Question 1

What happens in counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling offers a confidential, steady space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace. You can bring whatever feels important - even if you’re unsure where to begin. Together, we’ll gently make sense of what’s going on for you, what you need, and what might help you move forward.

Question 2

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

Sessions last 50 minutes.

Question 3

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are £60.
You can find full details on my Fees & Availability (https://www.samanthacookecounselling.com/fees-and-availability)page.

Question 4

Do you offer online or telephone counselling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer online and telephone sessions, as well as in-person sessions in Ascot, Berkshire.

Online and telephone sessions can be helpful if travelling is difficult, or if you need counselling that fits around work or other commitments.

Question 5

How confidential is counselling?

Accepted Answer

Everything you share is confidential within the boundaries of the BACP Ethical Framework.
We’ll discuss confidentiality in more detail during your first session so you feel clear and informed.

Question 6

Do I need to know what I want to talk about?

Accepted Answer

Not at all.

Many people come to therapy feeling unsure, overwhelmed or unable to put things into words.
We’ll start wherever you are - and take it one step at a time.

Question 7

How long will counselling take?

Accepted Answer

It varies. Some people come for a short period to focus on a specific difficulty. Others choose longer-term work to explore deeper themes, changes or identity shifts.

We’ll review regularly so therapy stays aligned with your needs.

Question 8

How often do we meet?

Accepted Answer

I work on a weekly basis, as this consistency helps build a strong therapeutic relationship and supports steady progress.

As we approach the end of therapy, it may be helpful to space sessions out (for example, moving to fortnightly). We’ll discuss this when the time feels right.

Question 9

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is a chance to:

• explore what brings you to counselling
 • ask any questions you may have
 • get a sense of whether we’d work well together

You don’t need to prepare anything. Just come as you are.

Question 10

Do you work with people who don’t fit one of your “life transitions” categories?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.
While I specialise in life transitions and identity change, many clients come for support with:
 • anxiety or low mood
 • burnout or stress
 • bereavement
 • relationship difficulties
 • low self-esteem
 • feeling stuck or overwhelmed

If something is affecting your wellbeing, you’re welcome to bring it.

Question 11

Is my breakup “big enough” to come to counselling for?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The emotional impact of a relationship ending - whether sudden, mutual, expected or unexpected - is often far greater than people anticipate. Therapy can help you process the changes, reconnect with yourself, and understand what you need moving forward.

Question 12

What if I initiated the breakup?

Accepted Answer

You’re still welcome. Even when you choose to end a relationship, you may feel sadness, confusion, guilt, relief, or a mixture of all of these. Therapy can support you in making sense of the emotional aftermath.

Question 13

I’ve never talked about my childlessness before - is that OK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many people carry this grief privately or feel unsure how to express it. Therapy provides a gentle, steady space to explore whatever feels difficult, at your pace.

Question 14

What if I’m unsure whether I want children?

Accepted Answer

You’re still welcome. The uncertainty itself can be painful or confusing, and counselling can help you explore your thoughts and feelings with compassion and clarity.

Question 15

Is it normal to feel lost or low after retirement or redundancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Major work transitions often bring changes to identity, purpose and confidence. Therapy can help you adjust to this new chapter and reconnect with what matters to you.

Question 16

Can counselling help with rebuilding confidence?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Work changes can shake your self-belief. Together we can explore what’s been affected and help you regain a sense of steadiness and value.

Question 17

Can counselling help even if my health condition can’t be changed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Counselling can support you in managing the emotional, identity and practical impact of physical health challenges - even when symptoms remain part of daily life.

Question 18

What if I have unpredictable ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’?

Accepted Answer

That’s completely understandable. We’ll work together to find a rhythm that suits your needs, and online or telephone sessions can offer flexibility when needed.

Question 19

Is it normal to feel invisible or unsettled in midlife?

Accepted Answer

Very much so. Shifts in roles, relationships, energy and identity can bring up complex feelings. Counselling provides a space to explore these changes with compassion.

Question 20

Can counselling help with menopause-related emotional changes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Emotional, cognitive and identity-related changes around menopause are common. We can explore whatever feels difficult for you.

Question 21

What if I feel lost or stuck but nothing dramatic has happened?

Accepted Answer

You’re not alone. Many people come to counselling because life feels “fine” on the outside but not quite right inside. Counselling can help you understand and navigate this shift.

Question 22

What if I can’t explain what feels wrong?

Accepted Answer

That’s completely OK. You don’t need clear answers to begin counselling. We’ll explore your experience together, gently and without pressure.

Question 23

Do you have evening sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer Monday and Tuesday evenings for in-person sessions.
You can find full details on my Fees & Availability (https://www.samanthacookecounselling.com/fees-and-availability)page.

Question 24

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

I work from a counselling room in Ascot, Berkshire within easy reach of:

Bracknell, Windsor, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Maidenhead, Slough, Camberley, Reading, Earley and Woodley.

I also work online and by telephone.