Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions people ask before starting counselling with Tailored Counselling Solutions. If your question isn’t answered here, you can always get in touch and ask.
Q: What is counselling and how can it help me?▾
Counselling is a safe, private space where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings and worries with a trained professional.
It can help you to:
Understand why you feel the way you do
Put difficult feelings into words
Learn simple tools to manage stress, anxiety and low mood
See patterns in your life and try new ways of coping
Feel more in control and clearer about your next steps
You do not have to be in crisis for counselling to be helpful. If you want things to feel different, that is enough reason to reach out.
Q: Counselling and psychotherapy are safe private spaces where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings and worries with a trained professional.▾
It can help you to:
Understand and manage mental health conditions through psychoeducation, skills and techniques
Put difficult feelings into words
See patterns in your life and try new ways of coping
Feel more in control and clearer about your next steps
You do not have to be in crisis for counselling to be helpful. If you want things to feel different, that is enough reason to reach out.
Q: How long is each counselling session?▾
First session (assessment): around 80 minutes
Ongoing sessions: usually 45–55 minutes
Most people begin with weekly sessions, as this helps build trust and keep a steady rhythm. Over time, you may decide to space sessions out more, depending on your needs.
There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people come for a short period, others for longer. You and your counsellor will review how things are going and decide together.
Q: Do you offer online or phone sessions?▾
Yes. You can choose:
In-person sessions in Bridlington
Online video sessions
Telephone sessions
Online and phone sessions can be helpful if you:
Live further away (for example in Scarborough, Driffield or other areas)
Have health or mobility issues
Find it easier to talk from home
You and your counsellor can decide together which option is best for you.
Q: What if I don’t know what to say?▾
This is very common. Many people worry they will “freeze”, cry or not know where to start.
Your counsellor will help you:
Take things at your own pace
Start with simple questions
Focus on whatever feels most important to you that day
There is no right or wrong way to “do” counselling. Just turning up is already a big step.
Q: What if I need urgent help or I’m in crisis?▾
Tailored Counselling Solutions is not an emergency or crisis service. If you or someone else is at immediate risk, please seek urgent help by:
Calling 999
Contacting your GP or NHS 111
Calling the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day)
Using your local NHS crisis team, if you have their number
You can still get in touch to arrange counselling, but please use emergency services first if you are in immediate danger.
Q: Who do you work with?▾
Tailored Counselling Solutions offers:
Individual counselling for adults
Counselling for children and young people (around age 6–18)
Clinical hypnotherapy as an optional extra tool for some issues
Support is available in person in Bridlington and online, so you can choose what suits you best.
Q: Who do you work with?▾
Tailored Counselling Solutions offers:
Individual counselling for adults
Counselling for children and young people (around age 10–18)
Clinical hypnotherapy as an optional extra tool for some issues
Support is available in person in Bridlington and online, so you can choose what suits you best.
Q: Is what I say in counselling confidential?▾
Yes. Counselling is confidential, which means what you say in sessions is kept private. This helps you feel safe to talk openly.
There are a few clear exceptions where information may need to be shared, for example if:
There is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else
A child or vulnerable adult is at serious risk
There is a legal duty to share information
These limits are explained at the start, so you understand them from day one.
For children and young people, your counsellor balances:
The young person’s need for privacy
Your role and concerns as a parent or carer
The need to keep everyone safe
You will be told how this works in a clear and simple way.
Q: Can you help my child or teenager?▾
Yes. Tailored Counselling Solutions offers counselling for children and young people from around age 10 upwards.
Counselling can help if your child or teen is:
Very worried, anxious or panicky
Sad, low or tearful
Angry, withdrawn or acting out
Struggling with school, friends or changes at home
Dealing with grief, loss, bullying or low self-esteem
Sessions are always age-appropriate and may include play, drawing or creative activities for younger children, and more talking-based work for older children and teenagers.
Q: Are you professionally qualified and accredited?▾
Yes. Your counsellor, Samantha Richards, is:
A registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)
Trained in Integrative Counselling (BA Hons)
Qualified in Children and Adolescent Counselling
A Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
A Mental Health First Aider, with extensive extra training in areas such as suicide awareness, self-harm, safeguarding, stress management and more
Samantha has many years of experience in NHS services, A&E mental health liaison, crisis teams, local authority and charity settings, as well as private practice.
Q: How do I book a session or ask another question?▾
If you are ready to take the next step, or if you still have questions, you can:
Fill in the contact form on the website
Phone or email using the details on the contact page
You can briefly explain what you are looking for help with, and ask anything you are unsure about.
You don’t have to face things on your own – you are welcome to reach out and start the conversation.