How long will it take?
Each session lasts about 50 minutes and we would normally meet once a week, though this can be varied according to your need.

It's impossible to say how many sessions you will need as it varies from individual to individual. However, uncomplicated grief and short-term, moderate anxiety or low mood usually requires between four and eight sessions. Chronic or acute problems may require much longer term therapy.

Some clients come for a period the take a break before returning weeks, months or even years later.  We are very fixable, why not call us  to discuss your needs?
What will it cost?
We strive to ensure that no one is denied access to counselling on the basis of cost, therefore our rates are negotiable, depending on individual circumstances. We will not ask for details of your financial position, but will take it on trust that you will pay what you can reasonably afford.

Our normal session fee is £40 for individuals, £50 for couples, with discounts available to the unwaged and those in financial hardship. We only charge for the first session if you're happy to continue. If, for any reason, you feel counselling with me is not for you, you pay nothing. This gives you an opportunity to explore what I can offer, without any financial commitment.

Special rates are available to counselling students attending as part of their diploma.
Please note that the full fee is payable for missed / cancelled appointments unless a days notice is given.

How do I pay?

Experience has shown that most clients prefer to pay for each session at the time they have it, but other payment schemes would be considered according to need.

We are able to accept card payments online (via PayPal) and to raise invoices where a third-party is paying. Discounts are available for pre-paid counselling. If you have any concerns regarding paying for therapy, please call us to discuss your needs. We will be as accommodating as possible.
What happens in a session?
This is a difficult question to answer as each session is unique. You and I are unique individuals and we have never met before, so what happens when we meet will never have happened before either. However, each first session does follow a similar pattern.

I'll usually great you at the door with your first name and invite you in, then lead you into the counselling room. Once you are settled I'll explain to you that everything we talk about in counselling is confidential, subject to a very few exceptions and go through these with you. If you're happy to continue, I'll then ask you a few basic details about yourself such as your name (I usually only know your first name up to this point), address, phone numbers, etc.

This means that, for the first few minutes of the session, I'm doing most of the talking. While the things I'm saying are important, this also gives you a time to settle your nerves and calm down. Almost everyone gets anxious before their first appointment.

Once I've completed the initial paperwork, I'll say something like, "okay, where would you like to begin?" Then it's over to you. How much you say is up to you. Some people tell their life story, others jump right into a particular issue, and some just use the time to explore things slowly, building trust.  All of these, and may more variations, are perfectly valid ways of using the time.

Remember, I'm here for you. This is your counselling, your time to use as you please. There is no right or wrong way to use the time and we will go at whatever pace works for you. I'm not going to push you to talk about anything or ask prying questions. What you say and how much you say it totally your choice. If, at any point, you want to stop the session, or just take a break, you can. You are in control.

Towards the end of the session (which lasts about 50 minutes), I'll summarise what I've heard you say; just to make sure I've got the right end of the stick. I'll then ask you if you feel you would like to continue with counselling. If, for any reason, you don't feel counselling with me is for you, just say "no". I won't ask why or anything, we'll just say goodbye and part on good terms.  If you do want to continue, I'll go through the remaining paperwork and make another appointment with you. You only pay for the first session if you feel that you want to continue.

If, after reading this, you have any further questions, please do call to discuss them. I'm happy to talk with you,

Can I bring a friend?
Counselling is a very personal experience so you would not normally be allowed to have a friend stay with you though the session. They would be welcome to bring you to your appointment and escort you into the counselling room, but would then have to leave, maybe picking you up later.

We don't have a facility whereby relatives or friends can wait for you on the premises, but there is a coffee bar a few minutes walk away.
Do you offer counselling placements?

No, not at present.  We are considering ways in which we could offer student placements in future but regret it's not possible at the moment.

While we cannot offer placements, we are able to offer reduced-cost counselling and supervision to counselling students and host a monthly peer networking / PD group.  If you're interested, or would like to be kept informed regarding what we can offer please contact us.
Do you offer free counselling?

While we do out best to make counselling affordable, we are self-funding so cannot offer free counselling. However, are rates are negotiable according to your circumstances so please give us a ring to see what we can do for you.

Do you have a female counsellor available?

We do not currently have a female counsellor. However, I have a broad experienced of counselling both men and women and am familiar with such issues as:

  • family issues
  • emotional, physical or sexual abuse
  • relationship problems and domestic violence
  • high and low-libido, painful sex, vaginismus
  • erectile dysfunction
  • menstrual difficulties / phobia
  • self-image / body / weight issues

While it is natural to feel that you may be able to communicate better with someone of a particular gender, opposite gender therapists can be very beneficial at helping you see the other side of a situation. Some female clients may be weary of seeing a male counsellor, and then find it to be very helpful. After a few sessions, if you are still feeling uncomfortable, a referral can be made to another counsellor outside of this service.

Are you registered with...

I am a personal member of the following organisations:

  • British Association for Counselling And Psychotherapy (BACP)
  • British Association for Behavioural And Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
  • British Association for the Person Centred Approach (BAPCA)

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) (registration number Z2367940) and carry full professional indemnity insurance.

What are your qualifications?

All counselling is delivered by myself, David Rutlidge, a qualified and experienced counsellor.

I am a personal member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and you can view my membership profile here. I originally trained in the Person Centred Approach then did a further qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). In 2011 I successfully completed a diploma in counselling case-work supervision. Currently I'm working on BACP accreditation.

In accordance with best practice, I undertake regular processional development. This takes the form of workshops and seminars as well as other forms of on-going learning. I have ongoing one-to-one supervision for both my counselling and supervision casework. I also participate in monthly group work.

Some of the professional development I have undertaken includes:

  • Expressive Therapy
  • Bereavement and Loss
  • Counselling couples
  • Psycho-sexual Therapy
  • Masculinity and Trauma
  • Gender issues.
Is it confidential?

All counselling is confidential subject to the constraints of English law and ethical practice.  Unless you were to disclose something such as knowledge of terrorist activities or matters involving life-threatening risk, confidentiality would be preserved. No one would normally be informed that you were attending counselling without your prior knowledge and consent and it would not go on your medical records.


If you are coming as a couple, and I see you individually, nothing said in the individual sessions would be repeated in the context of you as a couple. 

In situations where a third-party is paying, no information would be passed on to them except confirmation of the number of sessions, for invoice purposes.

Like all counsellors, I do have a clinical supervisor who is there to help me help you. I would discuss with them issues that arise in therapy, but you would not be identified beyond your first name so confidentiality is preserved.

Full details of the constraints of confidentiality would be explained during the first session and you would be given the opportunity to discuss any concerns you have with me then. You're also very welcome to call me, prior to making an appointment, to discuss any concerns you have.