Here are some of the more common questions that are often asked about my counselling service.
What happens during an introductory call?
I offer a free 20-minute introductory counselling call, either by phone or online, with no pressure to commit. This is a chance for you to ask any questions. You can get a feel for how I work and see whether counselling with me feels right for you.
Many people feel unsure about what to say. They also worry about how to begin. This is especially true if they’ve been carrying things alone for a long time. That’s completely natural. I understand how daunting it can feel to open up. I’ll do my best to help you feel at ease. There’s no right or wrong way to approach this first conversation.
If it feels like the right next step, we’ll arrange a time for your first full session. I usually reserve the same weekly time slot for each client. Still, I also have some flexibility for those who need it.
I offer both short-term counselling (6–12 sessions) and longer-term therapy (12+ sessions). We’ll work together at a pace that suits you. I will tailor the sessions to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re seeking individual counselling in Edinburgh, online therapy, or couples counselling with a partner.
What happens in the first session?
It’s completely expected to feel nervous before your first therapy session. You might not know where to begin. Or you may already have a clear idea of what you’d like to talk about. However you arrive, I’ll meet you with warmth, acceptance and respect—without judgment or pressure.
During this first counselling session, we’ll begin to get to know each other. I’ll listen to whatever you feel ready to share and we’ll explore what’s brought you to therapy. You might find it helpful to reflect on:
- What has led you to seek counselling at this time?
- What are you hoping to gain from the process?
- What might life feel like if counselling were to help?
You might be attending individual therapy, online counselling, or couples therapy. This first session is an opportunity to begin creating a space that feels safe enough to explore what really matters to you.
What days are sessions available?
Sessions are during office hours and I offer in-person sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Online sessions are available on Tuesdays and Fridays. I do not have availability in the evenings or at weekends.
What happens in a face-to-face session?
In-person counselling sessions take place at my comfortable and private therapy room near Haymarket, Edinburgh. Please note it is on the third floor and there is no lift.
When you arrive, simply ring the door buzzer and the receptionist will let you in. Let them know you’re here to see me. My name is Sally. They will direct you to the waiting area on the first floor. I’ll come to meet you at the time of your appointment and invite you into the room.
You’re welcome to bring your own drink. If there’s anything else you need to feel more comfortable during the session, just let me know. My aim is to offer a calm, respectful space where you can talk freely and feel heard.
What do I need for an online session?
For online therapy sessions, you’ll need:
- A reliable internet connection and a device that supports video calls (like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone)
- A quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly without being overheard
- Headphones can be helpful for privacy and sound quality
- A comfortable seat, a drink and perhaps a blanket to help you feel at ease
It’s also a good idea to give yourself a little buffer time. Take five or ten minutes before and after the session. This way, you can get set up. Then, take a moment to reflect before jumping back into the rest of your day.
Online counselling can be just as effective as in-person sessions. Many clients appreciate the flexibility and comfort of attending from home.
How many sessions do I need?
That really depends on what you bring and what you want to achieve. You don’t need to decide initially how many sessions you’ll need. We can take things one step at a time. In our first session, we can talk about what might work best for you and revisit that as things unfold.
Some people find that short-term counselling—around 8 to 12 sessions—offers enough space to address a specific concern. Others choose to engage in longer-term therapy to explore things more deeply or work through complex emotional experiences. There’s no one-size-fits-all.
You’re in control of the pace and duration of your therapy. Some clients choose to taper their sessions gradually. They may space them out more before ending. Others know when it feels right to stop. I’ll check in with you regularly. We’ll work together to ensure your counselling experience feels right for you.
If you’re considering starting therapy, but you’re unsure about the duration you might want or need, that’s completely okay. Many people begin from that place.
Will counselling help?
Counselling can be life-changing, but it’s also a personal process—and it isn’t the right fit for everyone. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons: feeling overwhelmed, stuck, low in self-worth, or simply wanting a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships
The evidence is clear:
“There is unequivocal evidence that, on average, psychological therapies have a positive effect on people’s mental health and wellbeing… Almost 8 out of 10 individuals who participate in counselling and psychotherapy improve to a greater extent than the average person who does not participate in therapy.”
(Mick Cooper, Essential Research Findings in Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2008)
Although no therapist can guarantee results, many people find value in talking through their experiences with a trained counsellor. This process brings new insights, emotional relief, and greater clarity. I offer a free 20-minute introductory call to help you decide whether I am the right counsellor for you. If you then decide to go ahead, you’re welcome to try a few sessions and see how it feels.
What if I don’t think counselling is helping?
Therapy is a collaborative process—your thoughts and feelings about how it’s going are always welcome. If you’re unsure whether it’s helping, we can explore that together. Sometimes change takes time and sometimes it’s about finding the right approach or focus.
We’ll regularly check in to see how the sessions are working for you. If something doesn’t feel right, please bring it into the sessions. It could be the approach, the pace, or not feeling fully understood. Your feedback helps us make meaningful adjustments. If at any point you feel that counselling isn’t the right fit, you can stop whenever you wish.
Your experience matters. It’s important that counselling feels like a space where your needs and voice are heard.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes—confidentiality is a cornerstone of counselling and something I take very seriously. Our sessions are private. What you share will not be disclosed to others without your permission. This is true except in very limited circumstances (see below).
I take brief, hand-written notes during or after sessions, using only your initials. These notes are stored securely in a locked cabinet. I also attend monthly clinical supervision—as is standard ethical practice—to ensure I’m offering the best support possible. In supervision, I discuss client work confidentially.
There are rare exceptions to confidentiality. If I believe that you are at serious risk of harm, I have a legal and ethical duty to act. The same applies if someone you talk about is at risk. If this were to happen, I would always aim to discuss it with you beforehand. I would explain exactly what information may need to be shared. I would also clarify with whom it may need to be shared.
For full details, please read my Privacy Policy.
What happens during counselling?
Counselling is a collaborative process. You can bring whatever’s troubling you to a space that’s supportive, compassionate, and grounded in care.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you come—many people start therapy unsure of where to begin. I’ll take time to get to know you and your story. I’ll listen with empathy and curiosity. Together, we will explore the emotions, patterns, and experiences that may be affecting your wellbeing or relationships.
Together, we’ll gently explore what’s going on beneath the surface. We will begin to make sense of the feelings that may be keeping you stuck. Whether you need help with anxiety, depression, trauma, or self-esteem, I’ll meet you as you are. We can also address relationship struggles or focus on personal growth. I will do so with respect, honesty, and warmth.
Do you work with couples?
Yes, I am trained in couples counselling, relationship counselling, what used to be called marriage guidance. I have studied Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), a highly effective and evidence-based approach for helping couples heal. EFT focuses on creating secure emotional connections, rebuilding trust and improving communication to foster lasting, meaningful bonds.
If you and your partner are facing challenges, I provide a compassionate space to explore these issues. If you simply want to deepen your connection, we can work through that together.
I am a therapist, do you offer supervision?
Yes, I offer supportive supervision for counselling professionals. I draw on my extensive experience in both counselling and supervision training. I provide a reflective and compassionate space to explore your clinical work. We can also discuss ethical questions and professional development.
My approach to supervision is collaborative. It is tailored to your individual needs. This applies whether you are newly qualified or an experienced practitioner. I aim to help you deepen your self-awareness, strengthen your skills and maintain your wellbeing as you support others.
For more information on session options, fees, and how to get started, please visit my Supervision page. You can also get in touch directly.
I’m a therapist can I rent your counselling room?
Yes, I do rent out my counselling room to other therapists. Please see more information on this page
