Online counselling questions, answered
Common questions about how we work, from first sessions to booking, payment and confidentiality. If you can’t find what you need, send us a general enquiry.
General counselling
What happens during the first session?
The first session is really just a chance for us to meet and get to know one another. We’ll talk gently about what’s brought you here and what you’re hoping for, and there’s no pressure to share more than you feel ready to. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for whether it feels like the right fit, and feeling a little nervous beforehand is completely normal.
How many sessions will I need?
There’s no set number, as everyone is different. Some people come for a few weeks to work through something specific, while others value having a regular space over a longer period. We’ll keep checking in about what feels helpful for you, and you’re always free to take a break or stop whenever you feel ready. You’re never tied in.
How do I choose between Sherry and Jack?
It often comes down to who you feel most drawn to. Sherry tends to work with stress, low mood, relationships, self-esteem and past experiences, while Jack focuses on life changes, direction, confidence and coaching. If you’re not sure, just send us a general enquiry and we’ll help you find the right fit, and it’s absolutely fine to change your mind later.
Do I need to be in crisis to start counselling?
Not at all. Therapy isn’t only for moments of crisis. It can also give you space to reflect, understand yourself and work through everyday challenges before they become more difficult. No problem is too small, and you don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.
What’s the difference between counselling and life coaching?
Counselling gives you space to explore how you’re feeling, recognise patterns and work through past experiences. Life coaching is more practical and forward-looking, clarifying what matters to you, setting realistic goals and planning steps towards them. Coaching isn’t a form of therapy or mental-health support. Plenty of people are unsure which they want, which is completely normal; send us a general enquiry and we’ll talk it through with you.
Online counselling
How does online counselling work?
Sessions take place over a private video call, so you can talk with us from wherever you feel most comfortable, usually your own home. It works much like meeting in person: the same warmth, attention and care, just without the journey. Most people find it feels surprisingly natural once they’ve settled in.
What do I need for an online session?
Not much at all: a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted, a phone, tablet or laptop, and a reasonably steady internet connection. It helps to give yourself a few calm minutes beforehand to settle, but there’s nothing else you need to prepare.
Can I book if I live outside the UK?
Often, yes. We’re based in the UK, but sessions are held online by private video, so you’re welcome to join from wherever you are as long as we can speak together in English. Suitability and availability can depend on your location and circumstances, so if you’re unsure whether we can work with you, please ask before booking rather than after, and we’ll always give you a straight answer.
What time zone are appointment times shown in?
All appointment times on the booking page are shown in UK time (London), and they aren’t converted to your local time automatically. If you’re joining from another country, please convert the time before you confirm so there’s no confusion on the day. If you’d rather we checked a time with you first, just send us an enquiry.
Booking & payment
How do I book a session?
Just get in touch through our contact page and let us know a little about what you’re looking for. We’ll reply to arrange a first session at a time that suits you. There’s no obligation, and you’re very welcome to ask any questions before you decide.
How and when do I pay?
Our current fees are set out in full on the Fees & Sessions page, so you’ll always know what to expect before we begin. When you get in touch we’ll confirm how payment works and keep everything clear and upfront. There are no hidden costs.
What currency do I pay in?
All our fees are in pounds sterling (GBP), and that’s the amount you’ll be charged. If your card was issued outside the UK, your bank or card provider will convert it, and any conversion or international transaction fee is set by them rather than by us, so it’s worth checking with them if you’d like to know the exact amount beforehand.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that life is unpredictable and things sometimes come up. If you need to rearrange or cancel a session, just let us know as early as you can so we can offer the time to someone else, and we’ll always try to find another slot that works for you.
How does the five-session bundle work?
The bundle is five sessions paid for in advance at a lower rate per session: £89 in total, which works out at £17.80 each. It’s arranged by enquiry rather than through the booking page, so please get in touch and we’ll confirm the details with you before anything is paid.
When Collective Counselling may not be right for you
What should I do in an emergency or crisis?
Please don’t wait for a session. Our service is not an emergency service, and we can’t offer urgent or out-of-hours support. If you are in the UK and need help now, call 999, or contact Samaritans free at any time on 116 123. If you are somewhere else, please use your local emergency number or nearest urgent mental-health service. If you are not in immediate danger but things feel very difficult, contacting your doctor or a local crisis line is a good next step.
What can’t online counselling with us offer?
We work by appointment, over online video, so we aren’t able to provide crisis or emergency care, out-of-hours cover, or support between sessions. We also can’t prescribe medication or provide formal diagnoses or reports. If you think you need any of those, your doctor or a local service will be better placed to help, and we’re happy to say so honestly rather than take a booking that isn’t right for you.
Need urgent or specialist support? See our crisis and specialist support resources, including UK and worldwide emergency numbers and helplines.
Confidentiality
Is online counselling confidential?
What you share is treated confidentially, with a small number of important exceptions relating to safety, safeguarding and legal obligations, for example if there were a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s. We would always aim to talk these through with you, and the limits of confidentiality are explained before or during your first session. You’re welcome to ask us anything about this at any time.
How is my information stored?
We store anything you share carefully and treat it with care, in line with data protection rules. Only Sherry and Jack have access to it, and it’s never sold or shared for marketing. You can read more about this in our Privacy Policy.