If you’re thinking about therapy or are about to start, you might have questions about what to expect and how it works. It’s completely normal to feel unsure! This page covers common questions that many young people like you often have. I hope this information helps you feel more confident and ready for your therapy journey.

 

What is counselling, and how can it help me?
Counselling is a safe, confidential space where you can talk about anything that is worrying you or difficult to handle. This can include things like friendships, relationships, starting a new school, or exam stress. In my counselling room, you should feel comfortable discussing anything. No issue is too big or too small. I will listen, and I won’t judge you for what you share. We can talk through any feelings or emotions you’re experiencing. Counselling can help you understand your emotions, develop coping strategies, and explore ways to make things feel more manageable.

How do I know if I should see a counsellor, and is counselling just for serious problems?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or confused, talking to a counsellor can help. You don’t need to have serious issues to seek support; counselling is for anyone who wants to talk about their thoughts or feelings, whether they’re dealing with big life changes or just need someone to listen.

What can I expect in my first session?
In your first session, I’ll introduce myself and explain how counselling works. As the sessions are client led (this means you decide what we talk about) I will invite you to take the lead in what you want to share with me. There is no pressure from me to talk about anything you're not ready to share. I'll have art materials available if you feel more comfortable drawing or painting as we talk. I will also have out fidget toys. Remember, this is your space to explore whatever is on your mind, and I’m here to support you.

 

What if I don’t feel like opening up in my first session?

That’s completely normal. I understand that talking to someone new can be overwhelming. We can start with some icebreaker activities to make it a fun way for us to get to know each other better.

Will my parents or guardians know I’m seeing a counsellor? 

Your privacy matters. In general, I won’t share what you talk about in counselling with your parents or guardians without your permission.

There are exceptions related to safety. If I am worried about your safety or the safety of someone else, I may need to involve a safeguarding professional or tell my supervisor, and in some cases, your guardians may be informed. I will always explain what I need to share and why, and I will usually tell you first if I need to pass information on.

How many sessions will I need?

It’s hard to say exactly how many sessions you’ll need. I offer both short-term and longer-term therapy, and some people benefit from around 6 sessions while others may need 12 or more, or ongoing support. Every 6 sessions we’ll do a review together so you can tell me how you’re finding the sessions, what you like, and what you’d like to change. I will invite your parents or guardians to a review as well to talk about how the sessions are going. I won’t share specific details from our sessions without your permission, and if you feel you’ve got what you needed from therapy, we can talk about bringing the sessions to a close.

What if I feel nervous about starting counselling?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous! I’ll go at a pace that’s comfortable for you and help you feel safe and supported during our sessions.

What if I need help outside of our sessions?
If you ever feel like you need immediate support, reach out to a trusted adult or contact a crisis helpline. Your safety and well-being are the top priority. There are numbers available on my website for crisis helplines. Please click here to find the numbers you can reach out to.

Can I change counsellors if I don’t feel a connection?
Absolutely! It’s important that you feel comfortable with me. If it doesn’t feel like a good fit, let me know, and we can talk about finding someone else.

What happens if I miss a session? Can I text or message my counsellor outside of sessions?
If you miss a session, please let me know as soon as you can, and we can reschedule. My policy on communication outside of sessions varies, but I generally prefer to keep our conversations to scheduled sessions. We can discuss this during our time together.

Can I bring a friend or family member to my session?

Our sessions are one-on-one to ensure a safe and confidential environment. While I encourage you to bring a friend or family member for support before and after, they can’t sit in during the session.

Will you be able to give me advice and tell me what to do?
As a counsellor, I won’t give direct advice or tell you what to do. My role is to guide you through your thoughts and feelings, helping you explore options so you can make informed decisions that feel right for you. This approach empowers you to find solutions that align with your values and goals.