Frequently Asked Questions

Talking with friends or family can be hugely supportive, or not so for some people. But sometimes, things feel too personal, too complex, or too difficult to explain. We might worry about being a burden, or feel that others’ opinions—even with the best intentions—don’t quite understand our side, don’t fully land, or they may respond in ways that aren't always helpful.

Counselling and psychotherapy offers something different.

A therapeutic relationship is different. A counsellor / psychotherapist is there for you, without judgement or personal agenda. The relationship is free from emotional expectations or needs from the therapist. The space is confidential and entirely focused on your experience. A therapist brings professional training, deep listening, and a compassionate, grounded presence to help you explore what’s going on beneath the surface—and to support you in finding your own way through. 

With professional counselling in Birmingham or Shrewsbury, or starting online counselling in the UK online, the work is about helping you make sense of things, in a way that’s safe, ethical, respectful, and deeply attuned to your experience.

Counselling and psychotherapy are often called talking therapies — they offer a safe space to explore emotional or psychological difficulties with a trained professional.

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there can be differences in focus, training, and depth. In practice, many therapists (especially those trained integratively, like me) draw from both approaches to meet each person’s unique needs. All counsellors and psychotherapists should have an ethical, trauma-informed, accessible practice.  

Counselling is often short- to medium-term. It focuses on managing present-day challenges like stress, grief, anxiety, relationship issues, or life transitions. The emphasis tends to be supportive and practical, helping you gain clarity, process feelings, and move forward. Often using techniques from CBT & mindfulness, integrating practical strategies.  

Psychotherapy is usually medium- to longer-term. It offers deeper exploration of emotional patterns, relational dynamics, and the lasting impact of early experiences. Psychotherapy may be particularly helpful for long-standing or complex issues — including trauma, identity, or recurring relational or identity struggles. The focus is often on lasting change through insight, emotional depth, and embodied self-awareness.

As a psychotherapeutic counsellor and psychotherapist, I offer both shorter-term focused work and longer-term therapy. Whether you're looking for private  counselling in Birmingham or psychotherapy in Shrewsbury (or online), we can find an approach that suits where you are right now.

As a guide - Short-term is around 2 to 12 weeks, Medium from 12 to 20 weeks, long-term / open ended is from  around 20 weeks onwards.

You can read more about these definitions through professional bodies like the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy): What is counselling? and/or UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), What is psychotherapy?

In short, no. Although I do apply insights from both psychology and psychiatry where helpful in my work.

A Psychologist is trained in the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. They often work in hospitals, schools, or private practice, using approaches like CBT & structured therapeutic work, to assess and support psychological wellbeing. In the UK, they’re registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and may also be involved in diagnosis or research.

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They can diagnose psychiatric conditions, prescribe medication, and often focus on managing more severe or complex mental illnesses. While some offer talking therapy, their main role is typically medical.

My role is different. I offer talking therapy for adults, where the focus is on you — your experience, your pace, your goals. It’s about creating a safe and consistent space where real, lasting change can begin.

When you get in touch — by phone or email — I’ll respond within 48 hours (unless my voicemail or auto-reply says otherwise). I’ll answer any questions you have and, if you’d like, we can arrange a free 30-minute initial meeting. This can take place in-person in Birmingham or Shrewsbury, or online.

This first meeting is informal and pressure-free. It’s a chance for us both to ask questions, get a feel for one another, and for you to talk a little about what’s brought you here. There’s no obligation to continue — it’s about seeing whether working together feels like a good fit for you.

The first session—called an assessment—is a relaxed, welcoming space for you.

I’ll explain a little about how I work and we’ll go through a therapy agreement together. This includes important details about confidentiality and my professional ethics.

Most of the time will be for you to talk about what brought you to therapy, any goals or hopes you have, and to ask me any questions. I may ask some gentle questions too, but mostly, I’m here to listen.

At the end of the session, we’ll decide together whether to book further appointments. You’re also welcome to take some time afterwards to think it over — no pressure at all.

If you choose to continue, I usually recommend weekly sessions and regular check-ins so we can review how things are going for you and with our work together.

Most people find it helpful to meet once a week, ideally at the same time each week. This regularity helps build a safe, trusting space where change can happen.

That said, the frequency can vary depending on your unique needs, goals, and schedule. I offer some flexibility to find a rhythm that works well for you — whether that’s weekly sessions or something different.

Whether you’re seeking weekly counselling in Birmingham - Shrewsbury or a more flexible arrangement online, we’ll find a pattern that fits your life.

I know from my own experience of psychotherapy just how rewarding, life-changing, and affirming it can be. I also understand it can feel difficult at times. Facing our traumas and identifying the sources of anxiety, sadness, or anger can be very challenging.

Psychotherapy offers a confidential, safe space where you can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences — without fear of judgment. First, we’ll work together to build trust and connection.

We may explore the deeper roots of your experiences and how we relate to each other. Through this talking therapy, you may gain insight into your difficulties and develop practical coping strategies to manage difficult emotions and stressful situations. This is a collaborative therapeutic process, and I encourage you to actively participate in your own healing.

I always check in to make sure you feel comfortable with any work we do together—whether that’s creative expression, body awareness exercises, or playful exploration. Drawing on a Gestalt, body-based, and neuroscience, I’ll gently support you in becoming more aware of how you breathe, move, and hold tension or weakness in your body.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions during therapy — including sadness, anger, or anxiety — and I’ll support you in processing all of these feelings.

Psychotherapy can also help improve your relationships by increasing self-awareness, enhancing communication skills, and helping you understand your role in connections with others — including the relationship you have with yourself.

Ultimately, therapy aims to empower you to make informed decisions and positive changes that support your mental and emotional wellbeing.

You may have heard the answer before: “there’s no clear timeline for feeling better.” While that can feel frustrating, it’s also true—therapy is a deeply personal journey.

Some people notice positive changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support, especially when working through complex or deep-rooted issues. It’s also quite common to feel worse before you feel better as you process difficult emotions.

Psychotherapy can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on your goals, the nature of your challenges, and the pace that feels right for you. Taking breaks—whether for a month or longer—and returning to therapy later, sometimes with the same or a different therapist, is also completely normal.

I usually recommend starting with weekly sessions, as regular meetings help build trust and momentum. Together, we’ll regularly check in on how things are going and adjust the frequency or focus to best support your needs.

Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical psychotherapy. 

What you share stays between us, except in rare situations where safety criminality is a concern (which I will always explain clearly upfront).

I follow professional ethical codes and keep your information safe and private, whether we meet in Birmingham, Shrewsbury, or online.

Therapy is a process, and it’s normal to have ups and downs. If you’re unsure about the progress or how you feel with me, then please tell me — I welcome open, honest conversations. I am not perfect, I am human, and sometimes I do get things wrong.

We can review what’s working, what’s not, and adjust the approach. Your wellbeing is the priority, and sometimes it takes time to find the right rhythm or method.

Absolutely. The therapeutic relationship is key to progress, so feeling safe and understood is essential.

If you don’t feel a good connection, it’s okay to look for someone else. I can support you in that process, whether you decide to continue with me or explore other counsellors or psychotherapists in Birmingham or Shrewsbury

Feeling emotional during or after therapy is normal — it often means you’re engaging with important, sometimes difficult material.

I’ll support you through those feelings during sessions, and we can discuss ways to manage them outside of therapy. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsafe, please reach out, and we’ll work together to keep you supported.