Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling is a talking therapy that provides a safe, confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained professional.

It's a collaborative process where I support you in understanding yourself better, working through difficulties, and making positive changes in your life. Unlike advice-giving, counselling helps you find your own answers and develop your own resources for coping.

There's no single answer to this, but some signs that counselling might help include:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to cope
• Struggling with difficult emotions like anxiety, sadness, or anger
• Relationship problems or feeling isolated
• Going through major life changes or losses
• Negative thinking patterns affecting your daily life
• Simply wanting to understand yourself better

If something is affecting your wellbeing, relationships, or ability to function, speaking to a counsellor could be beneficial. The free consultation is a good opportunity to explore whether counselling is right for you.

Before your first full session, I offer a free 15-minute consultation — either by phone or in person — where we can discuss what's brought you to counselling and see if we're a good fit for working together.

If you decide to continue, the first full session involves an intake interview where we explore your background, current situation, and what you hope to achieve from therapy. I'll focus on your mental, physical, and family history to build a picture of your life and experiences.

There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with. We move at your pace, and you're in control of what you share.

This varies from person to person. Some people find that a few sessions help them work through a specific issue, while others benefit from longer-term support to explore deeper patterns and make lasting changes.

We'll discuss your goals in our initial consultation and review progress regularly. There's no minimum commitment — we work together for as long as you find it helpful. You can end therapy whenever you feel ready.

Yes, confidentiality is fundamental to counselling. What you share in our sessions stays between us, and I won't discuss your case with anyone else without your explicit permission.

There are very limited exceptions where I may need to break confidentiality — specifically if there's a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law (such as court orders or certain safeguarding situations). I'll explain this fully in our first session so you understand the boundaries.

I follow the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which includes strict guidelines on confidentiality.

Both options offer the same quality of therapeutic support — the main difference is practical. In-person sessions take place at The Shaftesbury Centre in Swindon, while online sessions happen via secure video call from wherever you're comfortable.

Online therapy can be ideal if you have mobility issues, a busy schedule, live far from Swindon, or simply prefer the convenience of therapy from home. Some people find it easier to open up in their own space.

The fee is the same for both options, and many clients choose a mix of both depending on their circumstances each week.

This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. You don't need to arrive with a prepared agenda or know exactly what you want to discuss.

Sometimes the most valuable sessions start with uncertainty. We can begin wherever you are — how you're feeling that day, what's been on your mind, or simply sitting with not knowing. Part of my role is to help you explore what's important, even when it's not immediately clear.

There's no right or wrong way to do therapy. We'll find what works for you.

Yes. I offer sessions in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.

Being able to express yourself in your first language can make a significant difference in therapy. Some thoughts and feelings are simply easier to articulate in the language you grew up with, and there are cultural nuances that can be better expressed in your mother tongue.

If you'd prefer to have some or all of your sessions in one of these languages, just let me know.

Most clients meet weekly, at the same time each week. This provides consistency and allows momentum to build between sessions.

However, I understand that life doesn't always fit neatly into schedules. We can discuss what works best for your situation — some people prefer fortnightly sessions, especially as they progress in therapy. I'm flexible and happy to adapt to your needs.

Not every client-therapist match works perfectly, and that's okay. The relationship between us is important for therapy to be effective, which is why I offer a free consultation — it gives us both a chance to see if we're a good fit.

If you start therapy and feel it's not working, I encourage you to bring this up in session. Sometimes discussing what's not working can lead to positive changes. If we agree that a different therapist might be better suited to your needs, I'll support you in finding the right person.

What matters most is that you get the help you need, even if that means working with someone else.

Life happens, and I understand that sometimes you'll need to cancel or reschedule. I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to change your appointment.

Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged at the full session rate. This policy exists because your appointment time is reserved specifically for you, and late cancellations mean I cannot offer that time to someone else.

If you have an emergency or unexpected circumstance, please get in touch and we can discuss on a case-by-case basis.

My practice focuses on individual one-on-one therapy with adults and elders (65+). I don't currently offer couples or family therapy.

However, individual therapy can still help with relationship issues — we can explore your patterns, communication, and how you relate to others. If you feel couples or family therapy would be more appropriate, I can suggest where to find a suitable therapist.