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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to common questions about my counselling practice.

 

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out—I’m always happy to hear from people interested in therapy

What makes you an effective counsellor?

Can I book a free consultation?

What are your qualifications?

I am a fully qualified counsellor, currently furthering my expertise through an MSc in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling and Therapeutic Practice and am a Professionally Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) (Membership number: NCS21-02033), working in line with their ethical framework. I also hold full professional indemnity insurance and a clean DBS check.

Alongside my core counselling training, I have completed additional qualifications in:

  • Life Purpose Coaching

  • Positive Psychology

  • Grief and Bereavement Support

  • Mentoring Practice

These qualifications allow me to work in an integrative, flexible way — drawing from a range of approaches to best support each client’s individual needs and goals.

How long are the sessions?

Each session is 50 minutes. Research suggests that this is the optimal duration which allows for balance between emotional intensity while avoiding mental exhaustion.

How much does therapy cost?

All sessions, whether conducted online, by phone, or in person, are charged at £55 per session, payable in advance. Sessions will only take place once payment has been made. 

Online / Phone / In person?

Therapy can take place in-person (Illshaw Heath, Solihull B94), online (via Teams) or over the phone. 

Is online counselling effective?

Many clients find online counselling just as effective as in-person sessions. It offers flexibility and comfort, allowing you to access professional support wherever you are.

What is the cancellation policy?

24 hours' notice is required to cancel or change an appointment. 

What happens in the first session?

In our first session, I’ll first check if you have any questions about the ‘shared agreement’ you’ve already reviewed and signed. From your assessment, I have an understanding of what you’d like to gain from therapy, so I’ll start by inviting you to share how you’d like to use our session today to best support you.

I'm feeling suicidal, what can I do?

If you feel like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself, you need urgent medical help.

Please:

If you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you. Mental health emergencies are serious, and reaching out is a brave step. Your well-being matters greatly, and help is available immediately

Are my sessions confidential?

Yes, I offer a free telephone or video call (approx. 20 mins) to discuss your needs and how we may be able to work together. Please note this initial consultation is not a therapy session.

To arrange, please send a message via the contact page or email hi@flowdown.co.uk.

As a fully qualified and professionally accredited counsellor, I combine evidence-based therapeutic approaches with a compassionate, patient, and non-judgemental style. I hold accreditation with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and have extensive training in counselling theories and techniques, which I tailor to each client’s unique needs.

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My effectiveness comes from creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and understood, while also gently challenging unhelpful patterns to promote growth and positive change. I am committed to helping clients achieve their personal goals, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges with greater self-awareness and confidence.

You are free to talk about anything that feels important to you in our sessions — no topic is off-limits. Counselling is your space to explore thoughts, feelings, experiences, or challenges in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

 

At the start of our work together, we’ll agree on a shared agreement that outlines how we’ll work safely and ethically. This includes making you fully aware of the limits of confidentiality — specifically, the rare circumstances where I may be legally required to share information, such as if there is a serious risk of harm or a legal obligation to disclose.

 

Outside of these exceptional situations, what you choose to bring to sessions remains entirely confidential and led by you.

How often do I need to come?

Is my personal information safe?

Why do clients come to Flow Down?

How long does therapy last?

What can I, and can't I talk about?

Yes. Confidentiality is a core part of the counselling relationship, and I am both ethically and professionally required to protect your privacy in line with the standards of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

 

Anything you share during sessions will remain confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent, except in certain exceptional circumstances.

 

These circumstances, known as the limits of confidentiality, include situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, concerns about child protection, or disclosure of intended criminal activity such as terrorism. In rare cases, I may also be required to comply with a court order.

 

Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you before sharing any information, unless there is an immediate and overriding risk. Outside of these situations, everything you share in counselling will remain completely confidential.

Can I see more than one counsellor?

It's generally not recommended to see two counsellors at once because it can be confusing and counterproductive to receive support from multiple sources.

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Additionally, it can be difficult to build trust and establish a strong therapeutic relationship with a counsellor if you are dividing your time and attention between two professionals.

Ending Therapy

Therapy is complete when you feel you’ve achieved your goals, can cope independently, or simply feel ready. We’ll regularly review our work together, ensuring therapy concludes when it genuinely feels right for you. Ending therapy is always a collaborative decision.

Can I take notes?

You're free to take notes if you wish. However, sessions are not to be recorded in any way.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

My counselling practice is inclusive and respects all identities, backgrounds, and experiences. If you have any specific accessibility needs, preferences, or concerns, please feel free to share these during our initial consultation. This helps me ensure your counselling experience is comfortable, supportive, and tailored specifically to you

Depending on my availability, you're free to choose how often you attend. However, therapy is better if there are consistent sessions which aren't too far apart. Most clients come weekly, some come bi-weekly and a few clients who are in the process of finishing therapy, move to monthly sessions before ending.

Counselling can be beneficial for anyone experiencing emotional, behavioural, or relationship difficulties and seeking to improve their overall mental health and wellbeing. Clients come to Flow Down when they want a safe space to talk openly, make sense of their experiences, and move toward meaningful change.

 

My work is always centred around the needs of the client. I believe that the depth and quality of our therapeutic relationship plays a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes — the more trust we build, the more transformative the process can be.

 

The space I work from is warm, welcoming, and safe, designed to help clients feel at ease. Whether in-person or online, I aim to create an environment where you feel supported, respected, and truly listened to.

Your information is protected by law under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, which require counsellors to handle personal data in a confidential and secure manner.

Therapy duration varies significantly based on individual goals and circumstances. Some clients achieve what they need in a few sessions, while others prefer longer-term support over several months or even longer. We’ll regularly review your progress together, making sure therapy always feels right for your needs and pace. Ultimately, you’re in control, and we’ll discuss openly what’s working best for you.

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