What happens in the initial consultation?
The free 20-minute consultation is a chance for us to meet (by phone or online), for you to share a little about what brings you to therapy and for us both to see whether we feel comfortable working together. It will feel just like a normal conversation. There is no obligation to continue afterwards.

How long are counselling sessions?
Ongoing sessions last 60 minutes and are usually held at the same time, once a week. We can review this arrangement as therapy progresses, depending on your needs.

How much does it cost?
Each session with The Listening Barn costs £65.

Do you offer in-person and online sessions?
Yes. You can choose to meet face-to-face in the calm rural setting of The Listening Barn, or online via a secure video platform or telephone. Some people find in-person sessions helpful, while others prefer the flexibility of working online.

Can I switch between online and in-person sessions?
Yes. You are welcome to choose the format that works best for you, and this can be changed if your circumstances or preferences shift.

How many sessions will I need?
There is no set number. Some clients find short-term therapy (6–12 sessions) helpful, while others choose longer-term work. We will review this together as your therapy progresses.

Do I need therapy?
Many people wonder if their difficulties are “serious enough” for therapy. The truth is you don’t need to reach a crisis point to benefit. Therapy can help with a wide range of experiences, from feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low, to wanting space to reflect, understand yourself better, or make changes in your life. If you’re asking yourself this question, it may be a sign that talking to someone in a safe, supportive space could be helpful.

What issues can counselling help with?
Counselling and CBT can support people with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, life transitions, and trauma. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, we can discuss this in your initial consultation.

What is the difference between counselling, CBT and psychotherapy?
Counselling offers a supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, helping you make sense of what’s going on and find a way forward.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a more structured approach that focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are linked. It can help you recognise unhelpful patterns and develop practical tools for change.

Psychotherapy often looks at things in greater depth, exploring how your past experiences, relationships, and core beliefs may be shaping how you feel today.

At The Listening Barn, these approaches often overlap. Together, we’ll decide what feels right for you. Sometimes that’s practical tools, sometimes deeper exploration, often both.

Is everything I say confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is treated with respect and confidentiality. The only exceptions are if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, if required by law, or when limited, relevant details are discussed in clinical supervision. These limits will always be explained clearly at the start of therapy.

What if I need urgent help?
The Listening Barn is not a crisis service. If you feel at risk of harming yourself, please call 999 or go to A&E. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, available 24/7), NHS 111, or contact your GP for urgent support.

Where is The Listening Barn?
The Listening Barn is located a few miles from the A140 between Ipswich and Diss in Suffolk. If you choose face to face sessions, full details of how to find us will be provided when your booking is confirmed.

What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less notice may still be charged.