Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, and you may have questions about how sessions work, what to expect, and whether counselling is right for you. I have answered some of the most common questions below, but please feel free to get in touch if there is anything else you would like to know.
Beginning counselling can feel like a big step, and it is completely natural to feel unsure. Before our first session, I will send you a counselling agreement by email, which outlines important information about what to expect, including confidentiality, how we will work together, and practical arrangements. We will go through this together during our first session, and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have before we begin.
Our first session will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other, talk about what has brought you to counselling, and explore what you would like support with. There is no pressure to share anything you are not ready to discuss, and we can go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Together, we will create a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgement. As an integrative counsellor, I will draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on what feels most helpful for you, working collaboratively to support your personal goals and wellbeing.
The frequency and length of counselling can vary depending on your individual needs, goals and what you would like to explore. Sessions are usually held weekly and last 50 minutes, providing regular time and space for us to work together. Some clients prefer fortnightly sessions, which I am also able to accommodate where appropriate.
The number of sessions you may need will depend on your personal circumstances, goals, and the challenges you are experiencing. As we work together, we will regularly review your progress. Towards the end of our work, it may feel helpful to reduce the frequency of sessions. This can help you gradually transition away from counselling while continuing to put into practice the skills, confidence, and self-awareness you have developed.
I offer both face-to-face and online counselling, providing flexibility to access support in a way that works best for you.
Face-to-face sessions take place in a calm, private, and welcoming space where you can feel comfortable taking time for yourself. Located in Rayleigh, Essex, the counselling room is within easy reach of the A127, Rayleigh High Street, and Rayleigh Station, making it easily accessible by car, bus, and train.
For online counselling sessions, I use doxy.me, a secure video platform designed for healthcare professionals. It allows us to meet virtually in a private and confidential space. Before your first online session, I will send you a link which you can use to access our appointment at the agreed time. Online counselling can offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing you to access support from the comfort of your own home, wherever you are in the UK.
Counselling provides a confidential space where you can talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. There are some exceptions to confidentiality, such as concerns about serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or safeguarding concerns. These will be explained fully within our counselling agreement before we begin.
You do not need to have a clear idea of what you want to talk about before starting counselling. Many people seek support because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or want to better understand themselves. A free 15-minute telephone consultation gives us an opportunity to talk about what you are looking for and whether counselling feels like the right support for you.
If you would like to ask any questions or arrange a free 15-minute telephone consultation, please get in touch. I would be happy to hear from you.
Rayleigh, Essex
If you would like to ask any questions or arrange a free 15-minute telephone consultation, please get in touch. I would be happy to hear from you.
Rayleigh, Essex
emma@happyheadstherapy.co.uk
“Speaking with Emma weekly has been life changing. From the very first session, Emma created an online, safe and completely non-judgemental environment. I always felt heard and deeply supported, and her gentle guidance helped me see things from a much healthier perspective. After years of trying therapy with multiple other people, I never felt the benefit or understood my feelings, but somehow Emma has helped me to finally have the confidence to pinpoint where this all begun and I will be forever grateful. I feel so much more equipped to handle life’s challenges now. Emma is part of my weekly routine and I would be completely lost without my 1-2-1 sessions with her. I cannot recommend her enough.”
“It took me 3 counsellors until I finally found Emma. It just clicked with Emma and I felt at ease and ready to openly express my feelings safely. She challenged and questioned me but it felt like a comfortable exchange between friends. I was often looking forward to sessions rather than dreading them, as I knew I’d learn some tools that could help me. I have (& have) recommend Emma to anyone.”
“My teenage daughter had therapy with Emma for a few months. From the first session she made my daughter feel at ease, and she felt that she could open up to her. She allowed my daughter to talk openly and coached her through, helping her understand her mental health and ways to cope with how she was feeling. Emma identified that my daughter needed more specialist help, and signposted her, giving her all the help and support she could. Thank you!”
“I would like to highly recommend Emma and Happy Heads she has been absolutely amazing, supporting my teenage son through some challenging times and has made a huge difference in helping us navigate and cope with difficult emotional issues. I am highly grateful and can’t thank her enough"
"When I started seeing Emma, I knew I needed help but I didn't really understand why. I had been through a big life change, which had been ongoing a while, and whilst I was 'handling it' one day at a time, it was actually building on top of deeper issues. In hindsight, I probably should have seen Emma a year before I did. Emma was kind to me, validated my thoughts and allowed me to discuss them without judgement. Emma respectfully challenged me in a safe way, giving me the opportunity to break my thoughts down and have honest and open conversations with myself. She is highly knowledgeable and often made references to theories, activities or reading that I may find helpful. She remembered everything we discussed, and often made links back to previous weeks and things I had said. I was cautious about starting my journey into therapy for many reasons, but Emma has helped me live today as the best version of myself and for that I am extremely grateful. I highly recommend her to anyone that has been considering talking therapies."
"Emma has an amazing skill for making me feel relaxed and safe. I didn't think 'counselling' would help me, but I realise now, that through gentle guidance coupled with practical knowledge Emma has helped me far beyond where I thought I could be. I'd highly recommend Emma to anyone, especially who thinks no-one can help them and they feel at rock bottom. Emma would never judge or be surprised by anything, she has helped me more than I know, everyone around me can see it. Seems it really is 'good to talk'".
"I couldn't recommend Emma more. Straight from day one she made me feel very comfortable and easy to open up to. She was a great listener and each week gave me something for me to take away and process and put in to practice. I got to the point in which I really looked forward to our next session each week. Going in to therapy I was in a really dark point in my life and am so appreciative in how Emma has helped turn my life around. I am back to loving myself, with my anxiety way down and my nervous system under control. Emma blended a range of therapies tailored to my needs including hypnotherapy, all of which I feel contributed to my healing and getting back on track. Thank you so much Emma!"
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