FAQ's

🧭 Quick Counselling Roadmap

Step

What Happens

Book your free 15-minute consultation (optional) A relaxed chat to briefly explore your needs ask questions and see if we’re a good fit.
Book your session & make payment Choose your preferred format (online phone or in-person) book your session and pay in advance via bank transfer or Stripe.
Pre-assessment / intake form (optional) A short form to gather key background information before your first full session.
Initial assessment session A full session to get to know each other understand your focus areas and agree on how to begin.
Working agreement & confidentiality We’ll agree on how we’ll work together including confidentiality fees and other practicalities.
Ongoing support Tailored collaborative sessions where we explore your goals at your pace.
Review sessions Periodic check-ins to reflect on progress and any shifts in focus.
Ending sessions A structured safe and supported process of bringing therapy to a close.
(If needed) Signposting / other support If something outside of therapy is needed or beyond my limits of competency I’ll support you in exploring next steps.

🚨 In a crisis?

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, feeling unsafe, or at risk of harming yourself or others, it’s important to seek help immediately. Counselling sessions are not suitable for emergencies.

What to do:

Call emergency services: 999 (UK) or your local emergency number if you are in immediate danger.

  • Contact a crisis helpline:
    • Samaritans (UK & ROI): 116 123 – free, confidential, 24/7
    • Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 – free, 24/7
    • NHS 111 (UK): For urgent mental health advice
    • If outside the UK: Look up your local suicide prevention or mental health crisis helpline.

🧠 General Questions About Therapy

Why do people have counselling?

People come to counselling for many reasons. Some want support with challenges such as anxiety, low mood, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, or past experiences. Others come because they feel stuck, want to understand themselves better, or are looking for personal growth.

Counselling is not only about having a safe space to talk — it’s also about change. Together we can explore what feels difficult, recognise patterns that may be holding you back, and work towards new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating that support your wellbeing.

What is integrative counselling?

Integrative counselling blends techniques from different therapeutic models—like person-centred, CBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based approaches—so the therapy can be tailored to your unique needs. Rather than following a fixed formula, we work together to shape a process that fits your goals, preferences, and personal journey.

What is attunement and why does it matter?

Attunement means being deeply in tune with another person’s emotional state — picking up not just on their words, but also their tone, body language, and underlying feelings. It’s about ā€œfeeling withā€ someone in the moment and showing them that you get their experience.

Why it matters in counselling:

• Creates safety and trust → When clients feel their counsellor is genuinely attuned, they feel understood, accepted, and safe to open up.

• Validates emotions → Even feelings that are hard to put into words can be noticed and gently reflected back, helping clients make sense of them.

• Supports healing relationships → Many people seek counselling because of difficulties in relationships. Experiencing attunement can model healthier, more supportive ways of relating.

• Deepens self-awareness → When a counsellor mirrors emotions accurately, clients often gain new insights into themselves.

A simple way to think of it:

šŸ‘‰ Attunement is like ā€œemotional resonance.ā€ Just as two musical instruments can harmonise when tuned together, counsellor and client can connect in a way that fosters growth and healing.


🌱 New to Therapy? You're Not Alone

Will I have to talk about everything straight away?

Not at all. You set the pace. We only go where you feel ready to go. The space is yours to use in a way that feels safe and manageable.

What if I don’t know what to say during a session?

That’s very normal. You don’t need to come with a script. I’m here to support the process and gently guide the conversation if needed. Even moments of silence can be meaningful.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything?

Nothing is required. Just come as you are. Some people find it helpful to bring notes or thoughts they want to explore, but there’s no pressure.

How do I know if therapy is working?

Progress in therapy can be subtle. You might notice feeling more emotionally aware, clearer in your thoughts, or responding differently to situations. We’ll regularly reflect together on what’s helping—and adjust where needed.


šŸ”„ Returning to Therapy / Previous Experience

I’ve had therapy before. How will this be different?

We’ll reflect on what worked (or didn’t) in past experiences and shape your therapy to fit you this time.

Can I bring tools or work from previous therapy?

Yes—journals, grounding techniques, or insights can be incorporated.

What if I had a bad experience before?

We’ll move at your pace, exploring any hesitations or concerns. We can look together at why therapy didn’t feel right before, and you’re welcome to use the free 15-minute consultation to discuss any questions or worries.


