Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

If you’re struggling with difficult feelings, painful memories, or patterns that aren’t working for you, counselling can help. Many people come to therapy when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply know that something needs to change. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling – it’s for anyone who wants to understand themselves better and live a more fulfilling life.

Some signs that counselling might be helpful include feeling anxious or low most days, having trouble in relationships, difficulty moving past traumatic experiences, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others.

If you’re unsure, I offer a free 20-minute phone or online consultation where we can discuss whether therapy would be beneficial for you right now.

What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

In practical terms, there’s significant overlap between counselling and psychotherapy, and I use both terms to describe the work I do. Traditionally, counselling was seen as shorter-term and focused on specific issues, while psychotherapy was longer-term and explored deeper concerns.

However, this distinction isn’t always helpful. The work we do together will depend on your needs – whether that’s processing a specific trauma, working through relationship difficulties, or exploring long-standing patterns from your past.

What matters most is the quality of our therapeutic relationship and finding an approach that works for you.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet and see if we’re a good fit for working together. There’s no pressure – this is as much about you getting a feel for me as it is about me understanding how I can help.

We’ll start by talking about what’s brought you to counselling and what you’re hoping to gain from our work together. I’ll ask some questions about your background and current situation, and explain how I work. We’ll also discuss practical matters like confidentiality, session frequency, and fees.

You’re welcome to ask me anything – about my experience, my approach, or how therapy works. By the end of the session, we’ll both have a sense of whether we want to continue working together.

How long will I need therapy?

This varies greatly from person to person. Some people find that a few months of weekly sessions helps them work through a specific issue. Others benefit from longer-term work, particularly if they’re addressing complex trauma or deep-seated patterns.

I believe therapy should be led by your needs, not a predetermined timeline. We’ll regularly review how things are going and what feels right for you. Some clients come weekly for several months, then reduce to fortnightly or monthly sessions. Others take breaks and return when they need additional support.

What’s most important is that therapy feels helpful and that you’re moving towards your goals at a pace that feels right for you.

Is everything I say confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. Everything you share in our sessions remains private.

There are a few legal exceptions where I would need to break confidentiality:

– If you disclose current serious harm to a child or vulnerable adult

– If you’re at immediate risk of seriously harming yourself or someone else

– If required by a court order

I’m also required to keep very brief notes of our sessions, which are stored securely and in line with GDPR regulations. If you require records or notes for court cases I will compile a concise and accurate report which you will be able to review. I receive regular clinical supervision to support my practice, but any case discussions are anonymised and my supervisor is also bound by confidentiality.

If I ever felt I needed to break confidentiality, I would discuss this with you first when possible.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes, I offer both in-person and online sessions via secure video call. Online therapy can be just as effective as meeting face-to-face, and many clients appreciate the convenience and comfort of speaking from their own home.

For online sessions, you’ll need a private space where you won’t be interrupted, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. I use a secure, encrypted video platform that complies with data protection requirements.

Some clients choose to have all their sessions online, while others prefer a mix of in-person and video sessions. We can discuss what works best for you.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?

This is completely normal, and many clients feel this way – especially in the early sessions. You don’t need to prepare anything or have an agenda. Sometimes the most valuable sessions are the ones where you’re not sure what to say.

I’ll help guide our conversations with gentle questions and observations. We might explore what’s been happening since we last met, how you’ve been feeling, or patterns you’ve noticed in your life. The silence itself can sometimes be useful – it gives you space to think and feel.

Remember, therapy is a collaboration. If you’re finding it hard to open up, we can talk about that too. Understanding what makes it difficult to share can be part of the therapeutic work.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Life happens, and sometimes you’ll need to change an appointment. I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. This gives me time to offer the slot to another client.

If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, or don’t attend without letting me know, I will need to charge the full session fee. This policy helps me maintain my practice and ensures I can keep regular appointment times available for you.

If you’re unwell or facing an emergency, please just let me know as soon as you can and we’ll work something out. I understand that unexpected situations arise.

How much do sessions cost?

Individual counselling sessions are £85 for 50 minutes. I ask for payment at the time of each session, either by bank transfer or card payment.

I keep a small number of reduced-fee spaces for clients experiencing financial hardship. If cost is a barrier to accessing therapy, please speak to me and we can discuss whether a reduced fee might be possible.

Do you take insurance?

 Yes, I’m registered with BUPA, AXA, WPA and AVIVA.  For sessions to go ahead I will need your membership number and authorisation code if relevant.  Any excess on your policy will need to be paid direct to me.

What if we’re not a good fit?

Not every therapist is right for every client, and that’s absolutely fine. The therapeutic relationship is crucial to successful therapy, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with me.

If at any point you feel we’re not a good match, please tell me. There’s no judgment – I’d rather you find someone who’s right for you than continue with therapy that doesn’t feel helpful. I can suggest other therapists who might be a better fit for your needs.

Similarly, if I feel I’m not the right person to support you – perhaps because you need a different specialisation – I’ll be honest about that and help you find someone more suitable.

What approaches or methods do you use?

I work integratively, which means I draw from different therapeutic approaches depending on what suits you best. My core training is in person-centred/humanistic theories and I’ve completed additional Level 7 training in trauma-focused approaches including EFT (tapping), CPT for PTSD and energy psychotherapy.

I am currently training in EMDR.

I’m particularly experienced in working with complex trauma.  I might use talking, creative techniques, or body-based approaches – whatever helps you process your experiences safely.

We’ll discuss what methods might work for you, and you’re always in control of the pace and direction of our work.

How often should I attend sessions?

Most clients find that weekly sessions work well, especially when starting therapy. Regular weekly contact helps build the therapeutic relationship and maintains momentum in your work.

As therapy progresses, we might reduce frequency to fortnightly or monthly sessions, depending on your needs and goals. Some clients also take breaks and return to therapy when they need additional support.

We’ll discuss what frequency feels right for you and can adjust as needed.

Still have questions?

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can email me at kate@kateramsay.co.uk or call 07957 312 315.

I offer a free 20-minute online or phone consultation where we can discuss your specific situation and whether counselling might be right for you.

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