These counselling and hypnotherapy FAQs cover some of the most common questions about starting therapy with Empowering Minds.

Whether you’re considering counselling, hypnotherapy or an integrated approach, here are answers to some of the questions I’m asked most often. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch.

Sessions are £65 for 60 minutes or £100 for 90 minutes. Payment is required at least 48 hours before your appointment to secure your booking. I also offer a small number of reduced-fee places for those who may be struggling financially, although availability is limited. If you’re unsure whether therapy is affordable for you, please get in touch and we can discuss your options.

Yes. Everything you share during therapy is treated confidentially and with respect. There are a small number of legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, such as if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where required by law. If I ever needed to break confidentiality, I would aim to discuss this with you first wherever possible.

I explain confidentiality fully during your consultation or first session, so you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions before therapy begins.

Yes. I offer counselling, hypnotherapy and integrated therapy both online and in person. Many people are surprised by how effective online therapy can be and it offers the flexibility of accessing support from the comfort of your own home.

If you would prefer your consultation to take place by telephone, simply add a note when booking and I’ll be happy to call you instead.

I support adults, young people and children aged 8+ with a wide range of difficulties, including:

• Anxiety and excessive worry
• Stress and burnout
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Trauma and difficult life experiences
• Depression and low mood
• Relationship difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Panic attacks
• Health anxiety
• Sleep difficulties
• Phobias and fears
• Emotional regulation
• Personal growth and self-development

During your consultation we’ll discuss what’s brought you to therapy and decide together whether counselling, hypnotherapy or a combination of both is likely to be the most helpful approach.

The easiest way is to book a free online consultation using my booking system. During the consultation we’ll talk about what has brought you to therapy, answer any questions you have and discuss the most suitable approach for your needs.

If online booking isn’t convenient, you’re welcome to get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.

Yes. I work with adults, young people and children aged 8 and over.

Every child or young person is different, so I adapt sessions to suit their age, personality and individual needs. Therapy may include talking, creative activities, practical strategies or hypnotherapy where appropriate.

Parents or carers are involved where appropriate, while also respecting the young person’s privacy and helping them develop a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship.

No. You don’t need to decide before your consultation.

During our conversation we’ll explore what has brought you to therapy, what you’d like to achieve and discuss the different options available. Some people benefit most from counselling, others from hypnotherapy, while many find that combining both approaches provides the greatest benefit.

We’ll decide together what feels most appropriate for you.

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Most clients begin with weekly sessions, as this helps build momentum and consistency. As therapy progresses, some people choose to move to fortnightly or monthly sessions.

We’ll regularly review your progress together and decide what works best for you.

I am a qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist, working with adults, young people and children aged 8+.

I am fully insured, DBS checked, receive regular clinical supervision and work in accordance with professional ethical standards, so you can feel confident that you’re receiving safe, professional support.

If you need to rearrange an appointment or have an administrative question, you’re welcome to contact me by email.

Therapy itself takes place during our scheduled sessions, so I don’t provide ongoing therapeutic support between appointments.

If you feel you need urgent mental health support, please don’t wait for your next session. Contact your GP, call NHS 111 (and select the mental health option if available in your area), contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day), or if you or someone else is at immediate risk of serious harm, call 999 or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.

I understand that therapy is an investment, and I believe support should be as accessible as possible. I keep a small number of reduced-fee spaces available for people who are experiencing financial difficulties, although these are limited and are not always available.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if cost is preventing you from seeking support.

The first session is about getting to know you. We’ll explore what has brought you to therapy, what you would like to achieve and answer any questions you have.

If we decide hypnotherapy is appropriate, we may begin this during the first session. If counselling is the most suitable approach, we’ll begin building a therapeutic relationship and working towards your goals together.

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Every session is tailored to your individual needs. Depending on what you’re looking for, we may use counselling, hypnotherapy or an integrated approach. Therapy is collaborative, which means we’ll regularly review what’s working and adapt our approach as your needs change.

There isn’t a fixed number of sessions because everyone is different. Some people benefit from just a few sessions focused on a specific issue, while others prefer longer-term support.

We’ll review your progress regularly and decide together what feels right for you.

Therapy is suitable for many people, but the most appropriate approach depends on your individual circumstances. During your consultation we’ll discuss your needs, answer any questions and decide whether counselling, hypnotherapy or an integrated approach is the right fit.

If I don’t believe I’m the right therapist for you, I’ll always be honest and, where possible, suggest alternative sources of support

My therapy room is designed to be a calm, welcoming space where you can feel comfortable.

Please arrive at your appointment time, as there isn’t a waiting area. Free on-road parking is available nearby. Dogs live in the house but are kept separate from the therapy room unless we’ve agreed otherwise, and there isn’t a client toilet available.

Payment is made securely before your appointment. Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive everything you need by email, including payment information and any relevant paperwork.

If you need to rearrange or cancel your appointment, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice.

Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, are charged in full unless there are exceptional circumstances.

No. Therapy isn’t about giving advice or telling you how to live your life.

My role is to provide a safe, supportive space where we can explore what’s happening, develop new perspectives and find practical ways forward. We work collaboratively, with your goals and preferences guiding the process.

Feeling nervous is completely normal. Many people tell me they were anxious before their first session, especially if they’ve never had therapy before.

My aim is to create a relaxed, welcoming environment where you can go at your own pace. There’s no pressure to share everything straight away, and you’re welcome to ask questions at any point.