Frequently Asked Questions

How does counselling and psychotherapy work?

Counselling and psychotherapy offer a safe, confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with empathy and without judgment. Together, we’ll work to build self-awareness, understand underlying patterns, and develop strategies for personal growth. The process is collaborative and tailored to your needs, helping you navigate challenges and create positive change in your life.

What is integrative therapy?

Integrative therapy draws on different therapeutic approaches to suit your individual needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all method. It’s grounded in the idea that no single way of working fits everyone, and that therapy should adapt to you — not the other way around. While I work mainly from a humanistic perspective, I may bring in elements from other approaches to support you in the most effective and compassionate way.

What to expect in the first session…

We’ll talk a bit about what’s brought you to therapy and what you’re hoping for. It’s also a chance to see how it feels to talk with me. You don’t need to prepare or explain everything — just come as you are.

What might we talk about?

That’s entirely up to you. You can start wherever feels most important — or wherever feels safe. There’s no pressure to “have it all figured out.” Many people talk about relationships, anxiety, low mood, identity, loss, work stress, or past experiences.

Is everything I say confidential?

Yes — what you share stays private. There are a few rare exceptions where I might need to break confidentiality, such as if there’s serious risk of harm to you or someone else. But I’d always aim to talk this through with you first.

What if I decide counselling isn’t for me?

That’s absolutely okay. There’s no obligation to continue beyond what feels helpful for you. If you decide not to go ahead, or to stop at any point, I’ll respect your choice and can offer support with ending well.

How long do you think I might need counselling for?

It varies from person to person. Some people come for just a few sessions; others find longer-term work helpful. There’s no right or wrong — we can regularly check in together about how it’s going and what you feel you need.

What if I have multiple issues going on?

That’s completely okay — life is rarely neat or simple. We can work with whatever’s happening, at your pace. You don’t need to prioritise or make sense of everything alone.

“What’s wrong with me?”

It’s completely normal to feel this way, especially when you’re struggling. But therapy isn’t about diagnosing or labelling you. It’s about understanding what you’re feeling and why — and working together to ease that burden. You’re not broken; you’re human.

Can I bring someone with me?

It’s very unusual to have someone else in the room during therapy, as it can affect how open and safe things feel for you. If there’s a particular reason you’d like someone with you — especially for a first session — let me know, and we can talk it through together.

What happens if I need to cancel a session?

Chestnut Counselling doesn’t have a strict cancellation policy — life happens, and I may sometimes need to move things around too. My approach is based on mutual respect: if either of us needs to cancel, we’ll aim to reschedule within the same week if possible, or simply skip a week if not. If short-notice cancellations became a regular pattern, we’d talk about what’s going on and how best to move forward together.

Do you offer ‘walk and talk’ therapy?

Yes — if you’re local and interested, we can explore working outdoors. It’s a different way of working together that some people find grounding or freeing. We’ll still work at your pace, and you’re welcome to switch between indoor and outdoor sessions.