Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

What is person-centred therapy?

Person-centred therapy is an approach developed by psychologist Carl Rogers that places you — not the therapist — at the centre of the process. Rather than following a fixed programme or telling you what to do, a person-centred therapist listens without judgement, trusts your capacity for self-understanding, and creates the conditions for genuine change. Sessions follow your pace and focus on what matters most to you.

How do I know if I need therapy?

Therapy can help any time you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or as though things are harder than they should be — you do not need to be in crisis to benefit. Common reasons people seek counselling include persistent anxiety or low mood, difficulty coping with change or loss, relationship problems, low self-worth, or simply wanting to understand yourself better. If you are unsure, the free introductory call is a low-pressure way to explore whether therapy might be useful.

Do I need a GP referral to start therapy?

No. I am a private practitioner and you can contact me directly to book sessions without a referral from your GP. If you are using private health insurance through AXA Health, Aviva, or Vitality Health, you should check the referral requirements with your insurer before booking.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is a chance for you to talk about what has brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to get from it. I will listen, ask some gentle questions, and explain how I work with you. There is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with. A free 15-minute phone call is also available before booking, so you can get a sense of whether it feels like a good fit.

Do you work with neurodivergent clients?

Yes. I provide neurodivergent-affirming therapy for adults and older teens with ADHD or autism/ASD. Sessions are adapted to your needs. Common areas explored include emotional regulation, masking, burnout, sensory sensitivities, executive function difficulties, and building self-understanding on your own terms.

Do you offer trauma therapy?

Yes. I work with clients who have experienced trauma, using a person-centred approach that goes at your pace. If you have experienced traumatic events and feel ready to explore their impact, sessions provide a confidential, safe space to do so.

Can couples therapy help if only one of us wants to come?

Couples therapy works best when both partners attend, as the sessions focus on the dynamic between you. However, if your partner is not willing to attend, individual therapy can still help you explore your role in the relationship, improve communication, and decide on next steps. Contact me to discuss what might work best for your situation.

Do you work with teenagers?

I work with clients aged 16 and over.

How much do you charge?

Individual sessions are £70 per 50 minute session.

Couples are £95 per hour session.

I do welcome and offer a concessionary rate to student counsellors.

Sessions are payable by cash or bank transfer 24 hours in advance of our session as this secures our appointment.

Cancellation with less than 48 hours notice is chargeable at the full session rate.

How do I make an appointment?

You can contact me by phone or email. Please leave a voicemail if I do not answer the call; my phone is password protected, so only I can access your message. You should expect to hear back from me within 2 working days.

How long will I need to come to counselling?

We can talk about this together; some people want to start with an initial set number of sessions (perhaps six) and see how it goes. We can review this during our sessions and you can choose to end counselling whenever you wish. We would usually plan to meet regularly, at the same time, on the same day - though I can offer flexibility if this isn't practical for you.

How do I find you?

I am based in central Farnham, close to Lidl supermarket.

There is plenty of nearby parking.

How does online counselling work?

We would arrange a call at a mutually convenient time. This could be via Zoom or Whatsapp video. In the case of Zoom, I will send you an email containing a link in advance of our session; you do not need to have Zoom downloaded on your device. If we agree to use Whatsapp video, I will call you at a prearranged time.

Is counselling confidential?

What we talk about is confidential and remains between the two of us. However, there are a few exceptions to this which are outlined in my agreement which I will send you in advance of our first meeting.

Can I use my private health insurance?

Yes. I am registered with AXA Health and Aviva so can offer counselling sessions through your insurance provider

Do you work evenings and weekends?

I offer flexible hours during the daytime and limited evening appointments. I do not work weekends.

Qualifications

Are you BACP accredited?

Yes. I am is a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist (MBACP Accred), registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. BACP accreditation is a recognised standard of professional competence in the UK, requiring significant training hours and ongoing continuing professional development.

What qualifications do you have?

I hold a BA (Hons) in Psychology, Sociology and English, a CBCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, and NCFE qualifications in counselling skills and theory. I am BACP Accredited and am registered as an approved therapist with AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality Health.

What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychotherapist?

In the UK the terms are often used interchangeably in private practice. Both involve talking therapy to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Psychotherapy typically implies longer-term, deeper work that may address complex or long-standing patterns, while counselling can be shorter-term and more focused on a specific issue. I am trained and accredited in both and tailors the depth and length of work to what you need.

If you have any other questions or are ready to take the next step, please contact me now on 07572 268034 or send me an email to counselling@talktokaty.co.uk.

Online therapy

How does online counselling work?

We arrange a call at a mutually convenient time. This can be via Zoom or Whatsapp video. In the case of Zoom, I will send you an email containing a link in advance of our session; you do not need to have Zoom downloaded on your device. If we agree to use Whatsapp video, I will call you at a prearranged time.

Is online therapy as effective as face-to-face sessions?

Research consistently shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most presentations, including anxiety, depression, and bereavement. Sessions take place in a private environment. Many clients find online therapy more accessible and just as personal as meeting in the room.

What do I need for online sessions?

You will need a device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or laptop), a reliable internet connection, and a private space where you will not be interrupted. I generally use Zoom and will email a link before your first session.

Can I switch between online and in-person sessions?

Yes. Many clients mix in-person and online sessions depending on their schedule or circumstances. Just let me know in advance so she can arrange the session format that works for you.

Insurance & Payment

Do you accept private health insurance?

Yes. I am registered with AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality Health. If you have a policy with one of these providers that includes mental health cover, you may be able to claim some or all of the cost of sessions. Contact your insurer to check your cover and any authorisation requirements before booking.

How do I pay for sessions?

Sessions are payable by cash or bank transfer and are due 24 hours before your appointment to secure the booking. Individual sessions are £70 for 50 minutes. Couples sessions are £95 for 60 minutes. Concessionary rates may be available for student counsellors — please contact me to discuss further.

What do I need for online sessions?

You will need a device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or laptop), a reliable internet connection, and a private space where you will not be interrupted. I generally use Zoom and will email a link before your first session.

Can I claim counselling through my employee assistance programme (EAP)?

Some employers offer an EAP that includes a number of free counselling sessions. Check with your HR department or EAP provider whether I am on their approved therapist list, or contact me directly to explore your options.

If you have any other questions or are ready to take the next step, please contact me now on 07572 268034 or send me an email to counselling@talktokaty.co.uk.

Practical & Logistics

Where is the therapy room in Farnham?

Sessions take place at Still House, East Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7SW. The room is in the centre of Farnham, within walking distance of Farnham train station, and accessible from surrounding areas including Aldershot, Guildford, Farnborough, Alton, Godalming, Fleet, Haslemere, Liphook, and Hindhead.

Is there parking near the therapy room?

Farnham town centre has several public car parks close to East Street, including South Street Car Park and Dogflud Way Car Park. Farnham train station is approximately a 10-minute walk away and is served by South Western Railway from London Waterloo, Guildford, and Alton.

Do you offer evening appointments?

No, my latest session is 5pm, Monday to Thursday; I don't offer weekend appointments. Contact me to discuss availability.

What is your cancellation policy?

Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice are charged at the full session rate. This policy exists to protect the time set aside for you and to respect other clients on the waiting list. If you need to reschedule, please give as much notice as possible.

If you have any other questions or are ready to take the next step, please contact me now on 07572 268034 or send me an email to counselling@talktokaty.co.uk.




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