FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about starting counselling.
If you are unsure whether therapy is right for you, that is completely normal. These questions explain how sessions work, what to expect, and how to take the first step.
Sessions and fees
-
Each counselling session lasts 50 minutes.
-
Sessions are £55 and last 50 minutes.
The initial 20-minute discovery call is free.
-
Many clients meet weekly, especially at the start. This helps build consistency and trust.
We can talk about what feels manageable and appropriate for you during the discovery call or first session.
-
You can choose between a private therapy room in Basingstoke or walk-and-talk counselling outdoors around Basingstoke and Alton.
The therapy room is at The Grosvenor, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4HG.
-
My focus is in-person counselling, either in a private therapy room or through walk-and-talk sessions.
If this changes, I will make that clear on the website.
-
Please give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or rearrange a session.
With walk and talk, we would normally walk in most weathers with the exception where there a met office weather warning has been issued. Just like I life It's valuable experiencing different experiences
Getting started
-
You do not need to be at breaking point to start counselling. Many men come to therapy because they feel stressed, low, stuck, overwhelmed, angry, disconnected or unsure where to turn.
If something feels difficult to carry on your own, counselling can give you space to talk it through and make sense of what is happening.
-
No. You do not need to arrive with a clear plan or the right words.
We can start with whatever feels most pressing, even if that is simply “I do not know where to begin”. My role is to help you feel safe enough to talk at your own pace.
-
The free discovery call lasts around 20 minutes. It is a chance for you to ask questions, explain briefly what has brought you here, and get a feel for whether working together feels right.
There is no pressure to book a session afterwards.
-
My website is written mainly for men, because many men find it difficult to ask for support and may feel unsure about therapy. However, please contact me if you are interested in working together and I can let you know whether I may be the right fit.
-
Counselling is not about me telling you what to do. It is a space to explore what is happening, understand yourself more clearly, and work out what feels right for you.
I will listen, support, ask questions and help you make sense of things at your own pace.
Indoor and outdoor therapy
-
Yes. You can choose the setting that feels right for you.
Some clients prefer the privacy of a therapy room. Others find it easier to talk while walking side by side. We can discuss the options before you decide.
-
Walk-and-talk therapy is counselling that takes place outdoors while walking at a gentle pace.
Some people find this less intense than sitting face-to-face in a room. The session is still focused, confidential and led by what you want to talk about.
-
No. Walk-and-talk sessions are gentle and can be adapted to suit you.
It is not a fitness walk. The focus is on having space to talk in a less formal setting.
-
With walk and talk, we would normally walk in most weathers with the exception where a Met Office weather warning has been issued.
We can discuss this before your session. Depending on the weather and your preference, we may rearrange, move indoors if available, or choose another suitable option.
-
I will always aim to choose quieter routes and spaces, but outdoor therapy cannot offer the same level of privacy as a closed therapy room.
We can talk about confidentiality before starting, including what we would do if we saw someone either of us knows.
-
Yes, where possible. You may want to start in the therapy room and try walk-and-talk later, or switch depending on what feels right.
We can discuss this as we work together.
Privacy and safety
-
Yes, counselling is confidential, with some important limits.
As a counsellor, I may need to act if I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or if there is a legal or safeguarding concern. I will explain confidentiality clearly when we first meet.
-
Yes. I am a registered member of the BACP and work within its ethical standards.
-
Many men feel nervous, embarrassed or unsure before starting counselling. Shame can make it harder to ask for help, especially if you are used to coping on your own.
You will not be judged. We can start slowly and talk about whatever feels manageable.
-
If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself, call 999 or go to A&E now.
If you need urgent mental health support but it is not a life-threatening emergency, NHS advice is to seek immediate expert advice and assessment. In England, NHS 111 can help direct you to the right urgent mental health support. Samaritans are also available free, any time, on 116 123.
Counselling can offer support, but it is not an emergency crisis service.
Booking
-
The first step is to book a free 20-minute discovery call.
You can contact me by email, phone, or through the enquiry form on this website.
Email: terry@therapyoutdoors.co.uk
Phone: 07920 487345 -
You can keep it simple. You might say:
“I am interested in counselling and would like to book a discovery call.”
You do not need to explain everything in your first message.
-
This depends on current availability. Once you get in touch, I will let you know what appointment times are available and what the next steps would be.
BACP Certificate of Proficiency
Walk and Talk
Therapy Trained
Level 4 Diploma in
Therapeutic Counselling
Registered Member
MBACP
Still have questions?
If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, we can talk it through on a free 20-minute discovery call. There is no pressure and no commitment.