Frequently Asked Questions
Starting counselling can bring up many questions. This section provides straightforward answers to common queries regarding my Lighthouse Counselling practice, including details about fees, the consultation process, my approach, and what to expect from sessions. My aim is to make the process of accessing support as clear and comfortable as possible.
Its easy! Just get in touch with me by phone or email and we will arrange a convenient time to have a 15-20 minute chat on the phone.
It’s a crucial first step for us to discuss your specific needs and goals. This time allows you to experience my approach and ensures we both feel comfortable, which is vital, as the relationship between the counsellor and client is the most important factor for successful outcomes
Yes, online counselling has been shown to be just as effective as in-person counselling. It provides a convenient and accessible way for you to receive the support you need, regardless of your location or schedule.
As therapy is not a rushed process, the duration varies greatly for each client. For some, short-term work focusing on a specific issue may be sufficient. Others may benefit from long-term, open-ended therapy to address deeper-rooted patterns and complex trauma. We will collaboratively discuss a timeline that best suits your goals and commitment during our initial sessions
Individual Counselling
Counselling is a private outlet in which to talk of difficulties emerging from family dynamics, interpersonal trauma, loss, it provides a safe space to explore your personal experiences without judgment.
Counselling can help with life issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, relationship problems, work related stress, addictions, trauma, abuse, bereavement, to name a few. It is about your choice, you the client decides to let go or modify part of yourself, you can oversee the pacing of your own growth.
Sometimes, intrusive thoughts can be related to past traumas or unresolved psychological issues. In counselling, individuals can explore and address these underlying factors, which may contribute to intrusive thoughts. Regular sessions can help monitor progress, reinforce coping skills, and address any setbacks.
The current fee for an individual counselling session online is £65 on a weekly attendance basis; attendance can be requested to be fortnightly. Day time in person fees are £65, in the evening is £70. In the event of reductions in fees, this can be discussed during our consultation.
I offer discounted rates to trainee counsellors, with fees at £35 for 50 mins session on a weekly attendance.
I kindly request for the payment is to be forward with two (2) working days in advance of the session (the day of your session does not count within those two days) with attention to weekend / Bank Holiday.
A notice of 48 – hours within 5 working days week, less than 48hrs the booking will be charged in full.
Couples Counselling
Couples counselling helps couples work through their relationship issues and strengthen their emotional connection. Couple counselling enables you to navigate your expectations, to negotiate a satisfactory plan for your future, creates an opportunity for mutuality and trust, it leads to both partners feel heard and understood, be valued by your partner not determine who is right or wrong. There is scope for you to attend individual sessions, it can be hugely productive to take them. It is also a good opportunity to discuss things with your therapist without your partner which can later be incorporated into your couple’s work.
Online couples counselling sessions are similar to in-person sessions, but they are conducted through video calls on encrypted online platforms. During the session, you and your partner will be able to see and hear each other in real-time, even if you are in different locations.
Sessions are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each couple, and we work collaboratively to develop a personalised plan.
As your therapist, I am not here to generate opinion, criticize, give advice or to judge, my own life experience is what offers me deeper understanding. It’s my job and privilege to help you move forward, reach your goals and maximise potential, the collaboration is instrumental, I will not take sides or declare anyone a winner, Instead, I will be focusing on your dynamics as a couple. A misconception is that I, the therapist, ‘fix’ marriages or relationships. Unfortunately, I do not have that power, as it belongs to the couple, 50/50. My role is to act as a facilitator who helps to manage both parties’ thoughts and feelings. As your therapist is to help you through the process of repair in a somewhat turbulent time, rather than telling you both that everything will be OK and that you will always be together.
Each session lasts between 60 or 90 minutes depending on your personal requirements.
Online couples counselling sessions are similar to in-person sessions. As your therapist, I am not here to generate opinion, criticize, give advice or to judge, my own life experience is what offers me deeper understanding. It’s my job and privilege to help you move forward, reach your goals and maximise potential, the collaboration is instrumental, I will not take sides or declare anyone a winner, Instead, I will be focusing on your dynamics as a couple.
A misconception is that I, the therapist, ‘fix’ marriages or relationships. Unfortunately, I do not have that power, as it belongs to the couple, 50/50. My role is to act as a facilitator who helps to manage both parties’ thoughts and feelings. As your therapist is to help you through the process of repair in a somewhat turbulent time, rather than telling you both that everything will be OK and that you will always be together.
Couples counselling sessions are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each couple, and we work collaboratively to develop a personalised plan. Each session lasts between 60 and 90minutes, depending on your needs and requirements.
Yes, online couples counselling is designed to accommodate couples who are in different locations. As long as each partner has access to a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone, you can attend sessions from different locations, however, specific details can be explored during the initial consultation.
Integrative Counselling is a holistic approach tailored to your individual needs, working with both your emotional and cognitive needs, to encourage you to identify your experiences and to accomplish your goals. Counselling support you to reclaim your dignity, to bring back your autonomy, helps you to assert yourself, to build healthy boundaries, insights and conflicts resolution.
I integrate Attachment Theories into my approach, which involves exploring how our development is profoundly affected by our earliest interactions with caregivers and experiences influenced by both nature and nurture.
Yes, online couples counselling has been shown to be just as effective as in-person counselling. It provides a convenient and accessible way for couples to receive the support they need from the confort of their home or preferred location, at times is suit you both as I endeavour to meet your schedule.
The current fee for a couples counselling online session is £75 on a weekly attendance basis. In-person couples counselling, the fee is £75 daytime, and for an evening session, the fee is £80.
For longer sessions, also weekly, the fee is £110 for 90 minutes session, all payments to be made in advance.