How it works

How Counselling Works

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. I aim to make the process as calm, steady, and straightforward as possible. Here’s a simple outline of how we can work together.

1. Getting in Touch

You’re welcome to contact me by email or through the form on my website. You don’t need to explain everything in your first message — just let me know you’re thinking about counselling, and we can take it from there.

2. A Gentle Introductory Call

If you’d like, we can arrange a 20‑minute introductory telephone or video call. This is a relaxed, no‑pressure conversation where you can:

• get a sense of what it’s like to talk with me
• ask any questions you may have
• share what’s bringing you to counselling, if you feel comfortable

There’s no obligation to book a session afterwards.

3. Booking Your First Session

If you decide you’d like to go ahead, we’ll arrange a time that works for us. Sessions last 50 minutes and can take place:

• in person in Paisley
• online across the UK

You can choose whichever feels most comfortable.

4. Your Sessions

In our sessions, you set the pace. You choose what feels safe to explore, and you never need to talk about anything before you’re ready. My role is to offer a grounded, compassionate presence as you make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Some people come with something specific they want to talk about. Others use the space to reflect, process, or simply breathe. There is no right or wrong way to be here.

5. Ongoing Work

Most people come weekly, as this helps build a steady rhythm, but we can discuss what feels right for you. There’s no set number of sessions — you can come for as long or as short a time as you need.

We’ll check in regularly to make sure the work feels supportive and helpful for you.

6. Ending Counselling

You can end counselling whenever it feels right. We’ll take time to reflect on your journey and bring things to a gentle, thoughtful close.