Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling is a supportive, confidential process where you can talk openly about your challenges, feelings, and goals with a trained professional. It’s a safe space to explore personal issues such as trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, or life transitions. The aim is to help you gain insight, develop coping strategies, and move towards positive change, all at your own pace.

• Counselling focuses on helping people navigate life’s challenges, emotional difficulties, and personal growth through talk-based therapy. Counsellors use a range of therapeutic approaches and do not prescribe medication.
• Psychiatry is a medical specialty. Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose mental health conditions, can prescribe medication, and may provide therapy for complex or severe mental health issues.
• Psychology involves the scientific study of behavior and mind. Psychologists are trained to provide therapy for mental health concerns and may also conduct assessments, but they do not prescribe medication.

You might choose to see a counsellor if you’re seeking a supportive, non-judgmental space to talk through life’s challenges, manage stress, work through grief or trauma, or navigate relationship and family issues. Counsellors focus on helping you understand your feelings, build coping strategies, and move forward in a practical, collaborative way.

• Counsellors are ideal if you want to explore personal concerns, improve wellbeing, and develop new skills for managing life’s ups and downs. They do not diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication.
• Psychologists are often sought for more complex mental health issues, psychological assessments, or when a formal diagnosis is needed. They can provide therapy and develop treatment plans for mental health conditions.
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, often using medication alongside other treatments. You’d typically see a psychiatrist if you need medication management or have severe, complex, or ongoing mental health concerns.

In summary, if you’re looking for someone to talk to about personal challenges, emotional wellbeing, or life transitions—and you don’t require a medical diagnosis or medication—counselling is a supportive and accessible option.

Coaching is a collaborative, goal-oriented process that helps you identify strengths, set meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies to achieve them. It’s focused on personal development, life transitions, and unlocking your potential, rather than addressing mental health conditions or past trauma.

• Counselling is designed to support you through emotional distress, trauma, and mental health challenges, often exploring past experiences and patterns.
• Coaching is future-focused, helping you set and achieve goals, build confidence, and navigate life changes. While counselling may address deeper emotional issues, coaching is about personal growth and performance.

Your first session is a welcoming, no-pressure conversation. We’ll discuss what brings you to counselling or coaching, your goals, and any concerns you may have. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and decide if our approach feels right for you. Together, we’ll explore your needs and begin developing a plan that suits your unique situation. Everything you share is confidential and treated with respect.

Session lengths vary depending on the type of support you choose:

• Counselling Sessions:
  • Individual: 1 hour
  • Couples: 1.5 hours
  • Family: 1.5 hours
• Coaching Sessions:
  • Individual: 45 minutes
  • Couples: 60 minutes
  • Family: 60 minutes

Each session is designed to give you the time and space you need to explore your concerns, set goals, and work towards positive change in a supportive environment.

Sometimes, yes. Counselling is most effective when you can reflect on what we discuss and practice new strategies between sessions. You might be encouraged to try simple activities, keep a journal, or use relaxation techniques at home. These are always tailored to your needs and comfort level—there’s no pressure or homework unless you find it helpful.

The goal is to support your progress, both during our time together and in your everyday life. We’ll always discuss and agree on any between-session activities, so you feel comfortable and supported.

Yes, everything you share in your counselling session is treated with strict confidentiality. Your privacy and trust are very important. What you discuss will not be shared with anyone outside the practice, except in rare situations where I am legally or ethically required to do so—such as if there is a risk of harm to you or someone else, or if required by law.

If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, please feel free to ask. I’m always happy to explain how your information is protected and discuss any specific circumstances.

Absolutely, you can receive counselling and coaching at the same time for the same reason. In fact, combining both approaches can be very effective. Counselling helps you process emotions, understand past experiences, and address underlying issues, while coaching focuses on setting goals, building practical strategies, and moving forward.

At Emotiva Counselling, integrated sessions are available—meaning you can benefit from both emotional support and practical guidance within the same journey. This approach is especially helpful if you’re navigating big life changes, seeking both healing and growth, or want to build resilience while working towards specific goals.

If you’d like to explore how an integrated approach could work for your situation, feel free to reach out for a confidential chat.