Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling

Looking for Trauma-Informed Counselling?

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, and it's natural to have questions. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, bereavement, workplace stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed, counselling can provide a safe and supportive space to explore what is happening.

Michelle's Counselling and Training offers confidential, trauma-informed counselling for adults, children and young people. We provide online counselling throughout the UK and face-to-face counselling in Kent, Dartford, Bexley, South East London and surrounding areas.

Below are answers to some of the questions people commonly ask before starting therapy. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please feel free to get in touch.

What Is Counselling?

Counselling is a confidential, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about your thoughts, feelings and experiences with a qualified counsellor.

People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, stress, low confidence, or simply feeling that life has become difficult to manage.

Counselling can help you better understand yourself, process difficult emotions, develop healthier coping strategies and make meaningful changes at a pace that feels right for you.

You do not need to be in crisis or have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from counselling.

What Can Counselling Help With?

Counselling can support people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

• Anxiety and excessive worry

• Panic attacks

• Depression and low mood

• Trauma and PTSD

• Childhood trauma

• Sexual abuse and sexual violence

• Domestic abuse and coercive control

• Relationship difficulties

• Bereavement and loss

• Stress and burnout

• Workplace difficulties

• Low self-esteem and confidence

• Emotional regulation

• Life transitions and major life changes

• Personal development and self-awareness

Everyone's experience is unique, and counselling is tailored to your individual needs.

What Is Trauma-Informed Counselling?

Trauma-informed counselling recognises that difficult or overwhelming life experiences can have a lasting impact on the brain, body and nervous system.

Experiences such as childhood abuse, sexual violence, domestic abuse, neglect, bullying, loss or other significant life events can affect how we think, feel, relate to others and experience the world around us.

Symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, people-pleasing, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, difficulties trusting others, low self-worth or feeling disconnected from yourself can sometimes be linked to unresolved trauma.

A trauma-informed approach places emotional and physical safety at the centre of therapy. We work collaboratively, helping you understand your experiences while moving at a pace that feels safe, respectful and empowering.

Do I Need To Talk About Everything Straight Away?

No.

There is never any pressure to talk about experiences before you feel ready.

Building trust takes time, and counselling is about working together at a pace that feels manageable for you. Many people begin by talking about what is happening in their lives now before exploring earlier experiences when they feel ready.

You remain in control of what you choose to share.

Is Counselling Confidential?

Yes.

Everything discussed in counselling is treated as confidential and managed in accordance with professional, ethical and legal standards.

There are a small number of situations where confidentiality may need to be broken, including where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person, concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, or where disclosure is required by law.

These limits will always be explained before counselling begins. You can also read more in our Privacy Notice.

How Long Are Counselling Sessions?

Individual counselling sessions are usually 50 minutes long.

Longer sessions may sometimes be available where clinically appropriate or where specialist trauma work has been agreed in advance.

How Many Counselling Sessions Will I Need?

There is no fixed number of counselling sessions that is right for everyone.

Some people benefit from short-term counselling focused on a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy to work through more complex or longstanding experiences, including trauma.

We will regularly review your progress together and discuss your goals throughout the counselling process.

Do You Offer Online Counselling?

Yes.

We provide secure online counselling for clients throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Many people find online therapy just as effective as face-to-face counselling while offering greater flexibility around work, childcare and travel.

What Do I Need For Online Counselling?

For online counselling you will need:

• A reliable internet connection

• A computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone

• A quiet and private space where you are unlikely to be interrupted

• A comfortable environment where you feel able to speak openly

Many clients also find that using headphones helps improve privacy and sound quality. You can find out more about online counselling here

Do You Offer Face-to-Face Counselling?

Yes.

Face-to-face counselling is available at selected locations in Kent and South East London. Please visit our Services page for current availability and locations.

What Happens During The First Counselling Appointment?

Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another.

We will talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you hope to achieve, any questions you may have, and whether our way of working feels like the right fit for you.

There is no expectation that you will tell your whole story during the first session.

What If I Feel Nervous About Starting Counselling?

Feeling nervous before your first counselling session is completely normal.

Many people worry that they won't know what to say or that they may become emotional. There is no right or wrong way to begin counselling.

We will work together to help you feel safe, comfortable and supported throughout the process.

Is Counselling Worth It If I'm Not Sure I Need It?

Many people wonder whether their problems are "serious enough" for counselling.

You do not have to reach a crisis point before asking for support. If something is affecting your wellbeing, relationships, work, confidence or day-to-day life, counselling may help you understand what is happening and explore ways of moving forward.

Seeking support is not a sign of weakness—it is often an important step towards looking after your emotional wellbeing.

Who Do You Work With?

We provide counselling for adults, children and young people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties.

I work using trauma-informed, person-centred and integrative approaches, tailoring therapy to meet your individual needs and goals.

How Much Does Counselling Cost?

Our current counselling fees are available on the Fees page.

If you have any questions about fees, payment options or finding the right service for your needs, please get in touch.

How Do I Book A Counselling Appointment?

Booking is simple.

You can arrange an initial consultation through our website or contact us directly using the information on our Contact page.

We will be happy to answer any questions and help you decide whether counselling is the right next step for you.

Still Have Questions?

If your question has not been answered here, please get in touch.

Starting counselling is a personal decision, and we understand that choosing the right counsellor is important. We are always happy to answer your questions and help you decide whether our trauma-informed approach is the right fit for you.