FAQ: Counselling, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Somatic Therapy, Breathwork and EFT Tapping

This page answers frequent questions from people considering therapy for the first time. It is designed to help you feel informed, reassured and confident in taking the next step.

General Questions About Therapy

What issues can therapy help with?

Therapy can support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, low mood, trauma, phobias, sleep difficulties, confidence issues, grief, relationship challenges and emotional overwhelm. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.

Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

No. You are welcome to begin therapy without any formal diagnosis. Many clients simply want to feel better, understand themselves more deeply or make positive changes.

Is everything I say confidential?

Yes. All sessions are confidential, with a few legal exceptions and a risk of serious harm to yourself or others. This will be explained clearly at your first session

How many sessions will I need?

This varies depending on your goals and the approach used. Some therapies can bring change in a few sessions, while others offer longer-term support. This will be discussed during your initial assessment.

Initial Assessment Session (90 Minutes)

What happens in the initial assessment?

Your first session is an extended 90-minute consultation. This allows time to:

Explore what has brought you to therapy

Understand your personal history and current challenges

Identify your goals and desired outcomes

Discuss which therapeutic approach or combination may suit you best

Begin some initial therapeutic work where appropriate

Why is the first session longer?

The extended time ensures you are not rushed. It allows for a deeper understanding of your needs and helps create a personalised therapy plan.

Do I need to prepare anything?

No formal preparation is needed. You may find it helpful to think about what you would like to change or improve, but this is not essential.

Counselling

What is counselling?

Counselling is a talking therapy that provides a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences. It helps you gain clarity, process difficulties and develop healthier ways of coping.

What happens in a counselling session?

You will be able to talk about what is on your mind at your own pace. The therapist listens without judgment and may ask questions to help you reflect and understand yourself more deeply.

Will I be given advice?

Counselling is not about being told what to do. Instead, it helps you find your own insights and solutions.

Is counselling suitable for everyone?

Yes, counselling is a flexible and accessible form of therapy suitable for most people and a wide range of concerns.

Counselling Approach

What type of counselling do you offer?

Phiona is a humanistic counsellor, meaning she works in a way that focuses on you as a whole person rather than just your symptoms. This approach supports your natural capacity for growth, self-awareness and change.

What is humanistic counselling?

Humanistic counselling is based on the belief that everyone has the ability to move towards healing and fulfilment when given the right supportive environment. It is collaborative, compassionate and non-judgemental.

What approaches are used within humanistic counselling?

Phiona integrates several approaches within her work, including:

Person-centred therapy, which offers a safe and accepting space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace

Gestalt therapy, which brings awareness to your present moment experience, thoughts, feelings and behaviours

Transactional analysis, which helps you understand patterns in communication, relationships and internal dialogue

This integrative way of working helps deepen your understanding of your presenting issues and supports meaningful, lasting change.

Creative Counselling

What is creative counselling?

Creative counselling uses a range of expressive tools, such as art, drawing, storytelling, imagery, and sometimes movement, to help explore thoughts and emotions. It can be especially helpful when it feels difficult to put experiences into words.

Who is creative counselling suitable for?

I tis particularly beneficial for children and young people, but many adults also find it helpful, especially when they feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Do I need to be artistic?

Not at all. There is no expectation of artistic skill. The focus is on expression and exploration, not on creating something that looks good.

What happens in a creative counselling session?

You may be invited to use different materials or techniques alongside talking. This can help access deeper feelings in a gentle and supportive way.

Clinical Hypnotherapy

What is clinical hypnotherapy?

Clinical hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access the subconscious mind. It can help change unhelpful patterns, habits and emotional responses.

What does hypnosis feel like?

You remain aware and in control at all times. Most people describe it as a deeply relaxed, calm and focused state.

What happens during a hypnotherapy session?

Sessions typically include:

A discussion about your goals

Guided relaxation

Therapeutic suggestions tailored to your needs

A gentle return to full awareness

Can I be made to do something against my will?

No. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process. You cannot be made to do anything that goes against your values.

What issues can hypnotherapy help with?

Hypnotherapy is often used for anxiety, phobias, habits such as smoking, confidence, sleep issues and stress.

Somatic Therapy

What is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It helps release stored tension and trauma by working with physical sensations and nervous system responses.

Why is the body involved in therapy?

Emotions and stress are often held in the body. Somatic therapy helps you become aware of these patterns and gently release them.

What happens in a somatic session?

You may be guided to notice physical sensations, breathing patterns or subtle movements. This is done in a safe and paced way, without overwhelm.

Do I have to talk about my past?

Not necessarily. Somatic therapy can be effective without going into detailed verbal recounting of past events.

Breathwork

What is Breathwork?

Breathwork involves conscious breathing techniques to support emotional release, relaxation and nervous system regulation.

What can Breathwork help with?

It can help reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, increase energy and support trauma processing.

What happens in a Breathwork session?

You will be guided through specific breathing patterns while lying or sitting comfortably. Music and gentle guidance may be used to support the process.

Is Breathwork safe?

