Counselling FAQs | Huddersfield & Online Across the UK

How do I book?

Booking is simple, and you can choose whichever way feels most comfortable for you.

If you'd like to find out more before committing to counselling, you can book a free 15-minute consultation directly through my website. It's an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, find out how I work and decide whether you feel I'm the right counsellor for you.

If you prefer, you're also welcome to get in touch by phone, email or through my social media channels. I'll respond as soon as I can and answer any questions you have.

If you decide you'd like to begin counselling, I'll arrange your appointments with you directly. This allows us to find a regular day and time that works for both of us, while remaining as flexible as possible around your individual needs and availability.

How much do sessions cost?

I charge £60 per session with each session lasting 50 minutes. Payments is required 48 hours beforehand to reserve the time. 

Do you accept payments via insurance companies?

Yes, I am a recognised provider for WPA, Vitality Health and Aviva

Who do you work with?

I work with individual adults aged 18 and over, and there is no upper age limit. Whether you're navigating grief, anxiety, depression or another significant life challenge, counselling is tailored to your individual needs and experiences.

At the moment, I don't offer counselling for children or young people, and I don't provide couples counselling. My practice is dedicated to supporting adults through one-to-one online or telephone counselling.

If you're unsure whether I'm the right counsellor for your situation, please feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to answer your questions and, if I'm not the best person to help, I'll do my best to point you in the right direction.

How often will we meet?

Most people choose to have counselling weekly or fortnightly, depending on their needs, availability and what feels manageable for them.

For many clients, meeting weekly at the beginning provides consistency and helps build momentum, particularly if they're going through a difficult time. Others find that fortnightly sessions give them enough space to reflect on what we've discussed and begin putting things into practice between appointments.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Together we'll discuss what feels right for you, and we can review this as counselling progresses. If your circumstances change, I'm happy to be flexible wherever possible.

The aim is to find a pace that supports you, rather than expecting you to fit into a fixed timetable.

Is Counselling confidential?

Yes. Everything you share in counselling is treated with respect and kept confidential.

Creating a safe, trusting relationship is an important part of counselling, and knowing that you can speak openly without fear of judgement is often what allows the work to begin. What we discuss stays between us.

There are a small number of exceptional circumstances where I may need to share information, for example if I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or if I am required to do so by law. Wherever possible, I would always aim to discuss this with you first.

As a BACP Accredited Counsellor, I also have regular clinical supervision. This is a professional requirement that helps ensure I provide safe and ethical care. Any discussions in supervision are confidential, and you would never be identified.

If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, I'm always happy to talk them through before or during counselling, so you know exactly what to expect.

How could grief counselling help me?

Grief counselling can't take away the pain of losing someone you love. What it can do is help you make sense of what you're experiencing and support you to carry your grief in a way that feels less overwhelming.

Many people come to counselling because they feel stuck, exhausted or as though they're simply surviving each day. Others are struggling with guilt, anxiety, anger, loneliness, traumatic memories or a loss of confidence. Some worry that they're grieving "the wrong way" or wonder why they don't feel like themselves anymore.

Together, we'll explore whatever feels most important to you. There is no set agenda and no expectation that you have to talk about anything before you're ready. My role is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can understand your thoughts and emotions, process your loss at your own pace and begin to feel less alone in what you're carrying.

Over time, many people find that their grief becomes easier to live alongside. They feel less overwhelmed by difficult emotions, less consumed by guilt or anxiety and more able to remember the person they love without every memory feeling so painful. They don't stop missing them, but they begin to reconnect with themselves, their relationships and a life that can hold both grief and hope.

Everyone's experience of grief is different, which is why counselling is tailored to you. We work together to help you find a way forward that feels right for your life, while continuing to honour the person you've lost.

Do I have to talk about the death straight away?

No. There is no expectation that you have to talk about the death in your first session, or before you feel ready.

Many people worry that counselling will mean revisiting painful memories straight away. They fear they'll become overwhelmed, lose control of their emotions or be expected to describe what happened before they've built any trust. That's not how I work.

We begin with where you are now and what feels most important to you. For some people, that might be talking about the person who died. For others, it might be the anxiety they're living with, the loneliness they feel, the changes in their relationships or simply how difficult everyday life has become since the loss.

Counselling isn't about rushing towards the most painful parts of your story. It's about creating a space where you feel safe enough to explore your grief at your own pace. As trust develops, you may find you're ready to talk about the death, but that decision is always yours.

There is no right or wrong place to begin. We start with what feels manageable for you and work together from there.

Is it normal to still be grieving after a year, or to feel stuck?

Yes. There is no timeline for grief, and there is no point at which you should be "over it."

