Counselling FAQs

1. How can counselling help me?

Counselling can provide a safe and confidential space to explore feelings and work through problems, enhance self-awareness, and manage stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.

2. How do I know if I need counselling?

You might consider counselling if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, depressed, or struggling with personal issues like relationships, grief, or work-life balance. It can also help if you want to improve self-esteem or resolve conflicts.

3. How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

Have a look at my website (and Facebook Page) to see if you have a good feeling from what you read. If so, please do get in touch. I offer an initial meeting of up to 30minutes, free of charge and with no commitment, either on the telephone or over online video, so that we can discuss your expectations of therapy and how we would work together. I would be honest if I thought you would be better served elsewhere.

I have a relational, humanistic, way of working that is led by you. I may sometimes make suggestions or integrate different approaches where these seem appropriate to what you are bringing, but if you are looking for an ‘expert’, or a strongly directive and structured approach, such as CBT, then I am unlikely to be the best therapist for you.

4. What if I cannot afford many sessions?

If cost is an issue for you, while I can offer limited spaces at a reduced rate for low income clients, you might be best to exhaust the low /no cost therapy options available to you before you consider a therapist, like myself, in private practice. Examples in Guernsey are Healthy Minds; Guernsey Counselling Service; Independence (alcohol, drugs or gambling); Guernsey Bereavement Service; Relate (couples).

5. Can you help me with addiction?

Yes. I have two years experience working as a counsellor for people struggling with alcohol, drugs or gambling, and with affected family members. I have done additional study around addiction issues that can apply to any addictive behaviours.

However, if you are currently struggling with drugs or alcohol and need to detox, you are probably best advised to first talk to your GP about your issues and try your local Drug and Alcohol services. In Guernsey that is the Community Drug and Alcohol Team (CDAT - referral through your GP), or Independence (open /self-referral).

I can support you with dealing with urges and with making and maintaining behavioural changes that support you to reduce or stop harmful habits. However, I do not offer a structured programme and our work might best be suited to those who are wishing to explore and address the underlying reasons about why they engage in these behaviours.

You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when you attend sessions.

6. What do I need to do to prepare for our first counselling session?

It’s helpful to think about what you want to address in counselling, but there’s no need to be overly prepared. Be open to the process, and remember that it’s okay to take time to share your thoughts and feelings.

7. What if I don’t want to talk about everything right away?

It is completely normal to feel hesitant about sharing certain things. Counselling is a gradual process, and we will work at your pace. You only need ‘go there’ when you feel ready to do so.

8. Is it better to meet in person or on-line?

This is largely down to personal preference. I have experience of both and, while I think in-person might generally be preferable, I do not find meeting on-line a barrier to building a strong therapeutic relationship and effectively supporting clients. At the moment I can only consistently meet in-person in Guernsey, but may be able to offer occasional in-person sessions in Alderney. If we are meeting on-line then you will need to have a private space without fear of interruption and have access to a computer, laptop or tablet to be able to use Zoom.

If you have any questions for me that are not covered above, please do message me.

Why not book in for a free introductory chat over the telephone or Zoom meeting?