When thinking about starting therapy, it’s natural to have questions and so this blog will give you a clearer idea of how I work, what to expect, and how to get started.
1. What can I expect from a counselling session?
Counselling offers a time and space for you to talk about the issues and challenges that you are facing, helping you to make sense of your thoughts and feelings. It is not something that is done to you but is a collaborative process during which we’ll work together to identify ways to improve your wellbeing and help you to move forward.
2. What issues can counselling help with?
Counselling can help with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement, low confidence and self-esteem, relationship issues, health conditions and life transitions.
3. Is counselling only for people with serious mental health issues?
Not at all, counselling is for anyone who wants support, either in relation to a difficulty they are experiencing or for their own personal development and self-awareness. Think of it like gym for the mind – it’s about maintaining and improving your mental wellbeing.
4. How do I know if counselling is right for me?
I offer an initial consultation where we can explore your concerns and determine if it's a good fit. As we move forward, trust your own feelings about whether the counselling is beneficial. If you have any concerns along the way, don’t hesitate to discuss them with me. You are always welcome to stop the sessions at any time.
5. What is your approach to counselling?
I work using an integrative model of counselling, which means that I am able to use a range of different methods which can be tailored to meet your individual needs.
6. How often are sessions, and how long do they last?
Sessions are usually on a weekly basis, but can be at other frequencies such as fortnightly or monthly. They are arranged at a mutually convenient time and usually last up to 50 minutes.
7. Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, I offer counselling via video, by phone as well as in person in my Manchester office.
8. Where are you located, and is there parking nearby?
My office is located at Suite 2U, Queens Chambers, 5 John Dalton Street, Manchester, M2 6ET (See map here). There is limited on-street parking nearby, which has parking meters.
9. How do I book a session?
You can contact me by phone (07543 408551), email (susan@sccounselling.co.uk) or by using the contact form on my website (www.sccounselling.co.uk). I aim to respond to enquiries within 24 hours, however if you haven’t heard from me in this time then please check your junk folder as sometimes my emails end up there!
10. What happens during the first session?
During the first session, I’ll give you information about what to expect from the counselling process, including details about confidentiality. We’ll explore what’s going on for you and what you would like to get out of the counselling sessions. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the process.
11. How do you keep sessions confidential?
As you would expect, the starting point is that what you say is confidential, however there are exceptions in relation to risk issues and legal obligations, for example :
•If I feel that either you or someone else is in danger or at risk of harm
•Where there is a legal requirement to disclose information or where disclosure has been ordered by a court. This includes, but is not limited to, obligations under The Terrorism Act 2000, Drug Trafficking Act 1994, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, the Road Traffic Act 1991, the Children Act 1989, and the Serious Crime Act 2007.
•Where there is a legal requirement to disclose information for public protection.
•In accordance with the requirements of BACP, I attend monthly clinical supervision, during which our work will be discussed, in order to ensure that you receive the best possible service.
12. How much do sessions cost?
Sessions cost £75. I also accept AXA, Aviva, and WPA insurance—feel free to get in touch to check your coverage and how to arrange payment through your provider.
13. How do I pay for my sessions?
I use Stripe for invoicing and payment is normally due within 7 days.
14. What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
I understand that life happens and so it’s not always possible to keep a scheduled appointment. However, if you do need to cancel an appointment please give 24 hours notice of cancellation otherwise the full session fee may apply.
15. How do you measure progress in counselling?
We'll regularly review your progress and you’re always welcome to share your thoughts. Our work is flexible, and if your needs change, we can adjust the approach as we go.
16. How much time will counselling take to work?
The number of sessions will vary depending on the issues that you bring and what you want to achieve. This is something that we will discuss in your first session. Counselling may be short-term (6-12 sessions) or may be longer term over several months or years.
17. How does counselling end?
The number of sessions may be agreed in advance, in which case the counselling would end in accordance with this agreement. Where the counselling is open-ended, we will regularly review progress to help determine the duration of our work together.
You are completely free to end counselling at any time, however it may be beneficial to have a planned ending session to review what you’ve achieved and consider next steps for the future.
18. Do you work with organisations or businesses?
Yes, I provide bespoke workplace counselling designed to meet the needs of your organisation.
The benefits of offering counselling to your employees can be a happier workforce, improved morale, reduced sickness absence, increased productivity and a lower staff turnover rate.
If you have a question that’s not covered, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to chat!
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