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Check Your Head Counselling FAQ

Read on to find out how Face to Face, Online or Walk & Talk Counselling in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole can help you change your life and be the person you want to be.

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Who do you work with and what can you help me with?

I work with ANYONE brave enough to reach out and ask for help. I specialise in supporting men to manage their mental health, but welcome any gender or age that is looking for someone to listen, understand and help them. I support with a wide range of issues and prefer to see you as a human being rather than a label, and tailor my approach to meet your unique needs. In the rare case you require something specific that I am unable to provide, I will refer you onto a trusted and experienced colleague who is able to meet your needs in a way that is right for you.

What happens when I get in touch?

If you call email or text, I guarantee to get back to you within 24hrs offering a 15 minute consultation call. This is so we can have a chat about what you're looking for and how I might be able to help you. I might ask some questions to make sure I fully understand how best to support you. It also gives you a chance to ask any questions so you can get a sense if I am the right therapist for you, and that is the most important bit. 

Then what happens?

If you feel comfortable to work together i'll offer a time slot for an initial assessment. This will take place face to face or online, and go through some background information to make sure I fully understand how best to support you. I'll explain my legal and ethical obligations to you, and how we will work together.


This session also gives you a chance to ask any questions and make sure you feel fully comfortable before we move forward together. At the end of this session we can agree a date and time for your next session. If you make it to this point then you've taken the biggest and hardest step already and are on your way to overcoming whatever has been holding you back.

How do I pay for sessions?

I work on a 48hr advance basis, so any session booking is required to be confirmed by BACS up to 48hrs in advance otherwise the booking is cancelled.  This means you only pay for the sessions you have booked, no money changes hands, and there is no cancellation policy.


In the unlikely event I am unable to make a booked session, I will offer an alternative appointment within 48hrs of the original booking.

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Where do you offer Face to Face sessions?

I offer face to face sessions at dedicated therapy rooms across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, close to local transport links and with ample parking nearby.

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How do you manage confidentiality during Walk & Talk sessions?

Walk & Talk counselling sessions are based in Christchurch during quiet times at Hengistbury Head that offers a degree of privacy, but cannot guarantee the same level of confidentiality as working face to face or online. However, the same principles of confidentiality would apply to our work together and your safety and comfort would remain the priority. Clients interested in these sessions are encouraged to book an initial consultation to explore if this approach would be suitable for them.


In the event of bad weather you will be offered an online session no later than 2hrs before the start time, or the option to reschedule in better weather.

How does Online Counselling work ?

Online counselling takes places over a video call, usually Zoom or WhatsApp video calling. It works in the same way as face to face counselling and is subject to the same professional and ethical considerations. In terms of confidentiality, we would explore together the suitability of online work in terms of your environment to ensure it was a suitable approach to safely meet your needs. Working online allows a flexibility that overcomes issues like travel time, traffic and parking, and also enables us to work together at a time and place that is convenient to you. In the current climate of Covid-19, online working reduces the risk of working face to face. To find out more book your free online consultation now. 

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How long do sessions last and how many do you offer?

Sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly, though this can be flexible to meet your needs. I am able to offer open ended therapy in addition to short term support. As we progress together you are likely to develop a clearer sense of what you want from therapy, so we can continually review our arrangement to suit you. I also offer discounts for block bookings and bespoke CBT packages tailored to your needs.

What precautions are you taking against COVID-19 for face to face sessions?

Due to the ever changing situation regarding safe working practice with Covid-19, I am currently working to the guidelines of my membership body, the National Counselling Society, which can be found here Any clients wishing to discuss face to face sessions are encouraged to get in touch so we can discuss how to safely meet your needs.

What is the difference between Counselling & Psychotherapy?

The easiest way to look at it is that face to face, outdoor or online counselling tends to focus on a more immediate issue, such as stress or anxiety due to work, loss or relationship issues, over a shorter time period. Psychotherapy tends to take place over a longer period of time and might look to explore past events and how they impact upon the present. Both approaches focus on the same thing - how best to help meet your needs.

What are your qualifications and experience?

I am a registered member of the National Counselling Society and sit on a professional register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).


In addition to this I have over twelve years experience in the health and social care sector, working with the NHS, local authority Adult Services, Public Health, charities and private care providers, on the management and delivery of a wide variety of care, support and mental health services. I also regularly undertake continuing professional development and professional supervision to ensure my practice as a therapist is safe and ethical in accordance with the requirements of my professional registration.

Asking for help isn't a weakness, it's a strength.

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Check Your Head Counselling

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