Yes, when guided by a trained practitioner. Any health considerations will be discussed beforehand to ensure the approach is suitable for you.

EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique)

What is EFT Tapping?

EFT Tapping combines gentle tapping on acupressure points with focused attention on thoughts or emotions. It is designed to reduce emotional intensity and promote calm

How does EFT work?

It can calm the nervous system, reduce stress responses, and help process difficult emotions.

What happens in an EFT session?

You will be guided to tap on specific points on your body while focusing on a particular issue. The process is simple and can be learned for self-use.

Can I use EFT on my own?

Yes. One of the benefits of EFT is that you can use it between sessions as a self-help tool.

Who do I Work With?

Do you work with children and young people?

Yes. Sessions are tailored to the child or young person's age and developmental stage. Creative counselling approaches are often used to help them express themselves in a safe and engaging way.

Do you work with adults?

Yes. Adults of all ages are welcome, whether you are seeking support for a specific issue or personal development.

Do you offer couples therapy?

Yes. Couples sessions provide a supportive space to improve communication, rebuild trust and navigate challenges together.

Do you offer group sessions?

Yes. Group work can be a powerful way to share experiences, feel less alone, and learn from others in a safe, guided environment.

Payment, Fees and Working Hours

How do I pay for sessions?

Payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your appointment. If payment is not received within 48 hours, your provisional booking may be offered to another client. Payment is made by bank transfer.

What are the fees?

Individuals and children under 14:

Initial assessment (90 minutes): £90

Ongoing adult sessions: £75

Ongoing sessions for children under 14: £65

Phiona offers a limited number of concession slots when they become available. You are warmly encouraged to enquire. If there are no spaces available, Phiona will be happy to add you to the concessions waiting list and keep you updated. Concessions are available to clients on low incomes, and evidence may be required.

Couples:

Initial assessment: £110

One-hour session: £95

One and a half hour session: £120

Phiona offers a limited number of concession slots when they become available. You are warmly encouraged to enquire. If there are no spaces available, Phiona will be happy to add you to the concessions waiting list and keep you updated. Concessions are available to clients on low incomes, and evidence may be required.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations should be made at least 48 hours prior to your appointment time, and if appropriate, a refund is available. Within 48 hours, where possible, your session may be rescheduled. If it is not possible to rebook within that timeframe, you will not be entitled to a refund.

What are your working hours?

Sessions are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and alternate Fridays from 12:30 to 18:30.

New to Therapy

What if I do not know where to start?

That is completely okay. Many people come to therapy unsure of what they need or how to explain how they feel. Part of the process is helping you make sense of your thoughts and emotions in a safe and supportive way.

What if I find it hard to talk about my feelings?

You are not expected to share everything straight away. Therapy moves at your pace. There are also approaches, such as creative counselling, somatic work and EFT, that do not rely only on talking.

Will I be judged?

No. Therapy is a non-judgemental space where you are accepted as you are. You are free to speak openly without fear of criticism.

What if I get emotional in a session?

This is very common and completely welcome. Emotions are a natural part of the healing process, and you will be supported throughout.

What if therapy brings things up that feel overwhelming?

Therapy is guided carefully and at a pace that feels manageable for you. You will not be pushed into anything before you are ready, and techniques can be used to help you feel grounded and safe.

Do I have to commit long term?

No. You are in control of how many sessions you attend. Some people come for short-term support, while others choose longer-term work.

Practical Reassurance

What happens if I do not feel a connection with the therapist?

The relationship between you and your therapist is important. If you feel it is not the right fit, you are free to discuss this openly or choose a different therapist.

Can therapy actually help me?

Many people experience meaningful improvements in how they feel, think and cope. While everyone’s journey is different, therapy can provide tools, insight and support that lead to real change.

Is it normal to feel nervous before the first session?

Yes, it is very common. Trying something new, especially something personal, can feel daunting. Most clients find that their anxiety settles once the session begins.

What You Might Notice After Starting Therapy

How might I feel after a session?

You may feel lighter, clearer or more relaxed. At times, you might also feel tired or thoughtful as you process what has come up. All of these responses are normal.

How quickly will I see results?

This varies from person to person. Some people notice small shifts early on, while deeper, longer-lasting changes develop over time.

When to Seek Support

How do I know if I need therapy?

You might consider therapy if:

You feel overwhelmed, anxious or low much of the time

You are struggling to cope with day-to-day life

You feel stuck or unable to move forward

You are experiencing relationship difficulties

You want to understand yourself better

You do not have to wait until things feel severe. Seeking support early can be a positive and proactive step.

Practical Questions

Are sessions in person or online?

Sessions may be offered in person, online or both, depending on availability and your preference.

What if I feel nervous about starting therapy?

Feeling nervous is completely normal, especially if this is your first experience. The initial session is designed to help you feel comfortable, informed and supported.

How do I book a session?

You can get in touch via the contact details provided on the website to arrange your initial assessment.

Taking the First Step

Starting therapy is a positive and meaningful step towards change. Whether you are seeking support, clarity or personal growth, you will be met with professionalism, care and respect throughout your journey.