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, get a feel for how I work and see whether counselling with me feels like the right thing for you.
Many people feel unsure about what to say or how to begin—especially 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 and 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 but 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, tailoring 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?
Whether you’re attending individual therapy, online counselling, or couples therapy, this first session is an opportunity to begin creating a space where you feel safe enough to explore what really matters to you.
What days are sessions available?
Currently, I offer in-person sessions on Wednesdays. Starting July 2025, additional in-person slots will be available on Thursdays and Fridays. Online sessions are available on Tuesdays.
What happens in a face-to-face session?
In-person counselling sessions take place at my comfortable and private therapy room near Haymarket, Edinburgh.
When you arrive, simply ring the door buzzer and the receptionist will let you in. Let them know you’re here to see me (Sally), and they’ll 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 and 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—five or ten minutes before and after the session—so you can get set up and 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, and 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 at the beginning 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—spacing them out more before ending—while others know when it feels right to stop. I’ll check in with you regularly, and we’ll work together to ensure your counselling experience feels supportive and right for you.
If you’re thinking about starting therapy but unsure how long you might want or need, that’s completely okay—many people start 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)
While no therapist can guarantee results, many people find that talking through their experiences with a trained counsellor brings new insights, emotional relief, and greater clarity. You’re welcome to try a few sessions and see how it feels—I offer a free 20-minute introductory call to help you decide whether this is the right step for you.
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 about how the sessions feel for you. If something isn’t working, we can make adjustments—whether that’s the way we’re working, the pace, or the goals. If you decide counselling isn’t the right fit for you, you’re free to stop at any time.
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, and what you share will not be disclosed to others without your permission, except in very limited circumstances (see below).
I keep brief, hand-written notes 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—or someone you talk about—is at serious risk of harm, I have a legal and ethical duty to act. If this were to happen, I would always aim to discuss it with you beforehand and explain exactly what information may need to be shared and with whom.
For full details, please read my Privacy Policy.
What happens during counselling?
Counselling is a collaborative process where you can bring whatever’s troubling you, in 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 and I’ll listen with empathy and curiosity as we 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 and begin to make sense of the feelings that may be keeping you stuck. Whether you’re coming for help with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, relationship struggles, or personal growth, I’ll meet you as you are, with respect, honesty and warmth.
Do you work with couples?
Yes, I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), a highly effective and evidence-based approach for helping couples heal and strengthen their relationships. 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 or simply want to deepen your connection, I offer a compassionate space to explore and work through those issues together.
I am a therapist, do you offer supervision?
Yes, I currently offer affordable, supportive supervision for counselling professionals. Drawing on my extensive experience in both counselling and supervision training, I provide a reflective and compassionate space to explore your clinical work, ethical questions and professional development.
My approach to supervision is collaborative and tailored to your individual needs, 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 the Supervision page or get in touch directly.
