You may have been to counselling or psychotherapy before, or this may be your first time. Whichever is you, welcome to White Fern Counselling & Psychotherapy. You may have questions about aspects of therapy, so I've put together some common questions and answers below. If you can't find the information you need, please contact me using the information at the bottom of this page.
What is Counselling and Pscyhotherapy?
Counselling tends to focus on specific issues or situations, offering tailored support and strategies to help individuals cope and thrive. In contrast, psychotherapy delves deeper, aiming to uncover underlying patterns and address more profound psychological challenges. At White Fern, my approach combines both methods, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention and expert guidance to promote healing and resilience.
Who is therapy for?
Therapy is for anyone who feels they could benefit from support. You do not need to be in crisis to come to counselling or psychotherapy, in fact, it may not the most appropriate support if you are in a mental health crisis
I work with adults and children, supporting a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and psychological difficulties. People come to therapy for many different reasons, including personal growth, coping with change, or managing ongoing challenges.
What issues do you work with?
I work with a broad range of concerns, which may include:
- Anxiety and worry
- Low mood or depression
- Stress and burnout
- Trauma and difficult life experiences
- Relationship and family difficulties
- Self-esteem and identity
- Emotional regulation and coping skills
- Issues affecting children and young people, such as anxiety, behaviour changes, or school-related difficulties
- Navigating aspects of neurodivergence, whether self-diagnosed, formally diagnosed, late diagnosed or with the child or parent who would like support
If you are unsure whether I am the right person to help with your particular concern, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss this.
The first session is a little different from a typical therapy session. It is time for me to gather information about the reasons for coming to therapy and any significant life events and experiences, as well as covering any questions you have for me.
Regular sessions usually last 50 minutes and take place on a weekly basis, although this can sometimes be adjusted depending on need.
I offer:
- In-person and online sessions (where appropriate)
- For children, sessions are adapted to their developmental stage and typically include creative or play-based approaches.
What happens in the first session?
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is a fundamental part of therapy. What you share will not be disclosed to others without your consent.
There are, however, legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. These include situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where disclosure is required by law (such as safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults). These limits will be explained fully at the start of therapy.
For children and young people, confidentiality is handled carefully and in line with UK safeguarding guidance, balancing the child’s privacy with their safety and wellbeing.
Yes. I work with adults, children, and young people.
When working with children, I aim to create a safe and supportive environment while maintaining appropriate communication with parents or carers. The exact level of parental involvement will be discussed and agreed at the outset.
Do you work with both adults and children?
How much does it cost?
I offer a FREE15-minute phone call to answer any questions you may have and to see if we're a good fit for each other.
Each session lasts 50 minutes
- £65 in-person - Children and Young People
- £65 in-person - Adults
- £65 online - Adults and Young People aged 14yrs+
In-person sessions are at House Seven in Tynemouth, and in Jesmond
I offer reduced rates for trainee counsellors and psychotherapists, please enquire for availability of these sessions
Payment is by bank transfer 48 hours in advance of the session taking place
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less notice will be charged in full. Full details will be provided before therapy begins.