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1. How does counselling work? 
Talking openly and honestly to an impartial outsider, who respects you as a unique human being, provides a secure base for understanding yourself and making the changes that move you forward.

2. Does the counsellor just listen?
Active listening is different from normal listening - it is an attempt to hear things at their deepest level. I comment on what I hear, and might use therapeutic techniques to focus on particular issues.

3. How long does it go on for?
Counselling can be brief (6 sessions). However, the concerns that bring someone to counselling will sometimes give way to a greater complexity of feelings and needs. Then it is up to you to decide whether you want to continue to explore some of the underlying blocks to your greater fulfilment. 

4. Is it really confidential?
Neither your name and address, nor what you say, is divulged to anyone outside of the counselling room, and all professional notes are kept under lock and key.  I do consult with another experienced counsellor to ensure my clinical practice is kept to a high standard, but this process is also confidential.  There are rare exceptions to the confidentiality rule, to do with harm to yourself or others, and these will be discussed with you in the first counselling session.

5. If I am unhappy, how could I make a formal complaint?
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy would take your complaint seriously and help you with the process of making any formal complaint against your counsellor. (www.bacp.co.uk).