Therapy Session Information
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Frequently Asked Questions...
If you are new to therapy this page just gives you a little bit of information on what to expect.
Any questions please just ask!
and scroll down to ...
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Questions People Secretly Want to Ask Their Therapist…

"A counsellor can be the guiding light that helps you navigate through the darkest of storms"

🌿 Some Useful Frequently Asked Questions ...
1-2-1 vs Couples
✧ How is it different?
I offer both individual and couples therapy, with each approach shaped by different therapeutic needs and goals. Individual therapy Individual sessions focus on your personal experiences, emotions, and patterns. This work provides space to explore your thoughts, feelings, history, and relationships in depth, helping you develop insight, clarity, and more supportive ways of coping and responding. Couples therapy Couples therapy focuses on the relationship itself, rather than either partner alone. The work explores how you communicate, respond to each other, and become caught in repeated patterns or cycles of conflict or disconnection. The aim is to support better understanding, improve communication, and strengthen emotional connection and repair. Because couples sessions involve working with two people and the relationship dynamic between them, they are structured differently and require more time to work safely and effectively within the process.
Contract
✧ Why a therapy contract?
The contract is an informed consent form, a working agreement between the therapist and the client, it makes sure both parties are aware of the responsibilities required within the therapeutic relationship, however it is being held. It outlines the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of the private therapy practice. It sets out : the time, day, cost and duration of sessions Open-ended or time-limited options Confidentiality Ethics (BACP) & Supervision Therapeutic Approaches Cancellation Policy Working Online / Working in-person ✍ My contracts are e-sign documents, your relevant one will be emailed out to you when you book in for your first session, it needs to be signed and returned before we can start working together. They can be found by clicking on the E-Sign button on the green footer bar of my website. >> My Payment Policy: please pay for the service you receive either before or at the time you receive it. >> Note Taking: As a solo therapist in private practice I only maintain a log of session times and dates, type of counselling ie person-centred or couples counselling and number of sessions and only what is clinically necessary ... I do this to keep the confidentiality of my clients intact, for data protection and I always work in line with the ethical framework of the BACP
Cancellation Policy
✧ Running Late & Cancellation Policy
If you're running late, please contact me right away to let me know if you are on your way. If I haven't heard from you within the first 20 minutes of your session I will assume you are a no-show, and your session will be forfeited, and you will be billed at your full rate (even if there is time remaining in your session. I do not begin sessions more than 20 minutes late. I do give everyone One Free Pass on the fee, and I will offer you another time that week to reschedule. If you have had your One Free Pass then the next time I will have to charge you for the session more than 20 minutes late/ or missed. I completely understand that life happens and sometimes appointments need to change. To keep things fair and sustainable, I ask for 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. When less than 24 hours notice is provided the full session fee is charged. Of course, if there's an emergency or something unexpected, please let me know as soon as you can and we can talk it through.
Online Therapy
✧ How does online therapy work?
Online therapy is just a bit different from regular in-person sessions but it can be just as helpful and it can be more flexible, I offer evening and weekend slots, which can sometimes work better especially for couples counselling - both partners don't even have to be in the same place ... you just need zoom set up on a computer, a tablet or a phone to join in. You will be sent an invitation to join the zoom meeting. It will have all the info including my personal meeting ID and a passcode which you will use every time to join me in the meeting. Just follow the directions on the screen - when you are in ... and make sure your camera and microphone are switched on. Or if you prefer you can leave your camera off, I want you to feel comfortable throughout the process. I don't record sessions. And if you're new to zoom, please don't worry, it will soon become second nature... Any questions please ask. ______ ... I also offer FaceTime or WhatsApp video calls, please reach out if you want further details on these.
Consultation
✧ Why a Consultation?
Introductions mainly - This is for us both to ensure that I am a right fit for you ... and it can help me to assess whether I will be able help you on your therapeutic journey. The relationship between therapist and client is an important one so it needs to be right. This free - no-pressure, no-obligation 20 minute chat can let you know what to expect from the therapy sessions with me .. and we can also discuss what you are expecting to get out of it, especially if it is your first time for therapy. The consultation can take place over the telephone or online via zoom, whatever your preference is. The therapy consultation is a vital step to make sure that you receive appropriate care and support geared towards your unique situations. 👻 About Ghosting ... If you've reached out for a therapy consultation and felt anxious after my reply, or you've noticed you're feeling better and choose not to proceed, that's completely ok! Please don't hesitate to send me a quick email to let me know. I genuinely don't take it personally. And know you're always welcome back whenever you feel ready.
