Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling

Below are answers to some of the questions people commonly ask before starting counselling with me.

I'm Elaine Bond, a UKCP registered psychotherapeutic counsellor based in Carlton, Nottingham. I provide individual counselling and psychotherapy for adults aged 18 and over, both face-to-face and remotely.

If your question isn't answered here, please get in touch and I'll be happy to discuss it with you.

Starting counselling

How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me?

Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision and it is important that you feel comfortable with the person you choose to work with.

I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation so we can briefly discuss what has brought you to counselling, what you are looking for and whether I may be the right therapist for you. There is no pressure to book a session afterwards.

What happens during the first counselling session?

The first session gives us an opportunity to talk more fully about what has brought you to counselling, what you would like to achieve and how we might work together.

We will also discuss confidentiality, boundaries and practical arrangements. You will not be expected to talk about anything before you feel ready.

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

No. You do not need to have everything worked out before contacting me. Sometimes people know exactly what they would like help with, while others simply know that something does not feel right or that they are finding life difficult.

We can begin by exploring what is happening for you and take things from there.

Who I work with

Who do you provide counselling for?

I provide individual counselling and psychotherapy for adults aged 18 and over.

I do not currently provide couples therapy, sexual therapy or counselling for children and adolescents.

What issues do you work with?

I work with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, with particular experience working with trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD (CPTSD), dissociative identity disorder (DID), emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), anxiety, neurodiversity, ADHD and relationship difficulties.

You can find more information on my Counselling Services page.

Do I need a formal ADHD diagnosis before coming to counselling?

No. You do not need a formal ADHD diagnosis to discuss experiences or difficulties relating to neurodiversity in counselling.

For example, we may explore masking, overwhelm, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships or your experiences of seeking or receiving a diagnosis.

Counselling is not an ADHD diagnostic service.

Do you work with trauma, PTSD and CPTSD?

Yes. I have particular experience working with adults affected by trauma and trauma-related difficulties, including PTSD and complex PTSD.

I also have experience working with dissociation, DID and EUPD. You can find more information on my Trauma Counselling in Nottingham page.

Appointments & sessions

Do I need to attend counselling every week?

I generally recommend beginning counselling on a weekly basis where possible, as regular sessions can help provide continuity in the therapeutic work.

If weekly sessions are not practical for you, we can discuss a frequency that may work better for your circumstances.

How long does a counselling session last?

I offer 50-minute and 90-minute counselling sessions.

How long will I need counselling for?

There is no set length of time for counselling.

Some people come to therapy to work on a particular issue over a shorter period. Others choose longer-term therapy to explore more complex or longstanding experiences and patterns.

We can review how the counselling is progressing together and discuss when it feels appropriate to finish.

What is your cancellation policy?

I operate a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you are unable to attend an appointment, please contact me as soon as possible to cancel or rearrange your session.

Face-to-face & online counselling

Where do face-to-face counselling sessions take place?

Face-to-face sessions take place at my private counselling room at 40 Marhill Road, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 3AH.

The practice is approximately 15 minutes by car from Nottingham city centre and is accessible by local public transport.

I do not provide home visits.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. As well as face-to-face counselling in Carlton, I offer remote counselling through Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime and telephone, with text and email support where appropriate.

Do you offer weekend appointments?

I currently offer Saturday appointments from 9.00am to 2.30pm, subject to availability.

Fees

How much does counselling cost?

50-minute counselling session: £60
90-minute counselling session: £90

Do you offer an initial consultation?

Yes. I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation before you decide whether you would like to book a counselling session.

This gives us an opportunity to briefly discuss what you are looking for and whether I may be the right counsellor for you.

Confidentiality & medication

Is counselling confidential?

Counselling is confidential, although there are circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken for safeguarding or legal reasons.

I will explain confidentiality and its limits when we begin working together so that you understand how information is handled.

Can I have counselling if I take medication?

Yes. Many people attend counselling while taking medication prescribed by their GP or another healthcare professional.

Medication decisions should be discussed with the healthcare professional responsible for prescribing it. Counselling provides a separate space to explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences and ways of coping.

About Elaine

Are you a registered counsellor?

Yes. I am a UKCP registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and undertake regular professional supervision.

You can read more about my professional experience, qualifications and approach on my About Elaine Bond page.

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes, I am currently accepting new clients.

If you would like to ask a question, arrange a free 15-minute telephone consultation or discuss starting counselling, please contact Elaine Bond Counselling.

Need urgent help?

Counselling is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department.

The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.