The first session is an opportunity for you to talk about what’s brought you to counselling and what you’d like to get out of the process. We’ll discuss your background, current concerns, and any questions you may have. There’s no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with, and sessions move at your pace.

Most clients attend weekly at the beginning. Some people choose to come more often though, depending on the circumstances. Frequency can change over time depending on your needs, goals, and availability.

The length of counselling varies depending on your goals and circumstances. Some people attend for a short period to work through a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper or ongoing work. We’ll review progress regularly and adjust as needed.

Feeling safe and comfortable with your counsellor is essential. That’s why Ben offers a free 15-minute telephone or video consultation, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about his approach, and decide whether working together feels like a good fit.

You can book an initial consultation by getting in touch via the contact page, messaging on the Whatsapp link or by email.

Ben works with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, religious trauma, existential issues, stress, grief, eating disorders, addiction, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. If you’re unsure whether counselling is right for your situation, a free consultation can help clarify this.

Yes. You may end your sessions whenever you feel necessary, just by letting your therapist know. You don’t have to explain or give any notice. Or you may wish to take a counselling break and resume therapy, when you are ready, at a later date.

Individual sessions are £80, block bookings of 8 sessions are £75 per session, couples £100 and concessions £55. If you are unsure if you qualify for a concessionary rate please reach out to discuss your circumstances.

Ben accepts payment by bank transfer, or cash/contactless payment in person if that’s preferable.

In couples counselling, the relationship itself is the focus. Sessions provide a neutral space for both partners to feel heard, understand patterns in the relationship, and work toward healthier communication and connection. Ben works collaboratively with both partners in a respectful and non-judgemental way.

It’s common for partners to feel hesitant at first. Couples counselling doesn’t aim to assign blame or take sides. Instead, it focuses on understanding the relationship dynamic and supporting both partners. A consultation can be a helpful first step to explore whether it feels right.

Yes. It can be very effective to have individual sessions in conjunction with couples sessions, as long as both partners are willing to attend individual sessions. It would not be ethical to work with just one partner individually alongside couples work, as it can lead to a feeling of imbalance or bias within the couples work.

As long as your partner is willing to have at least one or two individual sessions before starting sessions together, I'm happy to work with you both. That way, I can get to know them and their experience and they can feel comfortable entering couples work without feeling a bias or imbalance in the room.

It can usually take a couple of sessions at least to prepare for EMDR and then a number of sessions of processing - it's not possible to put a figure on that before we begin. It can be as few as one or two, and as many as ten or more. It really depends on the circumstances and the negative experiences to be processed out.

No. EMDR does not require you to describe traumatic events in detail. The focus is on how the experience is affecting you now, and sessions are paced to ensure you feel supported and in control.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps process distressing or traumatic experiences. It can be helpful for trauma, anxiety, phobias, grief, and other issues linked to past experiences. EMDR is always offered in a safe, structured, and client-led way, with careful preparation beforehand.

No. Counselling isn’t only for times of crisis. You might seek therapy because you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or simply wanting greater self-understanding and growth. Many people come to counselling to improve their wellbeing or relationships, not just to address acute difficulties.

Typically Ben works with individuals aged 16 and above, but is happy to make exceptions in the context of family therapy where children under 16 are involved.

Yes. Counselling is confidential, with some legal and ethical limits. These include situations where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or where disclosure is required by law. Ben will explain confidentiality clearly and answer any questions you may have.