Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Counselling
This page brings together some of the questions people often have about starting therapy, so you can get a sense of what the process might feel like.
Q1: What is my speciality?
I specialise in supporting adults living with chronic and long‑term health conditions, including autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, pain and diabetes. Alongside this, I also work with anxiety, low self‑esteem, depression, and relationship difficulties.
Q2: How do I know if counselling is right for me?
Counselling can be helpful if you're feeling anxious, depressed, stuck, overthink everything, or simply want space to understand yourself better. If you're wondering whether therapy might help, we can explore that together.
Q3: What happens in the first session?
The first session is a gentle introduction where we talk about what's brought you to therapy and what you're hoping for. We'll go through the counselling agreement, and you're welcome to ask questions about how I work and what to expect. We'll understand any risks to your wellbeing and the support you have around you.
Q4: Will I have to talk about things I don't want to?
No, you're in control of what you choose to share. Some topics may feel too raw, and that's okay. We can work at your pace. Therapy is most helpful when it feels safe and collaborative.
Q5: What is your therapeutic approach?
I work integratively, which means I draw from several therapeutic approaches, such as ACT, compassion-focused therapy, somatic and psychodynamic, My work is relational and trauma-informed. Together, we explore what feels important to you, and at your pace.
Q6: How long will I need to be in therapy?
There's no timeline. Some people come for a short period to focus on a specific challenge, while others prefer longer-term work. We can review togehter as we go, so the process feels supportive to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Chronic Illness & Long-term conditions
This page brings together some of the questions people often have about counselling for chronic illness.
Q1: Can therapy help with my chronic illness?
Yes, therapy can support the emotional impact of living with chronic illness, including overwhelm, grief, fatigue, and the strain of ongoing symptoms. It offers a space to explore how your health affects your identity, relationships, and daily life. Many people find it helps them feel more resourced and less alone.
Q2: What does counselling for chronic illness involve?
Sessions focus on what feels most helpful for you, whether that’s pacing, emotional regulation, health trauma, or noticing the stories and beliefs you carry about what it means to live with chronic illness.. We work gently, at your energy level, using approaches that support both your nervous system and your lived experience.
Q3: How does therapy support with chronic fatigue?
Therapy can help you notice how fatigue affects your feelings, relationships, and sense of who you are. We explore ways to reduce overwhelm, calm your nervous system, and build routines that support your body’s limits. Rather than trying to “fix” symptoms, the focus is on helping you feel more stable and less alone with them.
Q4: What emotional support is available for long-term health conditions?
Therapy offers a place to explore fear, anxiety, frustration, grief, identity changes, and the impact of fluctuating symptoms. We can work on grounding, nervous‑system regulation, and ways to feel more supported in your daily life.
Q5: How do I cope with the impact of my health condition?
Coping can involve easing overwhelm and anxiety, noticing how your body holds these emotions, and shaping routines that work with your energy rather than against it. Therapy helps you understand the emotional changes that accompany long‑term health conditions. We explore what allows you to feel more stable.
Q6: What health conditions do you offer support for?
I support people living with a wide range of chronic and long‑term health conditions. This includes chronic pain, fatigue, autoimmune conditions, such as diabetes, post‑viral illness, and other symptoms that affect daily life. You’re welcome to come with a formal diagnosis or simply with the ongoing physical and emotional challenges you’re struggling with - the focus is on your lived experience and what you need from therapy.