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 Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy and how does it differ from other forms of therapy? 

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is an evidence based future focused therapy that is positive in nature. It blends cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, neuroscience and hypnosis in a structured yet person-centred framework. It is very safe and during hypnosis you are fully in control. Afterall, you are the expert in your own life! It is brilliant for a wide-range of issues including low mood, sleep issues and anxiety and overwhelm. Especially where traditional talking therapies haven’t helped. 

What is 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. This can also be a mixture of 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. If you have any questions about how sessions work, feel free to get in touch.

How often will I need counselling 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.

How many hypnotherapy sessions do I need?

Everyone is different. Some people notice changes quickly, while others require longer sessions. The average sessions are between 8-12. However, for some neurodivergent individuals and those experiencing Sessions may take longer. 

Do you offer a free consultation?

I offer a free 60-minute consultation to give us a chance to see if we’re the right fit and for you to explain what’s been going on and what you’d like to change. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions and for me to explain how Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy and counselling can help. 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. During the consultation, I will also give you an MP3 recording to listen to every night before bedtime, which helps with sleep. 

Do you have a cancellation policy? 

I require 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations made within this time will 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.