When you know something needs to change, but aren’t sure where to start

The first session

The opening session is primarily about getting to know you and understanding what you are hoping to explore. Your coach will ask about your current situation, what has brought you to coaching now, and what you would find most useful from the sessions. You will not be expected to have a polished summary of your goals — part of the work is often arriving at greater clarity about what those goals actually are.

You will also have a chance to ask questions, get a sense of how your coach works, and decide together whether the approach feels like a good fit. Confidentiality is discussed in the first session — see the note below.

Ongoing sessions

From the second session onwards, you and your coach will work on whatever is most live and relevant for you at that point. Sessions typically involve reflection, exploration, and practical thinking — often resulting in one or two specific things you want to try, test, or think about before the next session. Progress is reviewed regularly, and the focus can shift as your thinking evolves.

How long does it take?

There is no standard answer. Some people find that four to six sessions gives them the clarity and direction they were looking for. Others prefer to work over a longer period, particularly when the questions they are sitting with are more complex. You are free to end or pause sessions at any point, and you and your coach will review how things are going as you progress.

A careful match, not a long list

Therapist availability changes from week to week, so rather than asking you to choose from a directory, we take time during your free 15-minute consultation to understand what you are looking for — and then match you with a therapist suited to your needs.

During the consultation, we will ask about:

• What you would like the work to focus on, and any specific concerns you would like support with
• Whether you would prefer face-to-face counselling, online sessions, or a combination of the two
• Any preferences around therapy approach (counselling, CBT, EMDR, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, ACT, compassion focused therapy and others)
• Day and time availability that works around your life
• Any specialisms that matter to you — for example LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, neurodiversity-affirming support, or particular life experiences
• Practical preferences — for example therapist gender, age range, or shared lived experience where that matters to you

All therapists we work with are qualified and registered with appropriate UK professional bodies, and we will confirm the most suitable options with you before any sessions begin.

Professional standards across our team

Hope Therapy & Counselling Services has been operating since 2014, and we hold Organisational Membership with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). We work in line with the NCPS Code of Ethics and BACP Good Practice, and our wider clinical standards include:

• Qualified, professionally registered therapists across the team — registrations vary per therapist and are confirmed before matching
• Ongoing clinical supervision in line with professional body requirements
• Continuing professional development to maintain and develop practice
• Clear confidentiality standards, with limits explained before sessions begin
• Client-centred, non-judgemental and inclusive practice across all areas of identity and experience
• Founder-led clinical oversight from Ian Stockbridge — MBACP (Senior Accredited) – who continues to lead the practice and oversee its standards

Whether you choose face-to-face counselling near you or online therapy from anywhere in the UK, you can expect to be matched with a therapist who is appropriately qualified and suited to the support you are looking for.