Your first session, demystified
Not knowing what will happen is one of the biggest barriers to starting. So here is exactly how it works — no surprises.
You get in touch
Use the contact form or email. You don't need the right words — "I'm not sure where to start" is a perfectly good first message. I aim to reply within two working days.
We have a free 20-minute call
A relaxed, no-pressure conversation about what's bringing you to counselling and what you're hoping for. You can ask me anything. If we're not the right fit, I'll help you think about other options.
We book your first session
Online, or in person near Ash or in Folkestone. Sessions are 50 minutes and cost £55. We usually meet weekly, at a regular time that suits you.
In the first session itself
Our first session is a chance to find our footing together.
It won't feel quite like a typical therapy session — and that's intentional. Before we begin the deeper work, I want to take time to understand what's brought you here, where you are right now, and what you need from this space.
We'll also talk through the practical and relational foundations of our work together — confidentiality, how sessions run, and what we each bring to the room. This isn't about ticking boxes. It's about making sure that when we do step into the work, you feel genuinely safe to do so.
There's no pressure to have it all figured out. You just need to show up.
Confidentiality
Everything you share with me is confidential. Like all counsellors, I have a small number of legal and ethical exceptions — for example, if I believed you or someone else was at serious risk of harm — and I'll explain these clearly when we meet. I also have regular supervision, which is standard ethical practice; your identity is protected there.
How many sessions will I need?
It's honestly different for everyone, and I won't pretend otherwise. Some people come for a short, focused piece of work; others stay longer for deeper exploration. We review together regularly, and you're free to pause or finish at any time.