UKCP Registered Psychotherapeutic Counselling & EMDR Therapy
Frequently asked questions
Want to find out more?
Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions, particularly if this is your first experience of seeking professional support. Below are some of the questions people commonly ask about therapy, how it works, and what to expect.
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Book an introductory session or email constancecounsellor@gmail.com
Counselling & EMDR therapy, in person & online
How can therapy help?
Therapy can help you make sense of your thoughts, emotions, relationships and behavioural patterns so that life feels more manageable and less overwhelming. People often come to therapy for support with: - anxiety and stress - depression or low mood - trauma and difficult past experiences - grief and loss - relationship difficulties - low self-esteem - burnout and exhaustion - emotional overwhelm - identity questions or life transitions Therapy offers a confidential, consistent space where these experiences can be explored in depth and at your own pace.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful if you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, disconnected, self-critical, or repeatedly struggling with the same patterns in your relationships or life. You do not need to be in crisis to begin therapy. Many people choose to start because they are looking for: - greater self-understanding - emotional support during a difficult period - healthier relationships and boundaries - relief from anxiety or low mood - more stability in how they feel day to day - space to reflect on their life in a structured way Therapy is often less about having clear answers and more about creating a consistent space to explore what is happening for you.
How can therapy help with anxiety?
Therapy can help you understand the emotional, cognitive and physiological patterns that contribute to your anxiety, so it becomes more manageable and less consuming. Anxiety is not only overthinking. It is often connected to deeper processes such as stress, trauma, attachment experiences, perfectionism, self-criticism, or feeling unsafe in relationships or environments. In therapy, we may explore: - triggers and recurring patterns - how anxiety shows up in the body - emotional regulation and coping responses - underlying fears and expectations - relational dynamics that maintain anxiety - strategies for grounding and stability The aim is not to eliminate anxiety entirely, but to help you relate to it differently so it has less control over your life.
What if I feel anxious about starting therapy?
Feeling anxious about starting therapy is very common. Beginning therapy involves talking with someone new about personal experiences, which can feel unfamiliar or exposing at first. It is also common to worry about saying the “right” thing or not knowing where to start. There is no expectation to explain everything clearly or get things “right.” Therapy is a gradual process, and we will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an initial conversation so we can start to understand what has brought you to therapy and what you might be looking for. We may talk about: - what has been difficult recently - your current situation - relevant personal history - relationships and support systems - previous experiences of therapy (if any) - what you would like to change or understand You don't have to share everything straight away. The first session is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of whether working together feels comfortable and a good fit for you.
How do I find the right therapist?
There are many things that may factor into your search for the right therapist, and who you ultimately choose to work with. These might include: - What you're seeking help for (e.g. anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma) - Whether there is a particular approach or therapy you prefer or are interested in (e.g. psychodynamic, CBT, humanistic) - Whether you prefer someone with lived and/or professional experience of certain demographics (e.g. LGBTQ+, cultural, ethnic minority groups) - The therapist's qualifications and experience - Whether they are a member of a professional body such as UKCP, which means that they are committed to working within an ethical framework, their training is of a high standard, and they undertake continuous professional development - Whether you would prefer face-to-face or remote sessions - Your instincts: can you imagine feeling safe to be vulnerable with this person, that they can hold your feelings and story? Do they make you feel at ease and as comfortable as possible? Research demonstrates that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in determining how effective counselling and therapy will be, so it's really important to find the right fit for you. There is no obligation to continue after the introductory session if it doesn't feel right.
Can therapy help with trauma?
Yes. Therapy can support you in processing traumatic experiences in a safe, structured and paced way. Trauma can affect: - emotional regulation - trust and relationships - self-worth and identity - physical and nervous system responses - how safe you feel in the world Some people come to therapy with a clearly defined traumatic event. Others find their difficulties are linked to longer-term relational experiences such as neglect, emotional invalidation, or chronic insecurity. Therapy is always paced carefully, and there is no pressure to talk about anything before you feel ready.
Can therapy help with low self-esteem?
Yes. Low self-esteem is often linked to earlier relational experiences, repeated criticism, shame, or not feeling emotionally seen or valued. Therapy can help you understand where self-critical beliefs come from and how they are maintained in your present life. In therapy, we may explore: - self-critical thinking patterns - perfectionism and internal pressure - shame and self-judgement - relational influences on self-worth - emotional needs and unmet experiences - how you relate to yourself internally The goal is not simply increased confidence, but a more consistently compassionate sense of self.
Can therapy help with relationship difficulties?
Yes. Therapy can help you understand and address recurring patterns in relationships that feel distressing or unhelpful. This may include: - difficulty with boundaries - fear of rejection or abandonment - people-pleasing or over-accommodation - conflict avoidance or escalation - emotional disconnection - trust difficulties These patterns often have roots in earlier relational experiences and can be understood and gently challenged over time in therapy.
What if I find it difficult to talk about my feelings?
This is very common. Many people find it difficult to express emotions directly, especially if they have learned to manage feelings privately, intellectually, or by staying in control. Therapy does not require you to know how to articulate everything clearly. Part of the process can involve gradually developing emotional awareness and language at a pace that feels safe. Silence, uncertainty, or difficulty finding your words are all welcome.