Confidentiality
✧ Is it really confidential?
Absolutely ... Therapy really is meant to be a safe space. A place where you can: • Speak openly without being judged • Say things you might not feel comfortable saying anywhere else • Untangle thoughts and feelings at your own pace • Be listened to — and properly listened to. It’s one of the few spaces where you don’t have to perform, fix everything, or have it all figured out. You can show up exactly as you are — messy, uncertain, quiet, overwhelmed, or even just curious. And “safe” doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Sometimes therapy brings up uncomfortable truths or emotions. But the safety comes from knowing: • You’re supported while you go through it • You’re not being criticised or dismissed • You’re allowed to take your time At its core, therapy is about having a place where you don’t have to carry everything alone — and where you can slowly decide what to keep, what to process, and what to put down. Everything said in therapy sessions is strictly confidential.... but I'm sure you'll appreciate that there are some circumstances where safety comes first. ✧ In adhering to the BACP ethics these are disclosures of: harm to self or others; acts of terrorism; drug trafficking; money laundering; child protection issues. ... but depending on the circumstances this would be discussed in the session before any further action was taken. Please remember I'm not here to judge you. I'm here to help you feel better, and that only works if you feel safe talking to me.
Endings in Therapy
✧ Why endings in therapy matter?
Most people don’t come into therapy thinking about how it will end ... and that makes sense. When you’re starting out, the focus is usually on what’s difficult right now. But the ending of therapy is just as important as the beginning. Rather than something that “just happens” (or quietly fades out), a thoughtful ending can be a meaningful part of the work itself. It’s a chance to reflect on what’s changed, what you’re taking with you, and how you want to move forward. In everyday life, endings are often rushed, avoided, or left unresolved. Therapy offers something different: the opportunity for a clear, intentional, and supported ending. We might talk about this from early on ... not to cut things short, but to make sure there’s a shared sense of direction. When the time comes, we can slow down, look back, and bring things to a close in a way that feels complete rather than abrupt. That kind of ending can stay with you long after therapy finishes.
Psychotherapeutic Counselling
✧ What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of mental health support, the differences are more to do with their depth and approach and they do overlap sometimes: 1. Counselling: Focus: Typically addresses specific issues or challenges, such as stress, grief, or relationship problems. Duration: Often shorter-term and solution-focused. Approach: More directive, providing guidance and coping strategies. 2. Psychotherapy: Focus: Explores deeper psychological issues and patterns, such as childhood experiences or trauma. Duration: Usually longer-term, allowing for more in-depth exploration. Approach: Generally more exploratory, aiming to understand the root causes of emotional or behavioral issues. Psychotherapeutic counselling is the middle ground between them both ... It can be short term or long term. It addresses both current issues and underlying patterns. It can be integrative and flexible.
🌿 Questions People Secretly Want to Ask Their Therapist…
1. How do I know if I need therapy?
You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Contrary to popular belief, there's no "rock bottom" requirement. You don't need to arrive dramatically announcing, "Everything's on fire!"
Many people come because they're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, exhausted, or simply not like themselves. Others come because they want to understand themselves better or they're tired of carrying everything on their own.
If something in your life doesn't feel quite right, therapy might be a good place to start.
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2. What happens in the first therapy session?
The first session is simply about getting to know each other.
We'll talk about what's brought you to therapy, what you'd like to achieve, and any questions or concerns you have. There's no pressure to tell me your whole life story, and you certainly don't have to have everything figured out before you arrive.
We'll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
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3. Is it normal to feel nervous before therapy?
Absolutely.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if it's your first experience. Many clients tell me they were anxious before their first session but quickly realised there was nothing to worry about.
Feeling nervous doesn't mean therapy isn't right for you. It usually means you're doing something that matters.
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4. What if I don't know what to talk about?
That's completely okay.
Many people worry they'll sit in silence wondering what they're supposed to say. The good news is—you don't have to do therapy perfectly.
Part of my role is to help guide the conversation. We can simply start with how you're feeling today.
Sometimes, "I don't really know why I'm here" turns out to be the perfect place to begin.
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5. What if I talk too much… or not enough?
There's no right amount of talking in therapy.
Some people arrive with years of thoughts they've never shared before. Others take time to find the words.
Neither is better than the other.
