Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a session?
Once you've got in touch, the next step is to arrange an initial session.
During this session we'll discuss what help you are looking for and confirm which service will best support you.
Whether you opt for counselling or therapeutic support work, we are there to support you in reaching your goals, whether through talk therapy, or planning activities together.
How should I prepare for counselling?
Where will it take place?
Support work usually takes place in your own home, or in an agreed setting for a planned activity
ie. shopping, coffee shop, leisure centre etc.
Counselling is available online, for you to access in any private or appropriately confidential space you may have to meet. I use Zoom, or Microsoft Teams for online counselling, and am pleased to provide any information or instructions you may find helpful to use these.
In-person appointments are available in my dedicated garden counselling office, with a range of play, art and creative materials available.
What is a Christian Counsellor?
I am an accredited registered counsellor member of the Association of Christians in Counselling (ACC). I have made a commitment to following the ACC ethical framework in my work.
The ACC’s register of counsellors has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under its Accredited Registers programme, and exists to offer assurance and a mark of quality for service users.
You can read more on the ACC’s website: About the ACC Accredited Register | Association of Christian Counsellors (acc-uk.org)
If you are looking for pastoral counselling, and wish to engage with the Christian faith in your journey, we can do this. Please let me know this when you get in touch for your initial assessment so that we can best set a course that suits you.
I work with all people, of all orientations, faiths and ways of being, and value you as an individual person and the journey you are travelling.
Please know that I am a safe person for LGBTQ+ people, and along with the ACC, I stand against conversion therapy and am an accepting, safe and affirming counsellor.
How many sessions will I need?
We regularly review every 6 weeks, to confirm counselling continues to be of benefit for you.
We want to see you become independent and with skills to enjoy life more fully.
I offer a tailor-made flexible approach according to your individual needs. Some people find a single session appointment helpful in finding direction, others wish to undertake long-term weekly therapy. Many find a series of weekly appointments valuable for a time, and then may reduce to fortnightly sessions to build confidence, before completing their counselling.
There is always peace of mind, should life’s roadbumps occur, you can return to counselling for a top-up session or two to recap and access support..
What is the next step?
Book your initial assessment
At your initial assessment we will discuss your hopes, needs, goals and expectations and ascertain which of our services is most helpful for you. Initial sessions are offered at a reduce fee of £30 to allow you to ask questions and share your individual needs, to see if I can offer the support you need.
Get in touch to book your initial assessment by emailing stepforwardcounselling@outlook.com
Do you offer group sessions?
Please get in touch for a bespoke discussion to look at how we can best support you. I have experience offering training, mindfulness, wellbeing and safe space groups
Contact me
For any questions you have, you can reach me here:
Step Forward Counselling & Support Services