What is integrative therapy?
Integrative therapy is a flexible approach that draws from different psychotherapy models so that therapy can be adapted to the individual rather than following a single fixed method. My approach draws on psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, attachment-informed, and behavioural perspectives. This allows us to work both with present-day difficulties and the underlying emotional patterns that may be contributing to them. I am also an EMDR Therapist in training. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. It doesn't require going through every detail and having to relive a traumatic event, and many people find EMDR to be empowering and relieving. Therapy is collaborative, meaning we work together to understand what feels most important and relevant for you.
Is integrative therapy the same as CBT?
No. Integrative therapy and CBT are different approaches. CBT focuses primarily on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours in the present. Integrative therapy is broader. It may include attention to thoughts and behaviours, but also explores emotional experience, relationships, attachment patterns, identity, and past experiences where relevant. CBT techniques may sometimes be used within integrative therapy, but they are not the sole focus.
What is attachment-informed therapy?
Attachment-informed therapy explores how early relational experiences influence how we relate to ourselves and others in adulthood. Early experiences can shape: - expectations in relationships - emotional regulation patterns - how safe closeness and intimacy feels - responses to conflict or distance - self-worth and internal beliefs Understanding these patterns can help you develop more awareness, choice, and stability in relationships and emotional life.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy overlap significantly, and the distinction is not always rigid in practice. Generally: - counselling is often associated with focused support around current difficulties - psychotherapy often involves deeper exploration of long-standing emotional and relational patterns In practice, integrative therapy may include both supportive and deeper exploratory work depending on what you need at different points in therapy. As a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and EMDR Therapist in training, my work combines the supportive, listening-focused approach of counselling with deeper psychotherapeutic techniques that explore underlying issues, patterns, and past experiences. This means that I can support you in the present, and help you explore the deeper roots of what you're experiencing.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they become less emotionally charged and overwhelming. EMDR is often used for: - traumatic or distressing memories - anxiety linked to past experiences - intrusive memories or flashbacks - strong emotional triggers - shame-based or negative self-beliefs - difficult life events that still feel stuck It can be used for both single events and more complex, long-term experiences. EMDR does not erase memories. Instead, it helps reduce the intensity of emotional and bodily responses connected to them. The process is carefully guided and always paced according to what feels manageable for you.
Can EMDR be used alongside integrative therapy?
Yes. In my work, EMDR is used as one part of a broader integrative approach rather than a standalone protocol. This means we may also focus on: - emotional regulation - relational patterns - attachment experiences - present-day difficulties - meaning-making and self-understanding EMDR is introduced when it feels clinically appropriate and when there is sufficient grounding and stability in place.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and circumstances. Some people attend for a shorter period of focused support, while others engage in longer-term therapy that allows for deeper exploration and sustained change. We can review this regularly so that therapy continues to feel appropriate and useful. Please note that for EMDR, it is advisable to complete a minimum of six sessions.
How often are sessions?
Most people attend therapy weekly. Weekly sessions provide consistency, structure and continuity, which supports the therapeutic relationship and process. Frequency can sometimes be adjusted depending on individual needs and availability, and this can be discussed together.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. I offer online therapy sessions across the UK via secure video call. Online therapy can offer flexibility and accessibility while still supporting meaningful therapeutic work. Some people also find it easier to engage from their own environment. I also offer in-person sessions in Norwich.
Is your room accessible?
My room is in a private, quiet, confidential space, however it can only be reached via stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. I am happy to offer remote sessions online if this is not appropriate for you. There is access to a toilet.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Yes. Therapy is confidential. This means that your identity and what you share is not disclosed outside of sessions. There are limited legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, which typically relate to serious risk concerns. These boundaries are explained clearly at the beginning of therapy so you know exactly how confidentiality is managed.
What are your fees?
Counselling sessions last 50 minutes and are priced at £65. While in accredited EMDR training, I am offering a reduced rate for this modality of £65 per session. Please note, it is advisable to complete a minimum of six sessions. I offer weekly sessions in Norwich or online across the UK via secure video platform. Payment is via bank transfer. If you would like to ask questions or arrange an initial session, you are welcome to get in touch.
Do I need to pay if I can no longer attend?
If you are unable to attend a session, please contact me at least 48 hours in advance to let me know. Sessions are charged in full for late cancellation or non-attendance. While I do understand that these things happen, this is necessary so that I have an opportunity fill the session and keep my practice running.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
This depends on my current availability and whether our schedules align. Sometimes I can accommodate new clients within a week or two; at other times there may be a short wait. Please get in touch to discuss availability - even if I can't see you immediately, I'm happy to suggest other counsellors who may have capacity, or you can join my waiting list if you'd prefer to wait to work with me specifically. If you'd like to arrange an introductory session, please get in touch via my contact form or email constancecounsellor@gmail.com.
How do I book an appointment?
Please get in touch with me either via email (constancecounsellor@gmail.com) or by using my booking form on the Get In Touch page of my website.
