Counselling FAQs: Bromley, Forest Hill, Peckham & Online
Answers to the questions people most often ask before starting counselling. Can't find yours? Please feel free to contact me.
1. Starting Counselling
Do I have to know what I want to talk about before I get in touch?
No. You might just have a sense that something isn't right, or that things have been harder than usual. That's enough to start with. We can figure out the rest together in that first conversation.
I've never done this before. What actually happens in a first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. I'll ask a few questions about what's brought you to counselling and what you're hoping for, and you're welcome to ask me anything about how I work. If you'd like to read more, I've written a blog about what happens in a first session.There's no pressure to share everything or to know exactly what to say. The focus is on helping you feel comfortable and seeing whether working together feels like a good fit.
Do I need to prepare anything before my first session?
No preparation is needed. Some people like to think beforehand about what they'd like to talk about, while others prefer to take things as they come. Both are absolutely fine. You don't need clear goals or the "right words". We start wherever you are.
What if I feel nervous or unsure about counselling?
Feeling unsure is very common, especially if this is your first experience of counselling. Many people feel anxious about opening up or worry they won't know what to say.
We go at your pace, and nothing is forced. Counselling is a space where you're met with understanding rather than judgement.
How do I know if you're the right counsellor for me?
You won't know until we've spoken, and that's what the free 15-minute introductory call is for. It gives you the chance to ask questions, get a sense of how I work, and decide with no obligation. Most people know fairly quickly whether it feels like a good fit.
What is integrative counselling?
Integrative counselling draws on more than one therapeutic approach rather than following a single model, so the work fits the person rather than the other way round. As a BACP Accredited integrative counsellor, I work mainly with men, many of whom have never had counselling before. Sessions are a place to talk plainly, at your own pace, about things like stress, anger, anxiety or overthinking. I see clients in Bromley, Forest Hill and Peckham, and online.
2. Fees, Sessions & Booking
How much do sessions cost?
Sessions cost £85 and last 50 minutes. I offer a free 15-minute introductory call by phone or Zoom so you can ask questions and see whether working with me feels right. I'm also happy to meet in person at my Bromley counselling room for an introduction.
How long are counselling sessions?
Sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly, though this can be discussed depending on your needs.
How many sessions will I need?
That varies a lot and is genuinely hard to predict at the start. Some people find that 6–12 sessions gives them what they need. Others prefer longer-term work.
There's no set number of sessions. It depends on what you're dealing with and what feels useful for you. We'd review how things are going regularly.
Do you offer sessions outside standard office hours?
Yes. I offer early morning sessions from 7am Monday to Thursday, evening sessions from 6pm, and Saturday slots from 10am. If standard office hours don't work for you, there's likely a time that does. Get in touch and we'll find something that fits.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Sessions cancelled with less notice will be charged.
3. Locations & Online
Do you offer online or in-person sessions?
I offer sessions in person in Bromley, Forest Hill and Peckham, and online via Zoom or Google Meet. Some clients mix face-to-face and online sessions, which can help if you have a demanding job. We can discuss what works best for you.
Where are you based and how do I get there?
I see clients at three locations, and online.
Bromley: The Centre for Counselling on Widmore Road, about a five-minute walk from Bromley North station, with a bus stop directly outside. Free parking is available less than five minutes' walk away.
Peckham: South London Therapy Group, a five-minute walk from Peckham Rye station, with street parking nearby. It's convenient for clients travelling from Dulwich, Camberwell, New Cross, Sydenham and Clapham Junction.
Forest Hill: The Therapy Loft, 2 Dartmouth Road, SE23 3XU, a few minutes from Forest Hill station, with parking less than five minutes away.
When you book your first session, I'll email you full details beforehand.
4. Confidentiality
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you share in counselling is confidential. As a BACP Accredited counsellor, I work within the BACP Ethical Framework, which means there are a small number of exceptions. These include if I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, if a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk, or if the law requires me to share information. Wherever possible, I would talk to you first. I explain this fully in our first session
5. Who I work with
Who do you work with?
I work with adults dealing with anger, anxiety and stress, and I specialise in counselling for men, particularly men who find it hard to ask for help. You can read more on my counselling for men page.
Do you work with neurodivergent adults?
Yes. Many of my clients have a neurodivergence diagnosis, or suspect they may be neurodivergent. I don't diagnose, as that's outside my training, but I am trained in working with neurodivergent adults and I'm happy to make reasonable adjustments to how we work together.
6. For Partners, Family & Friends
Someone I care about is struggling but won't ask for help. What can I do?
You can't force someone into counselling, and trying to may backfire. What tends to work better is removing the barriers: letting them know it's available, that it doesn't have to be a big deal, and that it doesn't mean something is seriously wrong with them. Sometimes the most helpful thing is simply saying, "I found someone who seems like a good fit. Do you want me to send you the details?"
Can I speak to you before recommending you to someone?
Yes, absolutely. If you'd like a brief conversation before suggesting counselling to someone you care about, I'm happy to talk. It can help to know a little about how I work and whether I seem the right fit for that particular person. Just get in touch directly.
Is what they say confidential?
Yes. I won't share what's discussed in sessions with partners, family or anyone else without the client's consent. The only exceptions are the standard limits of confidentiality I explain to every client at the start, such as a serious risk of harm, and I would discuss these with the client first wherever possible.