Frequently Asked Questions

My schedule fluctuates and this is not an emergency service. The best way to ascertain my availability is to contact me and schedule your complimentary consultation.

If you require immediate assistance, reference the resources page on this website.

Walled Garden Counselling is committed to providing affirming, collaborative, and person-centred care. Besides the specialised pathways I offer, here are the most common issues that come up in the counselling room with me:

• Complex childhood trauma

• Intergenerational trauma

• Anti-oppression & social justice

• Attachments & relationships

• Intellectualisation & dissociation

• Emotional neglect

• Parentification & emotional neglect

• Life transitions

• Inner child/ parts work

• Boundaries & conflict/resolution

• Anxiety & depression

• Dysfunctional family of origin

• Identity exploration

• People-pleasing & enmeshment

• LGBTQIA+ community support

• Somatic Experiencing and mind-body integration

• Sexual trauma

• Functional Freeze

Counselling is a confidential and collaborative process that provides a dedicated space to explore your thoughts, emotions, relationships and life experiences.

People seek counselling for many different reasons, including:

• Anxiety

• Stress and burnout

• Low self-esteem

• Relationship difficulties

• Grief and loss

• Life transitions

• Family dynamics

• Identity and self-discovery

• LGBTQ+ experiences

• Feelings of overwhelm or uncertainty

Counselling can offer an opportunity to gain insight, develop self-awareness and navigate challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

Online counselling takes place via secure video sessions from the comfort and privacy of your chosen location.

All you need is:

• A stable internet connection

• A private space where you will not be interrupted

• A device with a camera and microphone

Many clients appreciate the convenience, flexibility and accessibility of online counselling, particularly when balancing busy professional and personal commitments.

There is no fixed answer to this question.

Some clients seek support around a specific issue and attend for a relatively short period, while others choose longer-term counselling to explore more complex or longstanding concerns.

The pace and duration of counselling will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

That’s okay! I may know colleagues to refer you to. Most importantly, I want you to get the right support that you need to improve your life, whether that is with me or another mental health practitioner.

Yes.

I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation for prospective clients.

This provides an opportunity to discuss what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions you may have, and consider whether working together feels like the right fit.

There is no obligation to continue after the consultation.

Standard counselling sessions start at a duration of approximately 50 minutes.

Where appropriate, longer sessions may be discussed and arranged separately.

See the Fee & Policy page for more information on sessions I offer.

Most clients begin with weekly sessions, as regular attendance helps establish continuity and momentum within the counselling process.

However, counselling is not one-size-fits-all.

The frequency of sessions can be discussed and tailored according to your needs, circumstances, and goals.

The first session is an opportunity to begin getting to know one another and to explore what has brought you to counselling.

We may discuss:

• Your current concerns

• Relevant personal history

• Previous counselling experiences

• What you hope to gain from counselling

• Any questions or expectations you may have

There is no expectation to share more than feels comfortable.

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling.

Information shared within sessions is treated with care and discretion.

However, confidentiality is not absolute.

There are limited circumstances where information may need to be shared, including:

• Serious concerns about risk of harm

• Safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults

• Legal obligations or court orders

These limitations are explained fully within the Counselling Agreement you will be sent should you choose to work with me.

In all other circumstances, however, my clients generally prefer private counselling as it is more discreet. My notes are taken on a paper notepad and are locked away safely between sessions. Notes are not automatically sent to your GP, and this privacy gives clients peace of mind that their work with me is indeed private.

Yes.

Walled Garden Counselling welcomes and affirms LGBTQ+ clients.

The practice aims to provide a respectful, inclusive and non-judgemental space in which clients can explore their experiences, relationships, identity and wellbeing.

Yes.

As an online-only practice, counselling is available to clients across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

No.

Private counselling does not require a GP referral.

You may contact Walled Garden Counselling directly to arrange an initial consultation.

Yes.

Many clients attend counselling while also receiving support from their GP or other healthcare professionals.

Counselling can sit alongside other forms of support where appropriate.

Any questions regarding medication should always be discussed with the prescribing healthcare professional.

Research suggests that online counselling can be an effective form of therapeutic support for many individuals.

Many clients find that engaging in counselling from a familiar and comfortable environment enables them to reflect openly and engage meaningfully in the therapeutic process.

The suitability of online counselling varies between individuals and can be discussed during the consultation.

No. At this time all sessions are privately paid for out of pocket.

Yes.

Professional records are maintained in accordance with legal, ethical and professional obligations.

Information is stored securely and handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation.

Further information can be found in the Privacy Notice.

At this time my sliding scale spaces for clients is full, but please feel free to reach out to me through the contact page and I can add you to the waitlist.

Individual counselling sessions currently start at:

£100 per 50-minute session

Any future fee changes are communicated in advance.

For current pricing information, please visit the Fees page.

If you need to cancel a session, the following policy applies:

• 48 hours' notice is required for a full refund.

• 24 hours' notice is required to reschedule a session.

• Missed appointments and cancellations made with less notice may be charged in full.

Please refer to the Counselling Agreement sent to you if you decide to work with me for full details.

The distinction between counselling and psychotherapy is often nuanced, and the terms are sometimes used differently across professional settings.

There are many different terms for therapy used in the UK, but generally, Therapy tends to focus on clinical diagnosis and medicine while Counselling is a more discreet, results-based, humanistic approach.

At Walled Garden Counselling, the service offered is professional counselling.

The focus is on providing a confidential and supportive space to explore personal experiences, emotions, relationships and life challenges.

I do not provide crisis services. I have a resource list linked here. Please note that my working hours are Monday-Thursday, 11am - 8pm. I typically respond to messages within 24-48 working hours. If you are having a true emergency, please call 999 or visit the resources page.

Getting started is simple.

1. Review the Fees & FAQ pages.

2. Submit an enquiry through the Contact page.

3. Arrange a complimentary 15-minute consultation.

4. Decide whether working together feels like the right fit.

5. If appropriate, sign agreements and schedule your first counselling session.