. Clients often leave with a clearer understanding of themselves, a fresh perspective on a difficulty, or something meaningful to reflect on between sessions.
One thing is common across most forms of counselling: change tends to happen within a trusting relationship. While we may explore ideas, feelings and experiences together, for many people  the most important part of counselling is the experience of meeting regularly with someone who listens carefully, seeks to understand them, and provides a safe and consistent space for reflection.

What are counselling sessions like?

What happens in a first session?

The first session is a chance to talk about what has brought you to counselling and to get a feel for how it might be to work together. There’s no expectation to share more than you feel ready to. It’s also a chance for you to decide whether counselling feels right for you.

Do you give advice or tell me what to do?

I don’t offer quick fixes or tell you how to live your life. Instead, I work with you to understand what’s going on for you and to explore choices in a way that feels realistic and grounded.

Will you challenge me?

At times, yes - but gently and thoughtfully. Any challenge is always in service of understanding, not judgement, and you’re free to say if something doesn’t feel helpful.

Does counselling always involve talking about difficult things?

Not at all. While counselling can sometimes involve exploring difficult feelings or experiences, it can also include moments of relief, insight, curiosity, humour and moments of connection. We will work at a pace that feels manageable for you. Many clients find that alongside talking about challenges, counselling also helps them reconnect with their strengths, interests and what brings meaning to their lives.

What is it like to work with you?

Different people experience counselling differently, but clients often describe feeling listened to, understood and able to bring difficult experiences into the room without fear of judgement. I aim to offer a steady and supportive presence so that you can explore your experience openly and at your own pace. Clients often leave with a clearer understanding of themselves, a fresh perspective on a difficulty, or something meaningful to reflect on between sessions.
One thing is common across most forms of counselling: change tends to happen within a trusting relationship. While we may explore ideas, feelings and experiences together, for many people  the most important part of counselling is the experience of meeting regularly with someone who listens carefully, seeks to understand them, and provides a safe and consistent space for reflection.

Counselling, trauma and the past

What if I’ve experienced trauma?

Counselling can help you approach difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable. We would work carefully, with attention to safety and stability, rather than pushing into anything too quickly.

Do you have specific trauma training?

Yes I have attended a specific in-depth training course on trauma. I am also a Somatically trained counsellor. Somatic therapy is particularly suited for people who have experienced trauma. There is a growing body of evidence confirming its effectivenesss. 

What is somatiic therapy?

Somatic therapy operates off the idea that what happens to you in your life is stored not only in your mind but also in your body. By focusing on the physical sensations in your body in addition to talking about your issues, it  seems to bring  mind and body together in a very effective therapeutic way.

Is your approach touch-based, will I be asked to do exercises?

No. Sessions are conversational and there is no physical contact. We will talk about whatever feels important to you
While I may occasionally draw on approaches such as Focusing, mindfulness or awareness of bodily experience, these are woven naturally into our conversation rather than taught as separate exercises. You are always free to decline any invitation, and we will work in a way that feels comfortable and useful for you.

What if talking about the past feels overwhelming?

You don’t have to talk about everything, or all at once.
Often working somatically involves slowing things down, building awareness, and developing a greater sense of steadiness and choice. If difficult feelings or memories do arise, they are approached gently and with support, paying attention to grounding, safety, and regulation.
Many people find that this approach can feel less overwhelming than therapies that focus primarily on talking through events in detail.
You would never be expected to disclose more than feels safe or to revisit traumatic experiences before you are ready.

Counselling, trauma and the past

What if I’ve experienced trauma?

Counselling can help you approach difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable. We would work carefully, with attention to safety and stability, rather than pushing into anything too quickly.

Do you have specific trauma training?

Yes I have attended a specific in-depth training course on trauma. I am also a Somatically trained counsellor. Somatic therapy is particularly suited for people who have experienced trauma. There is a growing body of evidence confirming its effectivenesss. 

What is somatiic therapy?

Somatic therapy operates off the idea that what happens to you in your life is stored not only in your mind but also in your body. By focusing on the physical sensations in your body in addition to talking about your issues, it  seems to bring  mind and body together in a very effective therapeutic way.

Is your approach touch-based, will I be asked to do exercises?

No. Sessions are conversational and there is no physical contact. We will talk about whatever feels important to you
While I may occasionally draw on approaches such as Focusing, mindfulness or awareness of bodily experience, these are woven naturally into our conversation rather than taught as separate exercises. You are always free to decline any invitation, and we will work in a way that feels comfortable and useful for you.

What if talking about the past feels overwhelming?

You don’t have to talk about everything, or all at once.
Often working somatically involves slowing things down, building awareness, and developing a greater sense of steadiness and choice. If difficult feelings or memories do arise, they are approached gently and with support, paying attention to grounding, safety, and regulation.
Many people find that this approach can feel less overwhelming than therapies that focus primarily on talking through events in detail.
You would never be expected to disclose more than feels safe or to revisit traumatic experiences before you are ready.

Counselling Practicalities

How long are sessions and how often do we meet?

Sessions last 60 minutes and usually take place once a week. We can review the frequency as we go, depending on what feels helpful.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. I offer both in-person and online sessions, and we can talk together about what might suit you best.

Where do sessions take place?

Yes. I offer both in-person and online sessions, and we can talk together about what might suit you best.

How long do people usually come for?

There’s no set length of time. Some people come for a few sessions, others for longer. We can review the work regularly and talk openly about when it feels right to end.

What about confidentiality?

What you share in counselling is confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions that I would explain clearly. Creating a sense of trust and safety is central to how I work.

How much does it cost?

Your initial 30 minute session is free.
Subsequent sessions are 60 minutes, at £55 per session.
I work Mondays to Fridays..

How do I get started?

Please email me by clicking below. Getting in touch doesn’t commit you to anything. If it seems helpful, we can arrange an initial 30‑minute conversation at no charge. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, check availability, and see whether working together feels right.

Counselling Practicalities

How long are sessions and how often do we meet?

Sessions last 60 minutes and usually take place once a week. We can review the frequency as we go, depending on what feels helpful.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. I offer both in-person and online sessions, and we can talk together about what might suit you best.

Where do sessions take place?

Yes. I offer both in-person and online sessions, and we can talk together about what might suit you best.

How long do people usually come for?

There’s no set length of time. Some people come for a few sessions, others for longer. We can review the work regularly and talk openly about when it feels right to end.

What about confidentiality?

What you share in counselling is confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions that I would explain clearly. Creating a sense of trust and safety is central to how I work.

How much does it cost?

Your initial 30 minute session is free.
Subsequent sessions are 60 minutes, at £55 per session.
I work Mondays to Fridays..

How do I get started?

Please email me by clicking below. Getting in touch doesn’t commit you to anything. If it seems helpful, we can arrange an initial 30‑minute conversation at no charge. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, check availability, and see whether working together feels right.

Counselling in Bath, Trowbridge and online. Supporting adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, low mood or a sense of feeling stuck.