Common Questions About Counselling
If you're thinking about counselling, you may have lots of questions before you decide whether it's right for you.
You might be wondering what counselling is like, whether you need to know exactly what's wrong, whether online counselling will work for you, or whether I'm the right counsellor to support you.
Here are some of the questions I'm asked most often.
Where do you offer counselling?
I offer counselling in Colchester and the surrounding areas, as well as online counselling across the UK.
My work is now predominantly online, which can make counselling easier and more accessible, particularly if you're busy, overwhelmed or simply feel more comfortable talking from your own home.
I also have limited availability for face-to-face counselling in Wivenhoe just ouside Colchester city centre.
Do you offer online counselling in Colchester?
Yes. I offer online counselling for clients in Colchester, Essex and across the UK.
Sessions take place via Teams or WhatsApp, allowing you to have counselling from somewhere familiar and comfortable.
For many women, particularly those experiencing ADHD, anxiety or burnout, being able to avoid travelling to an appointment can make therapy feel much more manageable.
Do you offer face-to-face counselling in Colchester?
Yes. I offer a limited number of face-to-face counselling sessions near Colchester.
My face-to-face counselling takes place in a comfortable private setting in Wivenhoe, just outside Colchester.
My practice is predominantly online, but I retain some availability for clients who prefer to meet in person.
What can you help me with?
I work primarily with women experiencing difficulties such as:
ADHD and late-diagnosed ADHD
Childhood trauma and complex trauma
Anxiety and chronic anxiety
Burnout and overwhelm
Perimenopause and emotional changes
Difficult family dynamics and generational trauma
Relationship difficulties
Narcissistic abuse
Emotional regulation
Low self-esteem and confidence
People-pleasing and difficulty putting yourself first
Masking and feeling like you have to hold everything together
Feeling disconnected from yourself or unsure who you are
Sometimes these things overlap. For example, you may be dealing with ADHD alongside anxiety, burnout or the effects of childhood experiences.
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what you need help with. We can work that out together.
Do you specialise in ADHD counselling for women?
Yes. I have a particular interest in ADHD in women, including women who have been diagnosed later in life or who are beginning to wonder whether ADHD could explain some of the difficulties they've experienced.
You may have spent years feeling different, disorganised, too emotional, overwhelmed or as though everyone else seems to manage life more easily.
We can explore how ADHD may have affected your relationships, emotions, confidence, work and everyday life, as well as the impact of years of masking and trying to fit in.
Do you offer trauma counselling?
Yes. I offer trauma-informed counselling for women experiencing childhood trauma, complex trauma and the ongoing effects of difficult experiences.
You don't have to tell me everything that has happened to you, and you don't have to go into painful memories before you're ready.
Trauma counselling isn't about forcing you to relive the past. We can gently explore how your experiences may still be affecting the way you think, feel, relate to others and see yourself today.
Can counselling help with anxiety and burnout?
Yes. I work with women experiencing anxiety, chronic anxiety, overwhelm and burnout.
Perhaps you're the person everyone relies on. You keep functioning, looking after everyone else and getting things done, but underneath you're exhausted.
You may overthink, struggle to switch off, feel constantly on edge or find yourself becoming emotionally overwhelmed.
Counselling can give you space to slow down, understand what's happening and explore what may be underneath your anxiety or burnout.
Do you offer perimenopause counselling?
Yes. I offer perimenopause counselling for women who are struggling emotionally during this stage of life.
Perimenopause can bring changes that affect your mood, confidence, relationships, sense of identity and ability to cope.
If you're experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, emotional changes, ADHD difficulties or simply don't feel like yourself anymore, counselling can provide a safe space to talk about what you're going through.
Counselling doesn't replace medical advice or treatment, but it can give you somewhere to explore the emotional impact of this stage of life.
What happens in the first counselling session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and talk about what's brought you to counselling.
You don't need to prepare anything or have a perfectly organised explanation of what's wrong.
We can talk about what's happening for you now, what you'd like support with and what you hope counselling might help with.
We'll then work together to decide what feels helpful and manageable for you.
What if I don't know what I need counselling for?
That's absolutely fine.
You don't need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what's wrong before coming to counselling.
Perhaps you simply know that you're struggling, you're exhausted from holding everything together, or that something doesn't feel right anymore.
Part of our work together can be making sense of what you're experiencing and understanding why you feel the way you do.
Will I have to talk about my childhood?
Not unless you want to.
Although childhood experiences can sometimes help us understand patterns in the present, I won't force you to talk about anything you're not ready to explore.
Counselling should feel safe and collaborative. We'll work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Will you tell me what I should do?
No.
I'm not here to tell you what decisions to make or give you a list of things you "should" be doing.
We'll work together to understand what's happening, explore your options and help you develop a better understanding of yourself.
The aim is for you to feel more able to make choices that are right for you.
What is your counselling approach?
My approach is warm, down-to-earth, interactive and trauma-informed.
I don't believe you need to sit in silence while a counsellor analyses you.
I want you to feel comfortable enough to be yourself.
We'll work together to understand what's happening, make sense of where it comes from and find ways forward that feel manageable for you.
And yes, there will probably be a cup of tea involved.
How do I know if you're the right counsellor for me?
Finding the right counsellor is important.
That's why I offer a free 15-minute consultation before you decide whether you'd like to start counselling with me.
It's simply an opportunity for us to have a chat, for you to tell me a little about what's going on and for you to ask any questions you may have.
There's no pressure to book counselling afterwards.
How much does counselling cost?
Please see my Fees & Terms page for my current counselling fees and information about sessions.
If you're unsure whether counselling is right for you, you can also arrange a free 15-minute consultation before making a commitment.
How do I book counselling?
If you're looking for a counsellor in Colchester, or you're interested in online counselling anywhere in the UK, you can get in touch with me by phone, text or email.
You don't need to write a long explanation. Just let me know that you're interested in counselling and we can arrange a time to talk.
Counselling in Colchester and surrounding areas | Online counselling across the UK
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