Question 1

"What type of counselling do you do?"

Accepted Answer

The technical answer is: relational, humanistic, medium/long-term, integrative work.

In other words, if you want real human connection, additional perspective and insight, supportive challenge and optimism for change, then book a free discovery call today.

I only work with adults. Preferably face to face, but I can sometimes offer online sessions.

Question 2

"What type of counselling DON'T you do?"

Accepted Answer

I don’t work with under 18s.

I don’t offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I don’t offer short-term or solution-focused therapy or tell you what to do.

I don’t diagnose neurodivergent conditions or mental health conditions, but am happy to explore your concerns about these and discuss whether you want to see a clinical psychologist for official diagnosis. I have a neuro-affirmative attitude and a special interest in ADHD. I will always try to accommodate your needs and can signpost you to some great specialist resources.

I don’t work with couples or families yet – strictly one person only. But we can explore the dynamics of your relationships with others. Many clients find this very helpful.

I don’t offer a crisis response service – you can’t rely on me in an emergency, because my phone is often switched off. But we can discuss putting other support in place for you, if we need to, to work together safely.

Question 3

"What happens on a free 15-minute discovery call?"

Accepted Answer

My first priority is your emotional stability, so we don’t discuss your problems or past in detail, just a basic outline of what you are struggling with. I will ask some questions, simply to find out how you are affected in your daily life and what change you'd like to see.

I then explain to you a little bit about how I work and how that might fit with your issue. If I realise I can’t help you, or that you’re better off with a specialist, or a different type of therapy, I’ll be honest about this.

Then we choose: do you want to work with me? If so, I’ll book you in. If not, I'll be happy to help you decide how to find a better match for you.

Question 4

"What happens in our first session?"

Accepted Answer

We’ll start by agreeing how we will work together, covering our relationship, confidentiality, your safety/stability and the basics of how to book, pay, cancel, etc.

Next we go through some standard therapy questionnaires, for us to get a benchmark of how you are coping at the moment, including assessing risk. We'll also identify your aims for therapy. This gives us something to measure progress against over time.

Once this is in place, we'll move to the info-gathering stage. You get to choose how much detail to go into as you answer questions about your context, psychological history and key life experiences. This process can last several sessions, and many clients find this process of telling their story - and being heard and supported - very therapeutic.

Starting therapy is daunting. If you have any specific questions before we meet, I'm happy to answer these briefly on email beforehand, so that you can mentally prepare yourself.

Most clients tell me that they leave their first session feeling hopeful and a little bit relieved.

Question 5

"Is your practice wheelchair accessible?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. I practice out of different locations, currently Clifton Moor, (York) and in Tadcaster. I always insist that my rooms are wheelchair accessible. That said, there is no disabled parking space nearby, so please let me know in advance if you have any accessibility requirements, e.g. need accompanying from the car park, want to bring a service dog with you, etc. I'll do my best to accommodate.

Question 6

"Where and when can I see you?"

Accepted Answer

I find counselling better face to face than online. I just find it easier to attune to clients who are in the room with me, and it seems easier and quicker for us to make a connection, or 'therapeutic alliance', which is the most important ingredient for effective psychotherapy.

Counselling in Clifton Moor, York on Mondays and Fridays
Counselling sessions in Tadcaster on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

I do also offer some online counselling sessions to ensure I am accessible for those who can't leave the house, or for those occasions when my clients need more flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Why should I see a counsellor or psychotherapist?"

"Is it worth the money?"

"Does psychotherapy actually work? How long does it take?"

"What if I don’t know what’s wrong?"

"What’s the difference between coming to see a counsellor and using a life or career coach?"

"What type of counselling do you do?"

"What type of counselling DON'T you do?"

"What happens on a free 15-minute discovery call?"

"What happens in our first session?"

"Is your practice wheelchair accessible?"

"Where and when can I see you?"

Nightingale Counselling Yorkshire

Email your non-urgent request and I will respond within 48 hours:

This is not a crisis response service. If you need urgent help, call an ambulance or Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK.