​​​Little Lodge Counselling

​​​​Person-Centred Counselling In Bexhill-On-Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you offer a free consultation?
I don’t offer free introductory consultations. Instead, new clients book a full 1-hour first session.
This gives us proper time to explore what’s bringing you to counselling, talk about how I work, and see whether working together feels right. It’s a complete session — not a rushed call.
There’s no obligation to continue afterwards. Once you’ve experienced how I work, you’re free to decide whether you’d like to book further sessions.

What happens in the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to meet, explore what’s going on for you, and see whether counselling with me feels like a good fit.
If we decide to continue, I’ll provide a contract and client information sheet for you to read through in your own time. We can go through any questions together before continuing the work.

How many sessions will I need?
There’s no fixed number of sessions. Everyone is different.
Some people come with a specific issue; others discover deeper layers as the work unfolds. We move at your pace. You remain in control of what we explore and how deeply we go.

Will you tell me what to do?
No. As a person-centred counsellor, I don’t give advice or direct you.
My role is to support you in understanding yourself more clearly, identifying your own goals, and developing trust in your own decisions. I believe you already have the capacity for growth — my role is to help create the conditions that support it.

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
It’s really important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor.
I encourage you to notice how you feel when we talk — whether you feel at ease, understood, and able to be yourself. The therapeutic relationship matters more than any technique.

I can’t afford the full fee — what should I do?
Please get in touch. I offer concessionary rates and work with a sliding scale where possible.
If your financial situation changes once sessions have begun, you’re welcome to talk to me about this.

What services do you offer?
I work with:
Individuals
Couples
Children and young people aged 12–18

What happens if I need to cancel or miss a session?
If you need to cancel, please let me know as soon as possible.
Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged in full.
If you don’t attend a session and I’m unable to reach you, our agreement may be considered ended.
If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time.

What if I feel worse after starting counselling?
This can happen. Counselling can sometimes bring difficult feelings to the surface before things begin to feel clearer.
If this happens, it’s really important to talk to me about it so we can explore what’s going on together. If something about how I’m working doesn’t feel right, I encourage you to say so — counselling is a collaborative process.

What if I want to stop counselling?
You’re free to end counselling at any time.
Sometimes the work reaches a natural ending; other times people choose to stop for different reasons. Where possible, I encourage at least one ending session so the work can be brought to a thoughtful close.

What happens if there’s a dual relationship?
If a conflict of interest arises, I may need to end our work together. If this happens, I’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you find alternative support.

What are the limits of confidentiality?
Confidentiality is central to my work and follows the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Confidentiality may only be broken in specific circumstances, including:
serious risk of harm to yourself or others
safeguarding concerns involving children
legal obligations (such as terrorism legislation)
Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you first.

How are records kept?
Notes are kept securely using a coded system and stored in line with GDPR and ICO guidance. Records are retained for six years.
You have the right to request access to your records. For couples counselling, written consent from all parties is required.

What if I see you outside of sessions?
To protect your privacy, I won’t acknowledge you unless you choose to say hello first. If you do, I’ll keep the interaction brief.

How do you work with teenagers?
Confidentiality is especially important when working with young people.
I won’t share information with parents or guardians unless there is a serious safeguarding concern. Where appropriate, session arrangements can be made directly with the young person. Full details are outlined in the safeguarding policy.

Have you worked with gender-diverse clients?
Yes. I have experience working with people who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender diverse, or who are exploring their gender identity.

Is there parking?
Yes — street parking is available directly outside the lodge.

Is Little Lodge accessible?
The lodge has ramp access. If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please get in touch so we can discuss them.

What if I work shifts and can’t attend at the same time each week?
That’s not a problem. Many clients work variable hours. We can arrange sessions flexibly and book the next appointment at the end of each session.

What if I have a concern or complaint?
I encourage open conversation if something doesn’t feel right in our work together — therapy isn’t about agreeing with me, but about honest exploration.
If you have a complaint about my professional conduct, you can contact the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, who oversee accredited members.

What if I need urgent mental health support?
Counselling isn’t an emergency service. If you’re struggling during or outside of sessions, please let me know and contact your GP.
If you need immediate support, you can contact Samaritans. I can also help you think about other sources of support if needed.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please feel free to get in touch.