Frequently asked questions.

Counselling can help many people at many life stages, including people who are not in crisis, do not have a diagnosis, and simply carry a quiet sense that something needs attention. If you are unsure, review our support overview or reach out for a short conversation. We would rather help you decide honestly than sell you sessions you do not need.

Yes. Conversations are private, with clearly explained limits, for example, where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person, or where the law requires disclosure. These limits are discussed openly at the very start of any support so there are no surprises later.

No. Counselling is a supportive, non-clinical service. We do not diagnose conditions or prescribe medication. Where specialist medical or psychiatric input might be helpful, we describe the options honestly and support you to consider a suitable pathway.

There is no set answer. Some people benefit from a small number of focused sessions on a defined theme; others prefer longer, sustained work. We review together at natural checkpoints so decisions are shared, not imposed.

Usually a mix of practical and personal. We discuss what has brought you, talk through confidentiality, answer questions and begin, gently, to explore. There is no test to pass, and no perfect way to use the time.

Fit matters. Please tell us, this is welcomed, not awkward. Where useful, we can discuss re-matching to a different practitioner without needing to start over emotionally.

You can use our Get Support page, contact us directly, or review the support overview. Each route is treated with the same care, choose whichever feels most manageable today.

Individuals can request support for themselves. Adults can request support on behalf of a young person or family member, ideally with the person's consent. Schools, organisations and professionals can also refer, with appropriate consent.

No. Self-referral is welcomed and often the simplest route. A referral from a professional is fine too, and does not change how carefully we treat your enquiry.

No. We are not a crisis or emergency service. In an emergency, please contact your local emergency services or a recognised crisis support line. When you are safe, we are glad to be part of what comes next.

This varies with availability and the type of support requested. When you get in touch, we will be honest about timing rather than promise something we cannot hold.

You are welcome to reach out and think it through with us. There is no obligation to commit to anything from a first conversation.

In most cases, yes, with age-appropriate consent and, where relevant, careful conversations with parents or caregivers. The young person's voice is central, and safeguarding always applies.

This is discussed openly at the start and revisited as trust builds. Involvement varies with the young person's age, situation and the shape of the support.

This is common. We often begin with a conversation with the caregiver, and design a first step that respects the young person's readiness rather than forcing engagement.

Only with appropriate consent, and only where it is genuinely useful. Where we do coordinate, we are careful about what is shared and why.

Yes, please see our School Programmes or Workplace Wellbeing pages, or reach out for a scoping conversation. We shape programmes with rather than for institutions, so a first conversation is genuinely useful, not a pitch.

Yes. We offer training and development for counsellors, educators, youth workers, community organisations and workplace teams. See Training & Development for the range of topics and formats.

Individual counselling remains confidential and is not linked to performance or HR processes. Programme-level coordination is separate, and this boundary is stated clearly from the start.

Fees depend on the service and setting. We are happy to discuss cost, structure and, where relevant, supported access as part of a first conversation.

Yes. Many people find online sessions work well and remove barriers around travel, time and privacy. In-person options may also be available depending on setting and location.

Carefully, and in line with data protection principles. See our Privacy page for details on what we hold, why, and how you can request information about your data.

We are committed to accessible support. Please see our Accessibility page, and let us know about specific needs so we can shape support around them.

Support is voluntary. You can pause, adjust or step away at any point. Where possible, a short closing conversation supports a healthy ending, but you are never required to explain yourself.

We welcome feedback of all kinds. You can contact us directly, and we will take it seriously, good feedback and hard feedback both help us do better work.