Frequently Asked Questions

So what is counselling, therapy and psychotherapy?

Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone other than those you know.  To talk about and explore what you are thinking and feeling. 

Appointments with me are confidential.

I tend to use the terms interchangeably.  In short though, a psychotherapist has a higher level of training in terms of academics, clinical practice and personal development than a counsellor.

It’s likely that the work will go deeper with a psychotherapist, and we are more skilled at understanding complex experiences and issues. 

I’m a psychotherapist accredited by the UKCP, which has the highest training standards of all the accrediting bodies.

The term therapy is shorthand for psychotherapy.

You may be anxious, worried, sad, depressed, grieving, dealing with trauma, struggling with relationships, not sure where life is taking you, or considering new opportunities or positive changes that are happening around and to you. See the end of this post for a more comprehensive list.

If you are new to this, counselling / psychotherapy may seem strange at first.  One thing to know is that I don’t have a menu of treatments or provide homework tasks. 

It’s what can be described as a “safe space” which simply means a period of time, that is all yours, with no agenda and no judgment.  And our conversation is confidential.  My objective is to be alongside you as you explore whatever you need.

I provide a free, ten minute telephone consultation which can help you decide if counselling, coaching is for you.  book here

For some of you getting stuck in will be easy.  Others find it tricky to get started.

You might have questions like: How do I start?  What to say at all?  What’s most important?  Does Michelle NEED to know all my history?  Can I say what I’m really thinking?  Am I allowed to say whatever I want?  What will she THINK of me if I’m truly honest? 

Or thoughts like:  I’m sure she’ll think I’m just complaining.  I’m probably being stupid.  My idea is pie in the sky.  Others deserve this more than me. 

Be assured this is normal.  And there are certainly no rules of how you should “do” counselling.  The only thing you have to do is turn up as you, however you are at that moment.  I usually ask something like “what brings you to counselling?” to set us off.

Often, discussing with me how you feel about counselling or coaching can be a great place to start.

I fundamentally believe that the person who knows best what is right for you, is YOU.  My job is to be alongside you as you work out what is helpful, what stands in your way and how you move forward.

Couples therapy is slightly different from one-to-one appointments.

It tends to be more structured and follows a specific process.

Find out more on my specific couples therapy page.

Counselling / psychotherapy isn’t always easy.  Sometimes it can feel as if you are getting worse, not better. 

Although it’s a light-hearted example, I find it helpful to compare it to when I decide to clear out the cupboard under the stairs.  Things always get much messier before I can decide what I want, what I don’t want and then put everything back that’s left.  It’s a bit like that.  And at least as tiring.  And sometimes things drop on my head that hurt. But worth it in the end.  I had non-stop, weekly counselling for four years and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

• Abandonment
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Break-ups
• Bullying
• Career change / progression
• to explore Childhood experiences
• Communication skills
• improved personal Expression
• Depression
• Life dissatisfaction
• Leadership skills
• Loneliness
• Major life transitions (e.g. marriage, divorce, changing careers)
• Looking for a more meaningful life
• Personal development
• Relationship problems (partner, friends, family, colleagues)
• To improve self-esteem, increase confidence
• Stress
• Worry

You can take a look at my pricing page to see how much I charge.

I appreciate therapy is a significant investment, and you might be working on a budget.  That’s why I offer fortnightly, and “as and when” appointments as well as the traditional weekly meetings.

My initial consultation won’t cost you anything, and we can work out the frequency that works for you, based on your needs and your budget.

UKCP prohibits accredited psychotherapists from obtaining testimonials / reviews from clients.  This is to avoid exploitation, and the risk of fake reviews.

Instead, they have a requirement to re-accredit every 5 years, and a demanding continual professional development requirement, which means you can be sure they are working to the highest ethical standards, as well as being up to date with latest practice.