Frequently Asked Questions

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Many people come because they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or notice the same patterns repeating in their relationships or everyday life. Therapy offers a space to slow things down, make sense of what is happening, and develop a greater understanding of yourself and the changes you would like to make. 

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain from it, and any questions or concerns you may have. There is no pressure to share everything at once; we work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Together, we'll begin to explore whether counselling feels like the right fit. 

There is no fixed number of sessions, as every person and every situation is different. Some people come for short-term support around a particular issue, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns and create lasting change. We will regularly review how the work is progressing and decide together what feels most helpful. 

Every couple is different, so there is no set number of sessions. Some couples notice positive changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work, particularly where patterns have developed over many years. I usually recommend meeting at least fortnightly, with weekly sessions often being helpful at the beginning to build momentum and support meaningful change. 

Many couples seek counselling when communication has broken down, conflict has become repetitive, emotional connection has diminished, or trust has been damaged. Counselling can also be helpful before problems become deeply entrenched. 

Yes. Couples counselling can help you understand the patterns that keep arguments going, improve communication, and develop new ways of responding to one another. 

Many couples seek counselling following infidelity. Therapy can provide a space to explore what has happened, understand the impact on both partners, and consider whether and how trust might be rebuilt. 

No. Some couples attend counselling to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, prepare for major life changes, or deepen their understanding of one another. 

It is common for one partner to feel more hesitant than the other. Sometimes individual counselling can help you think about the relationship and how you would like to approach these conversations. 

Repeated arguments often reflect deeper emotional needs, fears, or patterns within the relationship. Counselling can help identify and address what sits beneath the surface of recurring conflict. 

 Yes. Counselling can provide a space to explore the impact of the loss of contact, make sense of what may have happened within the relationship, and work through feelings such as grief, confusion, anger, guilt, or helplessness.

Even if your daughter does not wish to attend counselling, therapy can help you understand your own emotional responses, recognise patterns within the relationship, and consider how you would like to move forward.

Absolutely.

Many parents seek counselling on their own because their adult son or daughter is unwilling or unable to attend. Individual counselling can still be valuable. Together we can explore the relationship, process difficult emotions, identify patterns that may be contributing to the difficulties, and consider how you would like to respond going forward.

The length of therapy varies depending on the difficulties being addressed, the goals of the couple, and the pace at which change occurs.   Importantly how much effort is put in by both partners. 

 Yes. Childhood emotional neglect can influence how we connect with partners, friends, children, and colleagues. It may contribute to difficulties with trust, vulnerability, communication, or emotional closeness. 

Yes. Emotional neglect is often unintentional. Many parents care deeply for their children but may not have had the emotional resources or awareness to respond consistently to emotional needs. 

 Difficulty identifying emotions is a common consequence of emotional neglect. If feelings were not recognised or discussed during childhood, emotional awareness may not have had the opportunity to develop fully.