Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Person-Centred Experiential counselling is a humanistic approach to therapy that draws on Carl Rogers' person-centred framework. It focuses on helping you explore your emotions, bodily sensations, and lived experiences in the present moment. Through techniques such as focusing and emotion work, it supports you in deepening self-awareness and making new meaning from your experiences. It is recognised by NICE as an evidence-based treatment.

People come to counselling for many different reasons. Common areas include anxiety, depression, low self-worth, life transitions such as relationship changes or career shifts, grief and loss, trauma, and a general sense of feeling stuck or disconnected. You don't need to have a diagnosis or a clear reason — if something doesn't feel right, that is enough.

Both options are available. In-person sessions are offered across North London, including Muswell Hill, Finchley Central, Highgate, and Hampstead Heath. Online sessions are available to clients anywhere in the UK via secure video call (Microsoft Teams) or by phone.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length and are held on a weekly basis, though this can be discussed to suit your individual needs.

Session fees are listed on the Session Fees page of the website.

This varies from person to person. Some clients find short-term work of six to twelve sessions helpful, while others prefer longer-term therapy. The number of sessions is something we can explore together as we go, with no pressure to commit to a fixed number at the outset.

Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. Everything discussed in sessions is kept private, with the exception of situations where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case professional and ethical guidelines may require action. This will always be discussed with you openly wherever possible.

Beacon Bay Therapy was founded by Michael Wallace, a Clinical Member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Michael also holds Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society and has over 1,000 hours of client experience.

You can get in touch by phone on 07934 997 358, WhatsApp, by email at beaconbaytherapy@outlook.com, or via the contact form on the website. There is no obligation, and an initial conversation can help you get a feel for whether working together feels right.

That's completely understandable. Many people feel uncertain or anxious before their first session. You don't need to have everything worked out before reaching out — the first step is simply making contact, and we can take things at whatever pace feels comfortable for you.