Many people worry that because months or even years have passed, they ought to be coping better. They look around and wonder why everyone else seems to have moved on while they still feel overwhelmed, disconnected or as though life stopped on the day their loved one died. It's common to question yourself and wonder, "Why am I still feeling like this?"

Feeling stuck doesn't mean you've failed at grieving or that something is wrong with you. Sometimes grief becomes complicated by trauma, guilt, unanswered questions, changes in identity or the many secondary losses that follow a bereavement. At other times, life simply hasn't given you the space to process what happened because you've had to keep going.

Counselling offers the time and understanding that grief often doesn't receive in everyday life. Together we can explore what's keeping you feeling stuck, make sense of your experience and gently help you move forward, while continuing to honour the relationship you have with the person who died.

There is no expectation that you'll stop missing them. The aim isn't to leave them behind. It's to help grief feel less overwhelming, so that you can begin living alongside it rather than feeling trapped by it.

Why does grief feel worse at night?

Many people find that their grief feels much heavier in the evenings or when they're lying in bed at night. If you've ever wondered why you seem to cope during the day but fall apart once everything goes quiet, you're not alone.

During the day, work, family responsibilities, conversations and daily routines can keep your mind occupied. When those distractions fade, there is often more space for thoughts, memories and emotions to surface. The silence can make the absence of the person you've lost feel even more noticeable.

For some people, nights also bring worry about the future, feelings of loneliness or replaying the events surrounding the death. Others find themselves thinking about conversations they wish they'd had or things they wish they could change. It's often the time when the thoughts you've managed to push aside all day begin asking for your attention.

This doesn't mean your grief is getting worse or that you're moving backwards. It's a very common part of grieving.

Counselling can help you understand why your evenings feel so difficult, explore the thoughts and feelings that surface when life becomes quiet, and develop ways of responding to them with greater compassion and confidence. Over time, many people find that the nights become less overwhelming and more manageable.

Why do I feel guilty after their death?

Guilt is one of the most common and painful parts of grief. You may find yourself replaying conversations, decisions or the events leading up to the death, wondering if you could have done something differently.

You might think, "I should have visited more." "I should have noticed something was wrong." "If only I'd said this..." or "What if I'd done that instead?" These thoughts can be relentless, even when there was little or nothing you could realistically have changed.

Sometimes guilt isn't about something you did at all. You may feel guilty for laughing, enjoying yourself, taking time for yourself or beginning to imagine a future without the person who died. Others feel guilty because they experienced relief after a long illness or because they weren't able to be there when their loved one died. These feelings can be confusing, but they're far more common than many people realise.

Guilt is often grief trying to make sense of something that feels impossible to accept. Looking back with the knowledge you have now can make it seem as though you should have seen things differently at the time. In reality, we can only ever make decisions with the information, understanding and emotional resources we had in that moment.

Counselling provides a space to gently explore these thoughts without judgement. Together we can make sense of your guilt, understand where it comes from and help you find a more compassionate way of relating to yourself, while continuing to honour the person you've lost.

Is it normal to feel numb?

Yes. Feeling numb is a very common response to grief, especially in the days, weeks or months after a loss. Although many people expect grief to look like constant sadness or tears, it can also feel like the absence of emotion altogether.

You might feel disconnected from yourself, as though you're going through the motions without really being present. Some people describe feeling as if they're watching life happen around them, while others worry because they can't cry or don't feel as upset as they think they should.

Numbness doesn't mean you didn't love the person who died or that you're grieving in the wrong way. It can be your mind and body's way of protecting you when the reality of the loss feels too overwhelming to process all at once. As your nervous system begins to feel safer, different emotions may gradually emerge, often coming and going in waves.

If the numbness feels as though it's lasting, or you're finding it difficult to reconnect with yourself or your life, counselling can help. Together we can make sense of what you're experiencing, explore what may be keeping you feeling emotionally disconnected and gently support you as you begin to process your grief at a pace that feels right for you.

There is no right way to grieve. Whether your grief feels loud or quiet, overwhelming or numb, your experience is valid, and you don't have to make sense of it on your own.

Will I ever feel happy again?

When you're in the depths of grief, it can be difficult to imagine ever feeling genuinely happy again. Many people tell themselves, "This is how my life is going to feel forever." Others worry that if they do laugh, enjoy themselves or begin looking forward to something again, it somehow means they're forgetting the person they love.

The truth is that healing doesn't mean leaving them behind. It doesn't mean your grief disappears or that you stop missing them. It means the pain gradually becomes less overwhelming, creating space for moments of peace, connection and even joy to exist alongside your grief.

For many people, one of the hardest parts of healing is letting themselves experience those moments without guilt. Counselling can help you make sense of those feelings, explore what moving forward means to you and discover that it's possible to carry both love and loss at the same time.