And if silence appears? That's okay too. Sometimes the most important moments happen when we're simply sitting with a feeling rather than rushing to explain it.
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6. Will you analyse everything I say?
No.
I'm not secretly keeping score every time you mention your mother!
Therapy isn't about catching you out or searching for hidden meanings in every sentence. It's about being curious together and helping you understand yourself a little better.
Sometimes the obvious thing is the important thing.
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7. Will you tell me what to do?
Not usually.
Therapy isn't about giving advice or telling you how to live your life. Instead, I'll work alongside you to help you understand your thoughts, feelings and experiences so you can make decisions that feel right for you.
My role is to support, encourage and gently challenge where appropriate—not to take over your life.
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8. Do I have to talk about my childhood?
Only if it feels helpful.
Some people find exploring the past helps make sense of the present. Others prefer to focus on what's happening in their lives now.
We'll decide together what feels most useful for you.
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9. What if I cry?
Then you cry.
Tissues are available.
Absolutely no judgement ... I bulk buy from Costco
Crying is a natural response to talking about difficult emotions, and therapy is a safe place where you don't have to apologise for your feelings.
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10. What if I laugh?
Even better.
People are often surprised that therapy includes laughter. Life can be painful, but it can also be wonderfully ridiculous.
Both things can exist at the same time.
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11. Can I swear?
Absolutely.
Therapy isn't school, and I'm not handing out detention slips.
Sometimes the only word that truly captures a situation has four letters.
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12. Will you think I'm weird?
Almost certainly not.
One of the privileges of being a therapist is discovering just how wonderfully human we all are.
Most people believe they're the only person who thinks, feels or worries the way they do.
They're usually not.
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13. What if I'm terrible at talking about feelings?
You're not alone.
Many people arrive saying exactly that.
You don't need to speak fluent "emotion" before you come to therapy. We'll work it out together.
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14. Can therapy help if I don't have a mental health diagnosis?
Absolutely.
Many people come to therapy without any diagnosis at all.
You might be struggling with stress, burnout, relationships, grief, confidence, life changes, or simply feeling that something isn't quite right.
You don't need a label to deserve support.
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15. Can therapy help if everyone else thinks I'm coping?
Yes.
Sometimes the people who appear to be holding everything together are carrying the heaviest load.
You don't have to wait until everyone notices you're struggling before asking for help.
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16. How many therapy sessions will I need?
There's no set number.
Some people come for a few sessions to work through a particular issue, while others choose longer-term therapy.
We'll regularly review how things are going and decide together what feels right for you.
Therapy isn't a lifetime subscription.
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17. Is online therapy as effective as face-to-face therapy?
For many people, yes.
Research suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns.
Some people appreciate the comfort of talking from home, while others prefer meeting face to face.
The best option is the one that feels most comfortable and accessible for you.
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18. Will therapy make me feel worse before I feel better?
Sometimes talking about difficult experiences can stir up emotions you've been carrying quietly for a long time.
That doesn't mean therapy is making things worse.
Often it's part of understanding and processing what's been weighing you down.
We'll always go at a pace that feels manageable.
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19. Can I stop therapy whenever I want?
Yes.
Therapy is your choice, and you're free to stop whenever you feel ready.
If possible, it's often helpful to have a final session to reflect on your journey and bring things to a thoughtful close—but the decision is always yours.
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20. Can I come to therapy just to understand myself better?
Absolutely.
Therapy isn't only for difficult times.
It can also be a place to reflect, grow, understand patterns, build confidence and reconnect with the person you'd like to be.
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21. Is therapy really worth it?
Only you can decide that.
But many people tell me they wish they'd started sooner—not because therapy magically fixes everything, but because they stop carrying everything on their own.
Sometimes having one hour where you don't have to pretend you're okay can make more difference than you ever imagined.
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22. What if I'm not sure therapy is right for me?
That's completely understandable.
Starting therapy is a big decision, and it's important that it feels right for you.
That's why I offer...
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a ☎ free consultation and
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a 📚 free 'About Therapy' mini course,
... so you can learn more, ask questions and decide whether therapy feels like the right next step
—with no pressure or obligation.
Click below ...
🌿 In Therapy - You don’t have to figure everything out alone
Sometimes one of the most powerful parts of therapy is having a space where someone really listens.
A space where your experiences matter.
A space where you can say the things you usually keep inside.
A space where you can reconnect with yourself and start creating a life that feels more like yours.
... with Delyth Cole