Fees & Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling fees

£45 for a 60-minute counselling session

Sessions are available:

• Face-to-face in Edinburgh

• Face-to-face in Bathgate

• Online

Reduced-cost sessions may be available for people on lower incomes or where cost would otherwise make counselling difficult to access.

If cost is a concern, you're welcome to get in touch and we can discuss what may be possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

I've never had counselling before. What happens in the first session?

Your first session is an opportunity for us to talk about what has brought you to counselling and what you would like help with.

You don't need to prepare anything beforehand.

I'll explain how I work, you can ask any questions you have, and we'll begin to get a sense of what might be useful for you.

There is no expectation that you tell me everything in the first session. We can work at a pace that feels manageable.

What if I don't know what to say?

That's okay.

You don't need to arrive with a prepared explanation of what's wrong or know exactly what you want from counselling.

We can start with what's been happening recently, how things have been feeling for you, or whatever feels easiest to begin with.

We'll take it from there.

Do my problems need to be 'serious enough' for counselling?

No.

You don't need to be in crisis or have a diagnosis to come to counselling.

You may be dealing with anxiety, stress, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief or another particular issue. Or you may simply know that something doesn't feel right and you'd like somewhere to talk about it.

That's enough to begin.

Will you tell me what to do?

No.

I may ask questions, help you notice patterns, offer a different perspective or explore possible ways forward with you.

But I won't make decisions for you or tell you how you should live your life.

The decisions remain yours. My role is to help you understand yourself and your situation more clearly so that you can decide what feels right for you.

How many sessions will I need?

There isn't one answer.

Some people come to counselling with a particular issue and find shorter-term work useful. Others value having counselling over a longer period.

We can talk about what you're looking for when we begin and regularly review how you're finding the counselling.

You don't need to commit to a particular number of sessions before getting started.

How long is each session?

Sessions last 60 minutes.

Is counselling confidential?

Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and helps create a space where you can talk openly.

There are professional and legal limits to confidentiality in certain circumstances. I'll explain these when we begin working together so that you understand how confidentiality works and can ask any questions you have.

Do you work with women as well as men?

Yes.

Clarity Counselling is an inclusive counselling service for adults, and I work with adults of all genders.

Men's mental health has a particular place within my practice because it is an area of professional interest, but Clarity Counselling is not a men-only counselling service.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes.

Online counselling is available alongside face-to-face sessions in Edinburgh and Bathgate.

It can be useful if travelling isn't convenient, you have work or caring responsibilities, or you simply prefer to meet from home.

What if I'm not sure whether counselling is right for me?

You don't need to be certain before getting in touch.

You can send me a brief message about what has brought you here and ask any questions you have.

We can then discuss the next step.

How do I get started?

You can contact me with a brief message.

You don't need to explain your whole situation. A couple of sentences about what's been happening and whether you would prefer Edinburgh, Bathgate or online counselling is enough.

I'll get back to you and we can discuss what happens next.

Ready to take the next step?

Making contact doesn't commit you to counselling.

If you'd like to ask a question or enquire about arranging a session, you're welcome to get in touch.