Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about starting counselling, what it costs, and what to expect.
Thinking about starting
For anyone still deciding whether counselling is the right step.
Do I need a referral from my GP to start counselling?
No. You can contact us directly and arrange an assessment yourself. No referral, diagnosis or letter is needed. Some people tell their GP they have started counselling and some do not; that is entirely your decision and makes no difference to us.
What happens after I send an enquiry?
We aim to reply within 2 business days. We will arrange your 45-minute initial assessment (£35) at a time that works, and tell you where to come or send a secure link. If we are not the right practice for you, we will say so and suggest where to look.
What happens in the first session?
The initial assessment is an unhurried conversation about what has brought you. You will not be asked to complete forms or produce a history. It is also your chance to ask questions and to decide whether this feels right. There is no obligation to continue afterwards.
Is there a waiting list?
Availability changes, so we will tell you honestly what appointments exist when you get in touch rather than quote a general figure here. If the wait would be long, we will say so at that point so you can decide whether to wait or look elsewhere.
How do I know if I need counselling?
There is no threshold you have to meet. You do not need a diagnosis, a crisis, or a reason that sounds serious enough to anyone else. If something is difficult enough that you have looked this up, that is a reasonable basis for one conversation.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably. Broadly, counselling tends to focus on a current difficulty and psychotherapy on longer-standing patterns. Both are offered here, and the distinction matters far less than whether the working relationship suits you.
Sessions, fees and practicalities
Times, costs, payment, cancellations and how to find us.
How long is a session, and how often do we meet?
Ongoing sessions are 50 minutes, usually weekly at a consistent time that is held for you. The initial assessment is shorter, at 45 minutes. Some people move to fortnightly later on, which is something we would discuss together rather than decide for you.
How much does counselling cost?
The initial assessment is £35 for 45 minutes. Ongoing 50-minute sessions are £60 to £80, depending on the practitioner and format. There is no registration fee and no minimum number of sessions. See our fees page for the full picture.
How and when do I pay?
Sessions are paid for in advance. We send an invoice, and you can pay by bank transfer (BACS) or card. Card payments are handled securely by Stripe, so your card details never reach the practice. Receipts are available on request.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or rearrange. Your appointment time is held for you each week rather than offered to someone else, so a session cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice is charged at the full rate.
Do you offer online or telephone sessions?
Yes. Secure online video sessions are available to anyone in Kent and across the UK, and telephone sessions can be arranged. They are the same length and cost as room-based sessions, with the same practitioner each week. Many people mix the two.
Where are you, and is there parking?
We are at Suite 5, Lullingstone House, St Johns Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2NX. The nearest parking is Castle Street car park, about two minutes away on foot. Canterbury East and Canterbury West stations and the main bus depot are all a short walk.
Once you have started
Confidentiality, how long therapy lasts, and what to do if it is not working.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes, within limits we explain at the start. Practitioners discuss their work in regular clinical supervision, which is a professional requirement and is itself confidential. The exceptions involve serious risk of harm, and we will always tell you if we need to act on one.
How long will I be in therapy?
That varies genuinely. Some people come for a few months around a specific difficulty; others work over a longer period. We review how it is going together rather than at fixed points, and you are free to end at any time. There is no minimum.
Will I be given exercises or homework?
Not as a rule. This is relational, conversational work rather than a structured programme with worksheets. If something practical would genuinely help between sessions we might suggest it, but it will be an offer rather than an assignment you can fail at.
Can I choose which practitioner I see?
You are welcome to ask for someone in particular when you get in touch. We will also discuss it at your initial assessment, considering what you are bringing, how each of us works and what is actually available. Being well matched matters more than being seen quickly.
What if it is not working, or I want to stop?
Say so. It is useful information rather than a problem, and it is a normal thing to bring to a session. If we are not the right fit we would rather help you find someone who is. You can end therapy at any point without needing a reason.
Do you offer counselling for under-18s, and do parents need to consent?
We work with young people from 13. A parent or carer normally makes the initial enquiry and is involved in arranging sessions. We explain confidentiality and its limits clearly to both the young person and the parent before the work begins.
If you need help now
This page is for questions that can wait. If you are in distress or having thoughts of suicide, please do not work through an FAQ.
Still not sure?
You are welcome to ring or email with a question before booking anything. We would rather answer it than have you guess.