šŸ›¤ļø Your Therapy Journey

What is the free 15-minute consultation?

A relaxed phone chat to ask questions, discuss concerns, and see if we’re a good fit.

šŸ“© Next steps after booking

After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with session details and an optional pre-assessment form to complete before the first session. This may include confidentiality agreements, personal details, and other information to help make the most of our time together.

What happens in the first session?

  • 50–60 minutes including:
    • Introduction & boundaries
    • Practical details (fees, cancellations, session format)
    • Exploring your story & challenges
    • Setting goals
    • Deciding next steps

šŸ“ Feedback / reviews during and at the end of therapy

Throughout therapy, we’ll have regular review sessions to reflect on your progress and check in against your initial presenting issue or focus. Your feedback is welcome at any time, and we’ll adjust sessions to ensure the support continues to meet your needs.

It’s natural for your focus to change as sessions go on, and we can adapt accordingly—these are your sessions, guided by what feels most helpful to you.

Is this short-term or long-term therapy?

That’s up to you. Some people come for a few sessions to focus on a specific issue, while others choose to work longer-term. We’ll discuss what feels right and check in as therapy progresses.

  • Short-term: Around 6–8 sessions
  • Medium-term: 10–20 sessions
  • Long-term: Ongoing sessions over several months

We’ll regularly review your progress together and adjust as needed. No pressure to commit to a set number of sessions from the start.

  • Short-term: Around 6–12 sessions
  • Medium-term: 12–24 sessions
  • Long-term: More than 24 sessions, or ongoing possibly over a number of years

šŸ’»šŸ“žšŸ“ Practicalities

Online or face to face sessions?

I primarily offer secure online video or telephone sessions, which are flexible and convenient. If you are local and prefer face-to-face sessions in a rented room in Mitcham, this can also be arranged.

  • šŸ’» = Online video sessions
  • šŸ“ž = Telephone sessions
  • šŸ“ = Face-to-face, in-person sessions

Session Fees

  • Initial assessment session: Ā£65 – this can last upto 60 minutes.
  • Counselling sessions: Ā£65 for 50 minutes (the therapeutic hour).
  • Concessionary rates: A small number are available for those on lower incomes or experiencing financial hardship.

Rescheduling or Cancellations

In counselling, rescheduling or cancellation policies are important to set clear boundaries and protect our time together and your commitment.

  • Clients that reschedule or cancel at least 24 or 48 hours in advance will be refunded 50% of the session rate.
  • Rescheduling or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment will be charged in full.

* A pattern of rescheduling, late cancellations or no-shows may result in a review of our client contract or a termination of our therapeutic alliance.

šŸ’³ Payment methods

Sessions are payable in advance at the time of booking via bank transfer or Stripe.

♿ Accessibility / special considerations

The face-to-face session space in Mitcham is fully wheelchair accessible. If you need any adjustments—such as hearing or visual support—please let me know.

āœ‰ļø Support between sessions

Contact between sessions is only for arranging or rescheduling appointments. For urgent issues, refer to the ā€œIn a crisis?ā€ section. Therapy support is primarily provided during scheduled sessions.


šŸ›”ļøProfessional Standards & Client Safety

āœ… What does it mean that I’m a BACP member?

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), membership number: 397049. This means I adhere to a professional framework of ethical standards, best practice guidelines, and ongoing professional development. Being part of BACP ensures that you receive safe, confidential, and professional counselling in line with nationally recognised standards.

šŸ‘¤ What does it mean that I have an enhanced DBS?

I hold a clean enhanced DBS certificate, which means I have been fully checked and cleared to work safely with children, young people, and adults. I also follow strict safeguarding and ethical guidelines as part of my professional practice.

šŸ‘¶What is Triple P Resilience and what does it mean that I am accredited?

I am an accredited Triple P Resilience practitioner, trained to deliver this evidence-based 8-week programme that supports children and families in building emotional wellbeing, resilience, and positive relationships. This accreditation means I have received formal training, adhere to programme standards, and can deliver sessions safely and effectively for both schools and families.

Confidentiality and legal obligations

Confidentiality is central to my counselling practice. Everything you share is private and treated with respect.

