I am often asked questions about counselling, and for many, the idea of thinking about starting counselling can raise many questions. 

I've compiled the top 5 questions that I get asked below. 

Question 1: What actually is counselling?

Although this may seem like an easy question, it's actually a really important one. 

 I get asked this A LOT. Often, people will phrase it like "It sounds really silly but..." or "Sorry to ask such a basic question but...". My question to them is, who says it's a silly or basic question? As far as I'm concerned, there is no silly or basic question. By asking a question, you are seeking clarity and showing curiosity in learning the answer to the question. Curiosity is vital in counselling. If we're not curious, how can we begin to change? 

So, what is counselling? Counselling offers a confidential space to talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with someone who is trained to listen and support you without judgment and who uses psychological theories to facilitate change. Change comes about through working together through the therapeutic process.

 Depending on your needs, you can choose between online or in-person sessions. For more information on online or in-person sessions please click here.

Question 2: Who has counselling? 

Quite simply, anyone can have counselling.

There are no criteria required for counselling. Counselling is open to everyone, whether you have a specific reason you want to work through, e.g. a family bereavement or feeling overwhelmed by your life. Many people come simply because they want to find clarity in their life again and have the space each week to feel heard. 

Counselling can help with:

• Anxiety, stress or low mood
• Parenting stress
• Loss of who you are as a person
• Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally stuck
• Body image or food-related concerns
• Relationship or family difficulties
• Loss, grief, or unresolved past experiences
• Life transitions, burnout, or self-exploration

I have worked with a range of clients, all of who have very different reasons for seeking counselling. Quite often, though, the reason people seek counselling at the start can be very different from what actually surfaces during sessions! 

Question 3: How Does Counselling Work?

Counselling isn’t about being told what to do. Instead, your counsellor will work alongside you, helping you explore what’s going on in your life, what matters to you, and what might support change or relief.

• Over time, counselling can help you:
• Make sense of difficult emotions
• Understand patterns in relationships or behaviour
• Build resilience and self-awareness
• Develop healthier coping strategies
• Feel more connected to yourself and others

Question 4: Can you "fix" me?

I secretly love this question. 

I feel there's a real sense of impatience in today's world where everyone wants a "quick fix". Quick fixes are great, but that's all they are. A quick fix to a problem that is not just going to go away. Anyone who has tried a "fad" diet will know that whilst the weight may drop off quickly initially, maintaining the weight loss becomes very hard after a while. You probably even found that the weight was put straight back on after the diet. This is because the root cause was never addressed; it was masked! Making long-lasting real change takes time and a lot of effort and commitment! The same goes for your mental health.

Counselling isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about exploring what’s going on in your world, building awareness, and moving toward greater clarity and ease. Some weeks might feel emotional, others more reflective, but counselling can support real and meaningful change over time. It's this change that holds the power.

There’s no right way to do therapy. Everyone is different, so I adapt my process to each client. 

Question 5: Do I lie on a couch and do you sit there with a clipboard analysing me? 

I think I have to blame American TV and films for this question. The simple answer is no.

We are both sat in the room. There are no clipboards involved, no silent writing, and no cryptic questions. I am not there to analyse you, diagnose you, or give you a step-by-step process for removing all your problems. I would go as far as to argue that if anyone is offering you this, they probably aren't being truthful!

However, I do offer a safe, confidential space for you to talk. I listen. I explore what's being brought into the room figuratively and metaphorically and use psychological theories to unpack this. We work together to help you find clarity.

If you’re considering starting counselling—whether that’s in person therapy in Exeter or online counselling sessions—I’d be happy to answer any questions or offer a free initial chat. You don’t have to navigate things alone—support is here, in the way that works best for you.