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I bet you have questions!

so, Let’s make things clearer.

It’s completely natural to have questions before starting therapy. This section offers clear, honest answers to help you feel more informed and confident as you consider your next step. If you don’t see your question answered below, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.

General Counselling Questions

Counselling (or therapy) is a professional and confidential space where you can talk openly about your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s a supportive relationship that helps you explore challenges, gain clarity, and find new ways of coping or growing. Counselling isn’t about giving advice — it’s about working together to better understand what you're going through and to support meaningful change.

Counselling can help in many different ways. It might support you through anxiety, depression, grief, stress, relationship issues, or life transitions. It can also help you gain insight, improve your self-esteem, or make important decisions. Everyone’s experience is unique, but many people find that therapy helps them feel more grounded, resilient, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

I work with a wide range of concerns, including (but not limited to):

      • Anxiety and panic
      • Depression and low mood
      • Stress and burnout
      • Grief and loss
      • Relationship or family issues
      • Self-esteem and confidence
      • Life transitions (e.g. career change, separation, parenthood)
      • Trauma or past experiences that still affect you

If you're unsure whether your situation is something I can help with, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to talk it through.

Not at all. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or a specific “reason” to come to counselling. Many people seek therapy simply because they want to feel better, understand themselves more deeply, or work through a difficult time. Whatever your reason, you're welcome here.

These roles can overlap, but they have different training and approaches:

      • A counsellor (or psychotherapist) is trained to provide talk therapy, helping clients explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe, supportive setting.
      • A psychologist also provides therapy, but may have additional training in psychological testing and research.
      • A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, and may also offer some therapy.

All three can be helpful, depending on your needs — and sometimes they work together as part of a wider care team.

About the Counselling Process

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and to start understanding what’s bringing you to counselling. I’ll ask some questions about your current situation, background, and what you’d like to work on. You’re welcome to ask questions too — it’s important that you feel comfortable. There’s no pressure to share everything right away; we’ll go at your pace.

A typical session lasts 50 minutes. This gives us time to explore what’s going on without feeling rushed. If you're ever unsure how much time you'll need, we can talk about what might work best for you.

Most clients begin with weekly or fortnightly sessions, which helps build momentum and consistency, especially in the early stages. Over time, you may choose to meet less often — such as monthly — depending on your needs and progress. We'll review this together as we go, so the schedule works for you.

That depends on your goals, the issues you're working through, and how you’re feeling along the way. Some people come for a few sessions to address a specific concern, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth. We’ll check in regularly to make sure the therapy is supporting you in the way you need.

Yes — what you share in therapy is kept private and confidential. There are a few legal exceptions where I may be required to break confidentiality, such as if there’s a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or concerns about child safety. I’ll explain all of this clearly during our first session so you feel fully informed and safe.

Practical & Logistical Questions

Booking an appointment is easy — just click the Book Online link on this website. You’ll be able to view available times and choose a session that works for you. I offer flexible hours, including evenings and Saturdays, to fit around your schedule.

All fees are listed on the Services page of this website. If you have questions about pricing or which service is right for you, feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.

Payment is made online at the time of booking through the secure booking system, Halaxy. You can pay using a debit or credit card, and you’ll receive a confirmation and receipt once your booking is complete. If you have any issues with payment or need support, feel free to reach out.

Yes — my practice is 100% online, offering secure video and phone counselling from the comfort of your own space. Many clients appreciate the flexibility and privacy that online therapy provides, especially with after-hours and weekend availability.

I don’t bill insurance directly, but I can provide a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurer for potential reimbursement, depending on your provider and coverage. It’s best to check with your insurance company about what they’ll cover for online therapy.

Life happens — if you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 24 hours notice. Cancellations made with less notice will only receive a partial refund of 50%, as that time has been set aside just for you. You can manage bookings and changes easily through the online booking system (i.e., Halaxy) on the Book Online page.

Therapist & Approach

Please see the Meet Amie page for all the relevant details of the available psychologist. 

My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I integrate cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and solution-focussed therapy to help you build insight and develop practical tools. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where you feel heard and empowered.

Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. I encourage you to have an initial session to see if my style and approach feel like a good fit. It’s normal to want to feel comfortable and understood — if at any point you feel we’re not the right match, I’m happy to support you in finding someone who better meets your needs.

Yes, absolutely. It’s important to work with someone you feel comfortable with and trust. If you don’t feel a connection, you’re welcome to explore other therapists. I can help guide you in finding the right support if needed.

Currently, I specialise in working with adults, teens, and children. My practice is online and designed to support individuals who are seeking therapy in a flexible, accessible format. If you’re looking for support for families, or a specific group, I can help recommend other professionals who specialise in those areas.

Concerns & Misconceptions

That’s completely okay — many people feel that way at first. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. We can begin with whatever’s on your mind, even if it feels small or unclear. Part of therapy is helping you find words for what you’re feeling and figuring out what matters most to you right now.

Tears and emotions are completely welcome in therapy. It’s a safe space where you don’t need to hold back or worry about being judged. Getting emotional often means you’re touching on something important, and that’s a valuable part of the healing process. I’m here to support you through it.

Yes, that can happen — and it’s a very normal part of the process. Sometimes, bringing up painful feelings or past experiences can feel intense at first. But with support, those moments often lead to greater clarity, release, and growth. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, and we’ll always check in to make sure you’re feeling safe and supported.

Because my practice is fully online, sessions are designed to be one-on-one unless we’ve arranged something different in advance (such as joint sessions or support for couples). If you feel anxious about starting therapy alone, we can talk through that together beforehand and make a plan that feels comfortable.

Not at all. While counselling can be incredibly helpful during times of crisis or mental health challenges, it’s also valuable for everyday stress, personal growth, relationship difficulties, or just wanting to better understand yourself. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy — everyone deserves support and a space to talk.