Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What happens in the initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

It is a chance for us to meet, for you to tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling, and for me to explain how I work. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have. There is no pressure to commit to anything — the consultation is simply a way of finding out whether working together feels like a good fit.

Question 2

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

I aim to offer an initial consultation within a week of your first contact, subject to availability. If you are in crisis or need urgent support, please contact your GP, call 111, or go to your nearest A&E. The Samaritans are also available 24 hours a day on 116 123.

Question 3

What happens in a counselling session?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are 50 minutes long and are held weekly. What happens in them varies — it depends on you, on what you bring, and on where we are in the work. Sometimes sessions focus on a specific issue or event. Sometimes they are more exploratory — following threads, making connections, sitting with difficult feelings. I do not give advice or tell you what to do. My role is to listen carefully, to reflect back what I hear, to ask questions that open things up, and to help you understand yourself more fully.

Question 4

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This varies considerably from person to person. Some people find that six to twelve sessions is enough to address a specific issue or difficult period. Others benefit from longer-term work — particularly when dealing with longstanding patterns, complex experiences or significant life changes. I do not have a fixed model; we review progress regularly and you are always free to end the work when you feel ready. I will never suggest continuing beyond what is genuinely useful.

Question 5

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

I charge £60 per 50 minute session, payable via bank transfer 48 hours prior to each session.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I ask for at least 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or rearrange a session. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice are charged at the full rate, except in genuine emergencies. This policy exists because the time is reserved specifically for you.

Question 7

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

My practice is in Sutton, Surrey. My practice is easily accessible, located a 2-minute walk from Sutton train station, and there is paid car parking nearby. I also see clients from Cheam, Carshalton, Wallington, Belmont, Banstead, Epsom and the surrounding area — either in person or via online and telephone sessions.

Question 8

Do you have experience working with neurodivergent clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I have extensive experience working with people with autism and people with ADHD, and I take a neurodiversity-affirming approach. This means I do not treat neurodivergence as a problem to be fixed, but as a different way of being in the world — one that comes with genuine strengths as well as real challenges. I am happy to adapt how I work to suit your communication style and needs.

Question 9

Do you work with people with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I have over 20 years of experience working with people who have physical disabilities and sensory impairment, in particular, visual impairment. I understand the particular challenges — including grief, identity, pain, fatigue and navigating inaccessible systems — that can accompany disability. My practice is accessible, and I offer online and telephone sessions for clients who find travel difficult.

Question 10

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

I offer face-to-face counselling from my practice in Sutton, Surrey, and see clients from the surrounding area including Cheam, Carshalton, Wallington, Belmont, Banstead and Epsom.  I also offer online and telephone counselling to clients anywhere in the UK.

Question 11

Do you offer counselling in Sutton?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  My practice is based in Sutton and I see clients in person from Sutton and the surrounding area.

Question 12

Do you offer counselling in Cheam?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  I see clients from Cheam either in person at my Sutton practice or via online and telephone sessions.

Question 13

Do you offer counselling in Carshalton?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  I see clients from Carshalton either in person at my Sutton practice or via online and telephone sessions.

Question 14

Do you offer counselling in Wallington?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  I see clients from Wallington either in person at my Sutton practice or via online and telephone sessions.

Question 15

Do you offer counselling in Belmont, Banstead or Epsom?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  I see clients from Belmont, Banstead and Epsom either in person at my Sutton practice or via online and telephone sessions.

Getting Started

Sessions & How Counselling Works

Fees & Practical Matters

Specialist Areas

Areas Covered

I am happy to talk things through

Frequently Asked Questions — Quest Counselling Sutton