FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a diagnosis to start therapy? No. 1 in 4 adults in England experience a mental health problem each year, but many never get a formal diagnosis. People often come because something doesn't feel right, even if they can't name it. You don't need the right words – that's part of what we figure out together. How long will I need therapy? It depends on what you bring. NHS data shows average counselling is 8-12 sessions, but trauma and long-standing patterns often need longer. We review regularly and you decide. No minimum commitment. Do you only work with men? No – my practice is open to all adults. I have a particular interest in men's mental health because 75% of suicides in the UK are men [ONS] and men are 3x less likely to seek help [BACP]. I also work with veterans, military and frontline staff where PTSD rates are up to 5x higher than general population. What happens in the free 20-minute call? Brief, no-pressure chat. 40% of people say they don't seek therapy because they don't know what to expect [BACP Public Perceptions Survey]. You ask how I work, I ask what brings you here, we see if we fit. What is the difference between £60 counselling and £85 trauma therapy? Individual counselling 50 mins / £60 weekly talking therapy. Trauma therapy 90 mins / £85 extended sessions using phased approach. Around 1 in 3 people experience PTSD [PTSD UK] and trauma often needs longer for safety. We discuss which fits in initial call. Are sessions online or face to face? Currently online UK-wide via Konfidens secure video – GDPR EU servers – 85% now choose online and outcomes equal to face-to-face [BACP]. Home visits & Walk & Talk within 20 miles by arrangement – fee + 55p per mile – subject to risk assessment. Is everything confidential? Yes, with legal and safety limits. BACP requires breaking confidentiality only where serious risk of harm, safeguarding, or legal duty. Where possible I discuss with you first. Data Controller ICO 00014426800. Data stored via Konfidens – GDPR EU servers, encrypted. Do you take notes? Brief, anonymised notes stored securely encrypted. No transcripts. Kept 7 years after therapy ends per BACP guidance and legal requirements. What about imposter feelings? Very common. 70% experience imposter feelings at some point, my own research presented at 32nd International BACP Conference focused on imposter experiences in trainee therapists. You are not alone. Do you offer low-cost spaces? Yes limited £45 concession for military, veterans & frontline services. Frontline staff have 2-3x higher anxiety/burnout [NHS Staff Survey 2023]. Ask about availability. What if I need to cancel? 24h rule v8.4: >24h via Konfidens Booking Link or info@blacksheepwellbeing.com / text/WhatsApp 07468727721 timestamp = free move. <24h/DNA = full fee / block counted as used as genuine pre-estimate of loss. Practitioner cancellation = free move/refund. Late arrival ends on time. How do I pay? Book & pay via Konfidens Pay on blacksheepwellbeing.co.uk – card payment, auto receipt. Fees as displayed at booking. Payment at booking or within 24h secures slot. Blocks optional valid 6 months – 14-day cooling off if no sessions used, then non-refundable per Consumer Rights Act 2015. What if I am in crisis? I am not a crisis service. If urgent: Samaritans 116 123 free 24/7 Text SHOUT to 85258 NHS 111 / GP / Emergency 999 Op Courage Veterans 0800 138 1619