Small Steps Counselling Service Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to some commonly asked questions below, if your questions are not answered, simply contact me to discuss.

How do you know if I will be the right counsellor for you?

Making the decision to see a counsellor is a hard one – making contact with a counsellor is even harder, especially when there are so many different therapists and strategies available to you. I am an integrative counsellor, which really just means I use a variety of different ideas to fit the need of you. If I do not feel I am the right person to work with you, I am able to signpost you to alternative therapists.

How long will each session last and how much will it cost? 

If you are aged 15 years or older, each session will last approximately 50 minutes. Sometimes a session will overrun by approximately 5 minutes – I will never ‘kick you out’ just because your time is up if I feel it is important to carry on the session for another 5 or 10 minutes.  

Each session will cost £50.

If you are aged 12-15 years, I can run a shorter 30 minute session.  These sessions cost £30.

Do you work with children/young people?

I tend to work with young people aged 13 and above; although I do occasionally work with younger children.

If you are looking for a therapeutic intervention for a child/young person, I recommend Tom Hoskins from Chance is Change.   I have worked collaboratively with Tom for a little while now and have been impressed by the fantastic feedback received from parents about the work Tom has carried out.   

If you you would like to learn more about Tom and the work he does, please click here to access his website.

Where do I keep your details? How do you know they are safe?

As with all organisations, I am duty bound to keep your information safe under the Data Protection Act.

I am required by my governing body, The National Counselling Society, to keep written notes for an extended period of time.

I will not share your information with any third party unless I believe there is a clear risk to either the safety of the client or somebody who is close to the client.

All written notes are kept safe and secure. For more information please read our privacy policy here.

FAQ’s
  • “I didn’t think I needed a counsellor and only went because my wife insisted. However, during our sessions, I began to see things differently and my  own self-confidence increased and my stress reduced. I thought there would be shame in needing to see a counsellor but I have learnt there is no shame in it, sometimes we just need someone who doesn’t know us who will listen!”

     
  • “We went to see Colette due to some problems in our marriage. We had a combination of sessions together and individual sessions, we only needed 6 sessions in the end. Colette taught us how to communicate more effectively with each other and to trust to each other.”

     
  • “Colette was recommended to me by a friend, I went to see her because I was suffering with high anxiety levels. I cried a lot in our sessions but we also laughed a lot, I didn’t feel judged by Colette. I’m now more confident and positive about life. I am now working full time – something I thought would never happen. My anxiety no longer controls me – I control it.”

     
  • “I went to see Colette because I was suffering from depression and was feeling suicidal. I was often tearful during sessions with Colette but felt I could talk openly about my depression and over a period of time, began to reframe my thoughts to become more positive. I still feel low from time to time but feel I now have the tools to manage this better.”

     
FAQ’s