You don't have to choose between remembering the person who died and living a meaningful life. With time and support, many people find they can hold both.

What if I never feel like my old self again?

Many people ask this after a significant loss. You may feel as though the person you were before the death has disappeared, and wonder if you'll ever recognise yourself again.

Grief can change your confidence, your relationships, your priorities and the way you see the world. It can leave you questioning your identity, especially if you've lost a partner, parent, child or someone who played a central role in your life. You may find yourself thinking, "I don't even know who I am anymore."

The truth is that grief changes us. It would be unrealistic to expect such a profound loss to leave you exactly the same as you were before. But that doesn't mean you'll always feel lost.

Counselling isn't about helping you get back to the person you used to be. It's about helping you make sense of who you are now, while carrying forward the love, memories and values that still matter to you. Over time, many people find they begin to reconnect with themselves, not by returning to their old life, but by gradually building a new one that still honours the person they've lost.

You don't have to have all the answers right now. Together, we can explore what this next chapter looks like and help you move towards a life that feels meaningful again, even if it looks different from the one you had before.

What if I don't want to get over my grief? Can counselling still help?

Yes. In fact, many people come to counselling with exactly that concern.

One of the biggest misconceptions about grief counselling is that it's designed to help you "move on" or leave your loved one behind. If that's what you're worried about, I want to reassure you that it isn't how I work.

The aim of counselling isn't to take away your grief or your love for the person who died. It isn't about encouraging you to forget them or pretend the loss didn't happen.

Instead, it's about helping you make sense of your grief and the impact it has had on your life. Together, we can explore the thoughts and emotions that feel overwhelming, work through feelings such as guilt, anger or anxiety, and help you find ways of carrying your grief that feel less exhausting.

Most people don't want to stop loving the person they've lost. They want the pain to become more manageable. They want to be able to remember them without feeling consumed by the loss every day.

Healing doesn't mean getting over the person you love. It means finding a way to carry both your grief and your love as you begin to rebuild a life that still feels meaningful.

What if I'm relieved they died, or our relationship was complicated?

Not every relationship is loving, safe or straightforward. Sometimes the person who died was abusive, neglectful, controlling or someone you had become estranged from. In these situations, grief can feel very different from what people expect.

You might feel relief that the relationship has ended or that the conflict is finally over. You might feel sadness for what never was, guilt for not feeling more upset, anger about the past or confusion because you're experiencing several emotions at once.

None of these feelings make you a bad person. Grief isn't only about missing someone. It's also about the loss of hope, the loss of what you wished the relationship could have been and the loss of any possibility that things might one day have been different.

Counselling provides a space where you don't have to pretend your relationship was better than it was. Whatever you're feeling, whether that's relief, anger, sadness, numbness or something you can't yet put into words, we can make sense of it together without judgement.

There is no right way to grieve a complicated relationship. Your experience is valid, even if it doesn't look like anyone else's.

What if counselling doesn't feel like it's helping?

It's a question many people have, and it's an important one to talk about openly.

Counselling isn't a quick fix, and it isn't the right approach for everyone at every stage of their life. There are many factors that influence whether it feels helpful, including whether the timing is right, whether you feel comfortable with your counsellor, what you're hoping to gain from therapy and whether you're ready to explore some of the difficult thoughts and emotions that grief can bring.

It's also worth remembering that counselling doesn't always feel better before it feels easier. Talking about painful experiences can sometimes leave you feeling more emotional or drained, particularly in the early stages. That doesn't necessarily mean counselling isn't working. Sometimes it means you're beginning to process feelings that you've been carrying on your own for a long time.

If something isn't feeling right, I encourage you to tell me. We can talk about what's working, what isn't and whether we need to adjust our approach. Counselling should feel like a collaborative process, and your feedback is an important part of that.

My hope is always that you feel heard, understood and supported. If, after talking things through, we feel that counselling with me isn't the best fit for your needs, that's okay too. Finding the right support is far more important than continuing with something that doesn't feel helpful, and if I can, I'll help you think about what might be a better next step.

The relationship between you and your counsellor is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy. Feeling safe, respected and able to work together matters just as much as the approach itself. My aim is never to convince you to stay in counselling, but to help you find the support that is right for you.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or uncertainty. It becomes a problem when those feelings don't settle, begin affecting your everyday life, or leave you feeling constantly on edge. You might find yourself worrying about things that haven't happened, expecting the worst, or feeling unable to relax even when everything seems fine.

Anxiety can affect your thoughts, emotions and body. Many people experience a racing mind, difficulty sleeping, irritability, muscle tension or a constant feeling of being "on alert." Sometimes it develops after a difficult life event, ongoing stress or bereavement, while for others it can seem to appear without an obvious reason.

