Frequently asked questions

There is no fixed number of sessions. This is something for you to decide as you go along, with guidance from me. I will regularly review with you how you feel the sessions are going, and how many more you would like to have.

Absolutely not. As a person-centred therapist, I do not consider myself an expert on your life. My approach is humanistic and this means that you are at the centre of the therapy. It’s not about offering insight into your unconscious or telling you that the way you think is wrong. It’s about helping you to gain a better understanding of yourself, in the here and now, and about helping you to grow and develop as an individual so that you can get the most out of your life. The therapy might involve some looking back into the past to help you understand what is happening for you now, and you might like me to give you some coping strategies, but my core approach will be person-centred.

You can talk about whatever you want in the sessions. However, I completely understand that this can sound very daunting. It might help to jot down a few ideas before you to attend, just to get things straight in your mind and to help with any nerves you might have.

There is no hard and fast list of ‘conditions’ that I can provide in response to this question. Anything can bring a person to counselling. Some examples might be: a bereavement, worry, anxiety, loneliness, relationship problems, depression, feeling overwhelmed, carer responsibilities, abuse (past or present). The list really is endless.

It’s often a good idea to turn to a friend in a time of crisis or worry. However, sometimes a friend can struggle to listen to something really upsetting or might not be able to keep something to themselves. They might offer you advice or tell you what they would do or have done in your situation. This might not be helpful: sometimes, you might just want somebody to listen to you in a non-judgemental and confidential space: that’s exactly what I can offer you.

I don’t offer support between sessions. If you are in a crisis, you should contact your GP in the first instance, or the Samaritans on 116 123. To contact me in order to change arrangements for our sessions, please telephone or text me on 07554 352438 or message me through Facebook messenger via Sinead Withers Counselling.

Payment is in advance of the sessions by card in person before the session starts. Following on from that, payments can be made on-line, via the website if you wish.

I ask that you give me 24 hours notice. After that, you will be charged for the session as if you had attended.

It is perfectly understandable to have worries about how safe the counselling sessions are during the current COVID situation. Click here to see the document that will be given to you before your session explaining the precautions that both you and I will be required to take in advance of our face to face meeting. Sessions can also take place over the telephone or via Zoom by request. Whilst it is generally better to keep to one way of conducting the sessions, there is of course a degree of flexibility in moving from face to face to telephone or internet, or vice versa as situations change (eg either you or I have to self-isolate).