Ria Littlewood
MBACP (Accred)

We’ll discuss what has brought you to seek Counselling/Clinical Supervision and what you are hoping to achieve or gain. We can discuss my approach and the way I work. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

The content of our work together is confidential with a few exceptions. I regularly see a supervisor where we confidentially discuss my work to ensure I am working effectively and ethically. While I might discuss any issues arising from my work with clients/supervisees, this is shared in an anonymised way (no names or identifiable information is ever shared). In certain exceptional circumstances, if I felt you or others might be at risk of harm, or in certain legal circumstances, I might consider widening confidentiality to enhance support, ensure safety or fulfil certain legal requirements. However, I would always endeavour to discuss this with you prior to taking any action. This will be explained at the start of our sessions together.

The timings vary slightly, depending on the service you choose. Counselling sessions are 50-minutes; extended counselling sessions are 75-minutes; Clinical Supervision can be 60/90 minutes depending on experience, client hours practiced and other clinical supervision in place.

The thought of coming to therapy can be daunting. Our first session will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you want, to see if we can work together and if you can imagine sharing your personal thoughts and feelings with me. It is also a chance for me to find out more about why you have come to see me, what your goals for therapy are and talk with you about how I think I can help you. If for any reason I am not able to work with you, I will be open about my reasons. And I hope if you feel you can't work with me that you can be open about this too. I won't be offended. The relationship between client and therapist is key and before starting therapy it is important that you are comfortable talking with me.

I can work with clients based in the UK. I would take into account your needs and my ability to meet those needs before agreeing to work together. If I feel undertrained/underqualified, I will let you know and do my best to signpost you to someone who will be more appropriate for your needs.

It is impossible to know. What you are coming for and how easy you find it to talk about your problems will influence the length of time you come to therapy. However many sessions you have is also your decision. I will be as clear and up-front as possible about how I believe we can work together and can discuss the benefits of both short-term and longer term therapy depending on what you want to achieve. Perhaps you have a problem you are currently experiencing and want to have a safe, confidential space where you can talk about your thoughts and feelings with someone who is impartial. Alternatively you may feel 'stuck' or trapped in a cycle/pattern of self destructive behaviour that you want to try and break free from, or you may be feeling overwhelmed, experiencing repeated feelings of anxiousness, numbness/disconnection, hopelessness and loss of direction. Working longer term gives you the opportunity to look at where certain patterns and responses to situations might have come from. You have the space to talk freely about how you want your life to be different and work out how you might go about achieving those changes. Therapy is personal to everyone but you decide how much you feel you need. ‘Short-term’ would usually be around 6-12 sessions and ‘longer-term’ 6 months or more. It is usual for people to use therapy as ongoing support and personal development for many years. If you think it has taken you years to get to the point you are at now, it is likely going to take more than a couple of hours to understand certain feelings, patterns of behaviour and fixed mindsets, pinpoint why they exist and then start making positive changes. Counselling is not a quick fix. Change takes time but in order to get the most out of your therapy sessions it is important that you are committed, engaged and honest about the way you feel.

I would recommend finding a private place where you are unlikely to be overheard or interrupted. Turn off other devices to minimise distractions. Set up a space where you can sit comfortably for the duration of the session, where you remain clearly visible with adequate lighting and without needing to make any adjustments as we talk. It is helpful if you refrain from eating during the sessions. After the session ends, it can be important to take a little time to yourself to adjust back to the life around you.

Before signing up to therapy there are some important questions you need to ask yourself: Is the age of the therapist important to me? Do I want to work with a man or a woman? Are they experienced in dealing with my issues? Is the location, day and time convenient for me? If your therapy centre is difficult for you to get to or your chosen time means you find yourself rushing about trying to make the appointment, it is going to feel like a chore getting there and you may start to resent it or feel less likely or able to engage. C​hoosing the right type of therapy and therapist is an important decision. You are investing time and money and it is important that you get the right person for you.

My fee is £50 for a 50 minute individual counselling session. I ask that clients pay for their first session in advance before we meet via bank transfer. This demonstrates a commitment from you to attend the session. Payment can be made via bank transfer. The bank details will be emailed to you should you choose to make an appointment. Please note I do offer reduced fees for those on low incomes.

Counselling is more than showing up—it's about being fully present. I carefully protect time around sessions to ensure I’m mentally and emotionally prepared to give you my undivided attention. Before we meet, I take time to reflect, review notes, and create a calm, welcoming space for our work together and write up session notes afterwards. Because I value this process, I ask that clients give at least 24 hours notice if they want to cancel or reschedule a session. If you cancel an appointment with less than 24 hours notice, or fail to show up, you will be charged for the appointment. I trust you understand that it is fair that I will charge you my full fee if you miss or cancel a session with less than 24 hour's notice because I will not be able to fill that time slot. In exceptional circumstances I may waive my right to charge for a missed session. Payment confirms your acceptance and agreement of the above.

In times of mental health or psychological emergencies, dial 999; or, if possible, attend your local A&E Hospital to be seen by the Crisis Team. You may also wish to contact the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123.