What is counselling or therapy, and how can it help me?
There are many great explanations online that might be more helpful than a short answer here. Here are a few resources you might find useful:
- A short BBC video (under 5 minutes) on how does therapy works
- A comprehensive guide from Mind, a leading UK mental health charity, covering what therapy is, different types of therapy, and what to expect
- A TED talk (around 20 minutes) on what to expect from a therapy session
You may also notice that I use the terms counsellor and therapist, as well as counselling and therapy, interchangeably throughout this site.
What does integrative counselling mean?
Integrative counselling means I can draw from different styles and techniques to tailor the work to your needs. My training includes elements of humanistic and psychodynamic therapy. If you’d like more details, you can check out this BACP explanation.
Is everything I say confidential?
As a BACP member, I follow its Ethical Framework, which means I respect your confidentiality and privacy. However, in exceptional circumstances—such as when there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or when required by law—I may need to break confidentiality. If this situation arises, I will always aim to discuss it with you first.
Do you work with everyone?
I work with adult individuals (18+), and I offer sessions in English and Mandarin. Whether we continue working together depends on whether we both feel it’s a good fit.
Can I work with you if I live outside the UK?
Yes, I offer online counselling for adults (18+) outside the UK in English or Mandarin. However, please note:
- I am registered with BACP and work under British laws and regulations.
- In the unlikely event of a legal dispute, proceedings will take place under the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
What if I don’t feel like we are a good fit?
The initial session is a great way to see if working together feels right for you. If you decide later that it’s not the best fit, I encourage you to bring it up so we can discuss it openly. If needed, I can also help refer you to other counsellors or therapists.
How many sessions will I need?
I offer open-ended counselling, meaning you can continue for as long (or as short) as feels necessary. We’ll have regular reviews to check in on progress and decide when might be a good time to end.
Do I have to attend sessions every week? What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Counselling is most effective with regular weekly sessions. However, I understand that life can sometimes get in the way. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice may still be charged at the full rate.
How do I book a session?
To arrange an initial session, please contact me at qiancounselling@gmail.com, or leave me a message here.
Can you make a diagnosis or prescribe medication?
No, I do not provide diagnoses or prescriptions. If you need medical advice, please contact your GP or healthcare provider.
What if I’m not happy with the work?
My goal is to provide a safe, open space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts or concerns with me. However, if you’re unhappy with the work and don’t feel able to discuss it with me directly, you can contact BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and follow their Professional Conduct Procedure to file a complaint.
What information do you keep about me?
For communication purposes, I keep a record of your name and email address. I may also ask for your telephone number, home address, and emergency contact, among other information for safeguarding reasons. These records are kept for five years and then deleted.
I follow UK GDPR regulations and am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). For more details, please refer to the Data Privacy page.
Qian Yang 