However, there are specific legal and ethical obligations where I may need to share information:

  • If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others
  • If there is a risk of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult

If required by law, for example:

  • Reporting under the Terrorism Act
  • Serious crime, drug trafficking, or money laundering

Whenever possible, I will always discuss these situations with you before taking any action.

🌈✨ Equality and inclusivity

I respect and value the unique differences of all individuals. My counselling approach is person-centred, ensuring that everyone receives support tailored to their individual needs, circumstances, and experiences. I am committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

As a first-generation Asian woman, I have faced the challenges of navigating two different cultures, societal expectations, and cultural stereotypes. These experiences, though difficult, have strengthened my empathy and understanding, allowing me to better support individuals navigating their own complex journeys.

āš ļø What happens if there is inappropriate or abusive behaviour?

Therapy is a safe, professional, and respectful space. Any form of abusive, aggressive, threatening, or sexualised behaviour—whether in person, via video call, phone, or email—is not acceptable.

If this occurs:

  • The session may be paused or ended immediately.
  • Further sessions may be terminated to maintain safety.
  • If therapy resumes, we will discuss the behaviour and its impact on therapy.
  • In cases of illegal behaviour (e.g., sexual abuse or exploitation), appropriate authorities may be contacted in line with legal obligations.
  • This ensures therapy remains safe, professional, and supportive for both you and me.

āœ… Still Have Questions?

Feel free to reach out by email or phone, or book your free 15-minute consultation to explore whether therapy with me feels right for you

Testimonial 1

Seema is a thoughtful and compassionate counsellor who brings a calm, non-judgmental presence to every conversation. She showed me genuine empathy, especially as a guy, listened attentively and created a safe space where I felt really comfortable opening up. Her ability to understand and support me through the difficult time that I was going through I feel is a real strength and she consistently demonstrated a really good level of emotional intelligence and professionalism throughout.

Testimonial 2

Seema has a dignified, attentive and calming collaborative working style. She worked with me to help me lift the cloud of haze that had surrounded me for quite some time and helped arm me with the tools I needed to steer a clear path forward. There is no easy to fix to any of this but working with someone who is diligent, empathetic and wants the best for you has got to be the right start. I am grateful to her for utilising her knowledge and combining this with her clear communicative style. I am and will be forever grateful to her for giving me the hope and courage to move on. Thank you!

Testimonial 3

Working with Seema has been a truly transformative experience. She is incredibly empathic, understanding, and easy to talk to. Her clear approach and thoughtful insights helped me feel supported while also giving me the clarity I needed to see things from a new perspective. Seema approaches things with a grounded but gentle approach and I always felt heard and valued in our sessions. I’m very grateful for the positive changes she has helped me make in my life.

Testimonial 4

Seema held my hand through some of my darkest moments and helped me see the wood from the trees. There was an authenticity to her that shone through in every session — she brought compassion and honesty, gently challenged me when I needed it, and always came from a place of care. She related to me as a human being, which made me feel truly seen, heard, and valued.

Testimonial 5

Coming out of a toxic relationship left me feeling completely lost and overwhelmed by resentment, anxiety, and grief. I felt stuck, constantly replaying events in my head. Working with Seema was the turning point I desperately needed.

Seema provided a safe, non-judgmental space where I felt completely seen and understood—not just for the pain, but for the complex thoughts behind it.

Crucially, she didn't just validate my feelings; Seema equipped me with specific, actionable strategies to process the resentment and anxiety that was controlling me. I now have the tools to cope with loss and am building a much healthier, happier life for myself. I highly recommend Seema’s counselling services to anyone navigating a difficult separation.

Testimonial 6

Triple P Resilience: What stood out for me was the sense of community Seema was able to convey with our group of parents. It was reassuring to hear direct from our parents who were all facing similar challenges that Seema was incredibly supportive. Seema listened, shared advice, and created a space where our parents felt empowered.

Testimonial 7

Triple P Resilience: I observed Seema throughout the programme and observed a warm, engaging and nurturing delivery style. I was impressed with how well Seema delivered complex materials and kept the parents and children engaged throughout. We received very positive feedback on the delivery and identified positive outcomes from this first cohort. I was impressed by Seema’s willingness to be the first to deliver this programme outside of Australia and how seamless it was. Seema was very easy to work with, always responsive, solution-focused and professional in manner. I would highly recommend Seema for any parenting facilitation.

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