Frequently asked questions

It depends on what you need. The key difference is the focus of the work.

Counselling (or therapy) is suitable for supporting those with mild to moderate symptoms of mental illness or who seek mental health support and emotional healing. Similar to psychologists, counsellors are trained to work with people who have painful feelings and experiences, although counsellors do not typically diagnose or assess. Counsellors begin by listening and understanding what is driving problematic behaviours and thoughts. They help people clarify issues, explore options and develop strategies to tackle their problems in a positive way. Counselling tends to be longer-term and treatment modalities vary according to the issues identified.

Coaching is generally oriented around goal setting, problem solving and optimising effectiveness in a specific area of life. Coaches are trained to help people get ‘unstuck’ and those who are navigating a life transition or a particular challenge. Coaching sessions are forward-looking and focused on action and progress.

I take an integrative, person-centred approach using evidence-based modalities. What this means is you will receive support or treatment that is unique to your specific needs and goals. This allows you to focus on the issues you care most about.

The primary therapeutic models that I use are CBT and ACT. If you would like to learn more about these, see "More help" below.

Rates depend on whether sessions are held online or in person. My fees are set in line with my training, qualifications and expertise. They cover the work I do with clients as well as the 'behind the scenes' work such as session preparation, writing notes and reports and supervision.

If you would like to access coaching or counselling but cannot do so due to financial concerns, I offer a limited number of slots for people who need reduced fees. Please contact me to discuss if this is a suitable option for you.

Other pricing options, including packages, are available; please get in touch to learn more.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes, starting at the top of the hour.

I have clients who prefer shorter and longer sessions. As the coaching or counselling is specifically tailored to your needs, session duration can be discussed and agreed.

First, get in touch so we can ascertain what your needs and goals are. You will then receive a booking link where you can book and pay for your appointment. Payment can be made securely using Stripe or bank transfer.

If you cannot make an appointment, you can cancel or reschedule your appointment with 48 hours' notice. Cancellations or rescheduling requests with less than 48 hours’ notice will not be refunded.

Whether you are coming to Greenstone for coaching or therapy, providing you with a confidential and secure environment to share your personal thoughts and feelings and ensuring the safety of your information is of highest priority. None of the sessions are recorded and any session notes taken are strictly for coaching or therapeutic purposes and securely stored. What is shared between you and your coach or therapist stays private and confidential. However, there are rare circumstances when there is legal obligation to provide information to a third party. These include situations usually related to harm (to self or other) or criminal activity. If these situations were to arise, you will first be informed.

If you need medical help, please get in touch with your GP or local hospital. If you are in distress or are in urgent need of support, please contact your local Emergency Services or Samaritans.

▪ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients increase their own acceptance of certain subjective experiences, including emotion, thoughts, beliefs and sensations. Through acceptance, ACT can promote desired behavioral change that will lead to improved quality of life.

▪ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to help clients gain insight into patterns of thinking, information processing and decision-making. CBT can promote development of self-awareness and move clients toward desired change and problem resolution. CBT is effective for treatment of various conditions including anxiety, mood, low self-esteem.

▪ Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) is goal-oriented and centers on what clients want to achieve through therapy. SFT helps clients focus on the present or the future rather than on the past in order to achieve their therapeutic outcomes, although certain aspects of the past may be addressed in relation to how it may be impacting the present.

▪ Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a more of a therapeutic approach than a form of therapy. MI is a person-centered counselling style used to help clients activate their motivation for change. MI focuses on the present and helps increase clients' awareness of potential problems, consequences and risks associated with particular behaviours that are inconsistent with their goals.

Online coaching and e-therapy are live video consultations conducted using your web browser. Like in-person or face-to-face sessions, the only difference is that you attend the sessions from a location of your choice, as long as it is a quiet and private space and you have a computer, tablet or smart phone and an internet connection. For security and confidentiality reasons, you are advised against using third party devices.

There are a number of online platforms that use algorithms to match clients with coaches. I also consult with Gort Coaching and Intellect.

Consultations are secured by privacy safeguards and encryption protocols as provided by Google Workspace.

Online coaching or e-therapy sessions are conducted via Google Meet, which can be accessed using web browers Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Safari.

You will receive your unique video link from your coach/therapist once your appointment is confirmed.

The quality of the video connection is determined by the quality of your webcam and your internet speed. It is recommended you use headphones with a microphone to help ensure good audio quality. To avoid incurring excessive data usage and charges from your service provider, in particular when using roaming services, consider using secure Wi-Fi.