Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Appointments & Availability

• How do I book an introductory chat?

  Contact me by email at Sneddonf@proton.me or fill in the contact form on my website.

• What is your availability for sessions?

  My availability changes every week, as existing clients end their work. If you are happy to wait a short time, I keep a small waiting list.

• How long does each session last?

  Each session, whether online or face-to-face, lasts for a full hour, or 90 minutes, as agreed between us.

• Do you offer remote/online sessions?

  Yes, I offer online sessions via zoom, as well as sessions via email.

• Do you offer telephone counselling?

  I don’t provide telephone counselling. It doesn’t work well for me as a therapist - I like to see your face as we talk.

• Where are your counselling rooms?

  I see clients face-to-face at counselling rooms in Birkenhead, Wirral, close to two train stations, with free on-street parking.

• Can I bring someone with me to my sessions?

  If you want someone with you in the introductory chat, let me know. It can feel scary starting therapy, so having someone with you sometimes helps. Once we get started with therapy, it’s best to come alone, as having someone else with you can negatively affect the work we do together.

How does counselling work with me?

• How often do we meet?

  Most clients come weekly to start with, so that we can get to know each other and develop understanding and trust. After a while, some clients choose to come for fortnightly sessions. Clients nearing the end of their work might come once a month or less, as a check-in on their progress and to received continued support.

• How many sessions will I need?

  Each person’s needs are different - some clients come with a clear goal they want to work on, and can complete that within six to ten sessions. Other clients could have childhood trauma or complex issues to address, and we might need to work together for a longer period of time.

• What happens in our first session?

  The first session is really about us getting to know each other. We don’t jump straight in to anything too ‘heavy’ or distressing, as you need to feel safe before we tackle anything traumatic. I might ask about your family, your friends, your workplace, who is supportive of you and who causes you issues. We agree what you want to work on first and I explain how therapy works with me. That first hour in therapy goes really fast!

Qualifications & Approach

• What qualifications do you have?

  I have a Level 7 Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice from Liverpool John Moores University.

  I also have a Level 1 qualification in Internal Family Systems Therapy, a Level 2 qualification in Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping) and am trained in Rewind Therapy.

• What is IFS Therapy?

  Internal Family Systems therapy helps people connect and work with traumatised parts of themselves in a very gentle way - it can support recovery from complex trauma and coercive relationships

• What is EFT (tapping)?
  EFT is a therapy that uses tapping on different parts of the face and hands, to reduce the intensity of anxiety, panic, phobias and intrusive memories.

• What counselling approaches or techniques do you use?

  I am humanistic in my approach and person-centred in my core training. I integrate and use other psychotherapy tools as needed, depending on what comes up in our work together.

• Are you a member of any UK professional bodies, such as the BACP or NCPS?

  Yes, I am a professional registrant of the NCPS.

• What issues do you specialise in?

  I work with a wide range of issues, but specialise in childhood and relationship trauma, survival from coercive control and domestic abuse, ADHD, autism and neurodivergence, peri-menopause and menopause, life transitions, disability and chronic health issues.

Fees & Payment

• How much do sessions cost?

  My standard counselling sessions cost £60 for a 60 minute session, and £80 for a 90 minute session.

  My IFS trauma therapy sessions are £70 for a 60 minute session, or £90 for a 90 minute session.

• What payment methods are accepted?

  I currently accept payment by bank transfer only.

• What is your cancellation policy?

  Sessions need to be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice.

Confidentiality & Ethics

• Is everything I say in counselling confidential?

  With a few exceptions, everything that we say to each other in sessions is confidential.

• Are there any circumstances when confidentiality must be broken?

  These exceptions include real threats to your safety or the safety of others, a safeguarding issue involving a child or vulnerable adult, and some criminal activities. I explain these as part of our initial discussions.

• What should I do if I need urgent help or crisis support?

  I can’t offer support in a crisis. If you need urgent help you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, the NHS Helpline on 111, or CALM on 0800 58 58 58.