
What is the difference between counselling, psychotherapy, and therapy?
Counselling, psychotherapy, and therapy are often used interchangeably because they are not legally protected titles. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy offers the following definition: “Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change and/or enhance their wellbeing”.
What is therapeutic coaching?
As a trauma-informed, relational, whole-person therapist and therapeutic coach, I offer a blend of talk therapy and therapeutic coaching. This approach integrates deep emotional work with practical strategies for change. It allows us to explore your past and patterns while also supporting you in building resilience, confidence, and clarity for the future. Therapeutic coaching provides the flexibility to move between self-exploration, emotional processing, and goal-setting, depending on what you need in the moment. It’s particularly helpful for those who want to work through trauma, anxiety, or limiting beliefs while also feeling empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. If you’re unsure what approach is right for you, we can discuss what best suits your needs. Therapy and coaching don’t have to be separate—sometimes, a combination of both is the most effective way forward.
Where are sessions held?
I offer sessions both online and in-person, giving you flexibility to choose what works best for you. From April to October, I also provide walk-and-talk sessions on Brandon Hill. This can also be a mixture of walk-and-talk and in person in my room in Central Bristol. For online sessions, I use Whereby, a secure and easy-to-use platform. I’ll send you a link before each session, and you can access it directly from your browser. I occasionally offer telephone sessions, but only after we’ve had a couple of sessions together first to establish a connection. If you have any questions about how sessions work, feel free to get in touch.
How often will I Need Sessions?
The frequency of sessions depends on your needs and what feels right for you. I offer both weekly and bi-weekly sessions: Bi-weekly sessions can be helpful if you prefer more time to reflect and integrate what we explore. Weekly sessions provide more consistent support, particularly if you’re going through a challenging period and need to feel held more often. Therapy is most effective when it’s approached with consistency and commitment. I work with clients who are ready to engage in regular sessions to create meaningful, lasting change. While insights can happen quickly, true progress requires time, reflection, and a willingness to do the work between sessions. I offer therapy and therapeutic coaching as an ongoing process rather than one-off sessions. Clients typically commit to a minimum of six sessions to allow for meaningful progress. Therapy is a journey, and regular sessions provide the best results.
What session length is best for me – 60 or 90 minutes?
Choosing between a 60-minute or 90-minute session depends on your needs and what feels most supportive for you.
For some people, 90-minute sessions offer more time to process, or work at a slower, more spacious pace. This can be particularly helpful if you’d like to integrate coaching alongside therapy.
Do you offer a free consultation?
I offer a free consultation to give us a chance to see if we’re the right fit. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions, share what you’re looking for, and get a sense of how I work. Feeling comfortable and understood is key to the therapeutic process, so this initial conversation can help you decide if my approach is right for you. If I feel that a different type of support might be more suitable for your needs, I may suggest an alternative approach or refer you to someone who can better guide you. My priority is ensuring you get the help that feels most aligned with you.
What can I expect from my first session?
Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other on a deeper level and explore what feels most important to you. In some cases, this may involve sharing parts of your story, while in others, we may focus on what’s happening for you right now. The pace will depend on your needs. Some situations call for a more structured, solution-focused approach from the start, while others, particularly when working with trauma, require a slower, more gentle process to ensure you feel safe and grounded.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
I require 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations made within this time may be charged in full. However, in some emergencies, the fee may be waivered. If you need to reschedule, I’ll do my best to offer an alternative session, but this cannot be guaranteed.
What if I want to try a different therapist or approach?
Finding the right therapist is an important part of the process. Therapy works best when you feel comfortable, understood, and supported. If you don’t feel that connection, it’s okay to explore other options—there’s no obligation to stay with a therapist if it doesn’t feel like the right fit. People change therapists for many reasons, whether it’s the approach or simply not feeling at ease. What matters most is that you get the support that works for you. With clients who have worked with me for a number of sessions, I encourage an ending session. This provides an opportunity to reflect on your progress, acknowledge the work you’ve done, and bring a sense of closure. It can also support a smooth transition, whether you’re taking a break or continuing your journey elsewhere.