Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Counselling

Starting counselling is an important decision, and it’s natural to have practical questions before taking the next step. Below you’ll find information about my fees, how counselling sessions work, my current availability and what you can expect when working with me.

If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Counselling Fees

Individual Counselling

£55 per session

• 50-minute counselling session
• Available in person, online or by telephone
• Weekly, fortnightly or ad-hoc appointments available by agreement

I believe that counselling should be accessible, transparent and free from hidden costs. My session fee remains the same regardless of whether sessions take place in person, online or over the telephone.

Initial Consultation

Your first session is an opportunity for us to meet, explore what has brought you to counselling and discuss what you hope to gain from therapy.

It also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and decide whether you feel I am the right counsellor for you. Finding the right therapeutic relationship is an important part of successful counselling, and there is no obligation to continue if you decide that I am not the right fit.

The initial consultation is charged at a discounted session fee of £40.

How Sessions Work

Every person’s circumstances are different, so counselling is tailored to your individual needs.

Many clients choose to begin with weekly sessions, as this helps build consistency and momentum within the therapeutic process. As our work develops, we can regularly review how counselling is progressing and discuss whether the frequency of sessions continues to meet your needs.

I offer both short-term and longer-term counselling depending on your goals, with no fixed expectation about how many sessions you should have. We will review our work together throughout the counselling process and make decisions collaboratively.

Sessions are available:

• In person from my counselling room in the BS30 area of Bristol
• Online via secure video call
• By telephone

Where appropriate, we can also discuss a combination of these formats to best suit your circumstances.

Appointment Times

I currently offer appointments during the following hours:

Day	Availability
Monday	8:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday	8:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday	8:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday	8:00am – 6:00pm
Friday	8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday	Limited morning appointments available
Sunday	Closed

If you’re looking for an appointment outside of these hours, please feel free to get in touch. Where possible, I will always try to accommodate individual circumstances and may occasionally be able to offer appointments outside my usual availability.

Payment Information

Payment is requested by bank transfer and should be made before each counselling session unless otherwise agreed.

Receipts are available upon request.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel or rearrange a session, I kindly ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice.

Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed without prior notice, are charged at the full session fee. This policy helps protect the time that has been reserved specifically for you and allows me the opportunity to offer appointments to other clients where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many counselling sessions will I need?

There is no set number of sessions as everyone’s needs are different. Some people attend counselling for a relatively short period to work through a specific issue, while others find longer-term therapy beneficial. We will regularly review our work together to ensure counselling continues to meet your needs.

Do I need a diagnosis before starting counselling?

No. Many people seek counselling without having a formal diagnosis. You’re welcome to get in touch regardless of whether you know exactly what’s been causing your difficulties. Please note: I am unable to provide diagnoses within my practice.

Are counselling sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling. I will explain the limits of confidentiality during our first session so that you understand how your information is handled.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. I offer counselling in person, online and by telephone, allowing us to choose the format that best suits your circumstances.

Can I stop counselling at any time?

Yes. Counselling is entirely voluntary, and you are free to end therapy whenever you feel ready. Wherever possible, I encourage us to have a final session together so that we can reflect on the work we’ve done and bring our sessions to a thoughtful conclusion.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering counselling or would simply like to ask a question before booking your first appointment, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

Whether you’re feeling ready to begin therapy now or are still exploring your options, you’re welcome to get in touch with no obligation.

Summary of Costs & Fees

Session structure	Cost per 50 minute session	Total amount to be paid	Payment due
Initial Assessment Session	£40	£40	Full amount to be paid in advance of the assessment session
Standard Ongoing Rate – One session booking at a time	£55	£55	Full amount to be paid at least 24 hours in advance of each individual session
Student or Trainee Counsellor Rate	£45	£45	Full amount to be paid at least 24 hours in advance of each individual session
5 session block booking	£52.50	£262.50	Full amount to be paid up front within 24 hours of the first session – please note: this is non-refundable
10 session block booking	£50	£500	Full amount to be paid up front within 24 hours of the first session – please note: this is non-refundable
Administrative or Supportive Letters	£20	£20	To be paid ahead of the final draft being sent Please note: I am unable to provide or write diagnostic reports