What to expect

Before we meet

Getting in touch

You can contact me through the form on my website or by emailing claire@cnmcounselling.com. You don't need to explain everything — a few lines about what's brought you here is enough. I'll reply within 24 hours.

The free consultation

Before we start any sessions, we'll have a 20-minute conversation — by phone, video call, or in person. This is your chance to:

• Ask any questions you have about counselling or how I work
• Tell me a little about what you're going through
• Get a feel for whether working together feels comfortable

There's no obligation. If it doesn't feel right, that's completely fine — no awkwardness.

Booking your first session

If we both feel it's a good fit, we'll arrange your first full session at a time that works for you. I'll send you a few practical details — where to come (if in person), how payment works, and what to expect on the day.

Your first session

The first full session is 50 minutes, just like every other session. But it has a slightly different feel because we're still getting to know each other.

What I'll ask

I'll invite you to tell me a bit more about what's brought you to counselling — your loss, how you've been feeling, and what you're hoping to get from our sessions. I might ask a few gentle questions to understand your situation better.

What you don't have to do

You don't have to tell me everything. You don't have to cry. You don't have to have a clear idea of what you want. You can share as much or as little as feels right, and we'll build from there.

What most people say afterwards

Most clients tell me they felt nervous beforehand but relieved afterwards. There's something powerful about simply sitting with someone and saying out loud the things you've been carrying in your head. Even if the session feels hard, it almost always feels worthwhile.

What regular sessions look like

After the first session, we settle into a rhythm. Here's what ongoing sessions typically involve:

You lead

There's no agenda, no worksheets, and no homework. Each session starts wherever you are that day. You might want to talk about the person you've lost. You might want to explore a feeling that's been following you around. You might not know what you want to talk about — and that's fine too.

I listen — really listen

My job is to be fully present with you. I'll reflect back what I hear, gently explore what sits beneath the surface, and help you make connections you might not have seen on your own. I won't tell you what to do or how to feel.

It's not always heavy

Some sessions will be difficult. Others will feel lighter — even hopeful. Grief isn't a straight line, and neither is counselling. Some weeks you'll feel like you've made real progress. Other weeks you might feel like you've gone backwards. Both are part of the process.

Confidentiality

Everything you share in our sessions is confidential. The only exception would be if I believed you or someone else was at serious risk of harm — and even then, I would discuss this with you first wherever possible. I follow the BACP Ethical Framework at all times.

In person or online — which is right for you?

You don't have to choose one or the other. Some clients come in person when they can and switch to online when life gets in the way. I'm flexible.

Ending counselling

Counselling doesn't go on forever — and knowing that can make it feel safer to start.

When you feel ready to finish, we'll plan an ending together. This usually involves a final session where we reflect on what's changed, what you've learned about yourself, and how you want to carry things forward.

Some people finish and never come back. Others return months or years later when something new surfaces. Both are welcome. The door is always open.