It depends entirely on your situation, the difficulties you bring and your personal preference.  Counselling does not always offer an immediate solution to long standing and often, painful problems.  There is no upper limit to the number of sessions, you may continue for as long as you feel the sessions are of use to you.  We will review your progress together at regular intervals, to help you with this.

Ideally, weekly or fortnightly (as agreed), at the same time and on the same weekday.  However, I do try to accommodate shift workers on a session by session basis where I can.

In our initial session, we will discuss your expectations of counselling. I will provide you with a contract that outlines important details such as confidentiality, ethics, payment, holidays, and cancellation policies. This ensures that everything is clear and transparent from the start. If we both decide to move forward, the contract helps us work together within safe and well-defined boundaries. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have.

I am an integrative counsellor, having trained in both person-centred and psychodynamic counselling. I also use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques and elements of Transactional Analysis (TA), where appropriate:
Person-centred: A non-directive approach which believes in your ability to make the right choices and your potential to make the changes needed.

Psychodynamic: Looks at how early childhood experiences and unresolved conflicts may be influencing the present. 

CBT: Looks at how our thoughts affect our feelings and behaviour.

Transactional Analysis (TA): Helps to explain how we think, feel and behave in the way we do.

I also offer counselling by telephone and online, giving you the flexibility to access support from a place where you feel comfortable. This can be particularly helpful if you work irregular hours, are unable to leave your home due to illness or disability, or have caring responsibilities that make attending in-person sessions difficult. At the agreed time, I will call you or meet with you online via Zoom, a secure and free-to-use platform. You will not incur any call charges. As long as you have a quiet, private space without interruptions, you can attend your session from anywhere in the UK. Please note that I do not provide counselling or emotional support via email, text message, or social media.

I currently do not offer counselling for couples. However, I have received training in couple dynamics and relationship issues, which informs and enriches my work with individuals. This means I can help you understand patterns in your relationships, improve communication, and navigate relational challenges effectively.

At present, I work with adults aged 18 and over. If you are looking for support for a child or young person, I would recommend seeking a counsellor who specialises in working with children and adolescents, as they have specific training and experience in this area. I would also encourage you to ask about their training.

Sometimes counselling can be uncomfortable to start with, as there is no magic cure. Sometimes things can feel worse before they feel better but if you are prepared to examine your feelings, it may enable you to make more sense of the world around you.

If you are worried about someone and feel they may benefit from counselling, remember that seeking help has to be their decision. However, a gentle, open conversation can make a real difference. You might start by asking, “What do you need?” a simple but powerful question that gives them a sense of control and shows you care. You can share helpful mental health resources and continue to check in regularly. While you cannot force someone to seek help, your consistent, compassionate presence can encourage them to reach out when they feel ready. Counselling usually needs to be arranged by the person themselves, as it’s important they are willing and ready to engage in the process, but you are welcome to get in touch to arrange an appointment with their prior consent, keeping in mind they will need to attend the session on their own.

I am obliged to make some notes after sessions. These notes are brief, factual and kept in a secure place.

Please note that I do not offer a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or there is a risk to life, please call 999 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

For urgent mental health support:

• Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (option 2) to speak with a specially trained mental health professional available 24 hours a day.

• Samaritans: Free, confidential emotional support is available 24/7. You can call 116 123 from any phone within the UK.

• Shout: A free, confidential 24/7 text support service. Text SHOUT to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer.

If you are experiencing overwhelming distress or need someone to talk to right now, the organisations above provide immediate support and listening services.

Working under supervision means that I use the
 services of another counsellor to review my work with 
clients and my professional development. Most professional bodies in the UK such as the British Association for Counselling
 and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) require supervision, but it is also seen by many as ethically necessary. Counselling supervision is considered important
 to protect clients and to improve the ability of counsellors to provide value to 
their clients.

If your questions are not answered here, please feel free to email me on sarahpearcecounselling@hotmail.com