Frequently Asked Questions

   Get answers to common questions about counselling in Sale, Altrincham and online with Rhea Pearse. Understand sessions, costs, and trauma-informed therapy approach.   

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Who do you work with?
A: I mainly work with adults who have experienced one or more traumatic events — for example survivors of sexual violence, rape, childhood abuse and complex PTSD — and women’s issues. My approach is trauma-informed, person-centred and at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Q: What kinds of issues do you help with?
A: My specialism includes:

• Trauma and PTSD

• Historic sexual abuse and rape

• Anxiety, low mood, stress

• Depression

• Life Changes

• Women’s issues (e.g., feeling unsafe in your body, identity, self-worth)
  Even if what you’re experiencing isn’t listed here, if you feel stuck, overwhelmed or you’d like to feel safer and stronger in yourself, I can help.

Q: Where are you based and how do I attend sessions?
A: I work from two locations, the first is at 24A Washway Road Road, Sale, M33 2Q - https://www.blendcentre.co.uk and easily accessible. The other venue I use is at 28 High Street Altrincham WA14 1QP - https://www.altrinchampsychotherapy.co.uk/ . I also offer online and telephone sessions to provide flexibility and choice.

Q: What is the fee and how long is a session?
A: Each session is 50 minutes long. My standard fee is £65 per session. I am open to discussing a concession rate if needed.

Q: How do I get started?
A: You can contact me by phone (07364 104 166) or email- Rheapearsecounselling@gmail.com. We can arrange a free 15-minute initial consultation for you to be able to ask questions, and we can decide whether to move ahead.

Q: What happens in the first session?
A: In our first session we’ll likely:

• Review what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve

• Explore how past experiences might be impacting you now

• Agree on how often we’ll meet, any boundaries/agreements (confidentiality, safety)

• Decide together whether you’d like to work up a plan or focus in a more open way
  This is your time and you direct the pace.

Q: How long will counselling last?
A: There’s no fixed length of time. Some people find a set number of sessions helpful; others prefer an open-ended arrangement. We’ll review progress together at intervals and you always have the choice to pause or finish when you feel ready.

Q: Is everything I say confidential?
A: Yes — confidentiality is at the heart of what I do. What you share remains private within the boundaries of professional guidelines (for example if there is risk to you or others). I’ll explain the confidentiality policy clearly in our contract.

Q: What if I can’t make a session or need to cancel?
A: I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations where possible. If a session is cancelled with less notice, I reserve the right to charge the full fee. If you’re unable to make a session due to unforeseen illness or emergency, we’ll discuss what is fair and find a solution.

Q: How do I know if counselling is right for me?
A: It can be helpful to ask yourself:

• Do I feel stuck in a pattern I can’t break?

• Am I constantly thinking about something that happened in the past?

• Do I struggle to feel safe, secure or confident in myself or my relationships?
  If you answered yes to one or more of those, then counselling may be a supportive next step. You’re taking a brave step by looking into this.

Q: What about emergencies or crisis support?
A: Please note: I am not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or feeling unable to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. For urgent mental health support in the UK you can also contact NHS 24/7 services or mental-health crisis lines.