You don't have to keep living this way. Counselling can help you understand what's driving your anxiety, make sense of what you're experiencing and find ways to feel calmer and more in control.

Why won't my mind switch off?

If your mind feels like it's constantly racing, you're not alone. Many people with anxiety describe feeling as though their brain never gets a chance to rest. You might replay conversations, imagine worst-case scenarios, worry about the future or find yourself analysing everything you've said or done.

This happens because anxiety keeps your mind searching for potential threats, even when there isn't an immediate danger. It can become exhausting, leaving you feeling mentally drained while still unable to switch off.

In counselling, we'll explore what's fuelling those thoughts rather than simply trying to stop them. As you begin to understand why your mind is working this way, it often becomes easier to respond with greater calm and less fear.

Can anxiety make you feel physically unwell?

Yes. Anxiety doesn't only affect your thoughts. It can also have a very real impact on your body.

Many people experience symptoms such as a racing heart, chest tightness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, stomach problems, shaking, muscle tension or feeling short of breath. These physical sensations can feel frightening and sometimes lead people to worry that something is seriously wrong.

Although it's always important to speak with your GP about new or persistent physical symptoms, anxiety is a common cause of these experiences. Counselling can help you understand the connection between your mind and body, reduce fear around your symptoms and break the cycle that often keeps anxiety going.

What happens in anxiety counselling?

Anxiety counselling gives you the opportunity to slow things down and make sense of what's happening, without judgement or pressure.

Together we'll explore how your anxiety affects you, what may be contributing to it and the patterns that keep it going. As we develop a better understanding of your experience, we can begin finding healthier ways of responding to anxious thoughts and feelings.

My approach is calm, collaborative and tailored to you. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution because everyone's experience of anxiety is different. Whether your anxiety is linked to grief, health worries, relationships, work or something that feels difficult to explain, counselling can help you feel more grounded, more confident and less overwhelmed.

Can Grief cause Anxiety?

Yes. Anxiety is a common response to bereavement, even if you've never experienced anxiety before.

After someone dies, your sense of safety can be shaken. You may find yourself constantly worrying about the people you love, imagining worst-case scenarios, struggling to relax or feeling permanently on edge. Some people also experience panic attacks, health anxiety or a fear that something bad is about to happen.

Grief and anxiety often exist alongside one another. Together, we can explore what's happening, understand why anxiety has developed and help you regain a greater sense of calm and control.

How do I know if I'm depressed?

Everyone feels low from time to time, especially after difficult life events. Depression is different because those feelings tend to last longer and begin affecting how you think, feel and cope with everyday life.

You might notice that you've lost interest in things you used to enjoy, feel exhausted no matter how much you rest, struggle to concentrate or find yourself withdrawing from other people. Some people describe feeling numb rather than sad, while others feel overwhelmed by hopelessness, guilt or self-criticism.

Depression can look different for everyone, and you don't have to reach a crisis point before seeking support. If life has started to feel heavy, flat or difficult to face, counselling can help you understand what's happening and begin finding a way forward.

Can depression happen after bereavement?

Yes. Grief and depression can share many of the same feelings, including sadness, exhaustion, loss of motivation, changes in sleep and difficulty concentrating. After losing someone important, it's completely natural to experience periods of low mood.

Sometimes, however, grief and depression begin to overlap. You may feel disconnected from life, lose hope for the future or find it increasingly difficult to function in your day-to-day life. This doesn't mean you're grieving incorrectly or that something is wrong with you. It may mean you're carrying more than anyone should have to carry alone.

Counselling provides a space to gently explore what you're experiencing. Together we can understand whether your feelings are part of your grief, depression, or a combination of both, and work towards helping life feel more manageable again.

What happens in depression counselling?

Depression counselling isn't about being told to think positively or simply trying to make difficult feelings disappear. It's about understanding your experience with compassion and curiosity.

Together we'll explore how depression is affecting your thoughts, emotions and everyday life, while considering the experiences that may have contributed to how you're feeling. We will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, helping you make sense of what has become overwhelming rather than placing pressure on you to 'snap out of it'.

My approach is calm, collaborative and tailored to you. Whether your depression has developed gradually, followed a bereavement or feels difficult to explain, counselling can help you better understand yourself, reconnect with what matters and begin moving forward one step at a time.

Can grief cause depression?

Grief and depression can sometimes look similar, but they aren't always the same.

Bereavement can leave you feeling exhausted, withdrawn, tearful or unable to enjoy things you once loved. For some people, these feelings gradually become easier to manage. For others, grief may contribute to depression or exist alongside it.

If you're worried about how you're feeling, counselling can help you understand what's happening and explore the support that's right for you.