Starting counselling is a step forward. This page explains how sessions work and what you can expect.
The counselling process
Counselling offers a space to talk openly, explore what is going on, and begin to make sense of your experiences.
The work is shaped around you. Your pace, your priorities, and what you want to achieve.
There is no fixed outcome. Some people attend for a short period. Others choose to work longer term.
Sessions
Sessions last 50 minutes.
They usually take place weekly, unless we agree something different.
Sessions are available:
- Face to face
- Online
- By telephone
Face to face sessions take place at:
Oldgate Therapy Centre
7b Oldgate
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 1LT
Fees and payment
All sessions are paid in advance.
Payment secures your appointment.
Details of how to pay will be shared when your session is booked.
If payment has not been received, the session may not go ahead.
Cancellations and missed sessions
A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or rearrange a session.
If less than 24 hours’ notice is given, or if a session is missed, the full fee will be charged.
This applies in all circumstances.
Being on time
Sessions start and end at the agreed time.
If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time.
Between sessions
Counselling takes place within the agreed session time.
Email or messages are used for practical arrangements such as booking or rescheduling.
They are not used for ongoing therapeutic support.
Confidentiality
What you share in counselling is confidential.
There are some limits to confidentiality, which are explained in the Privacy page.
Suitability and support
Counselling is not an emergency service.
If you are in immediate distress or crisis, you should contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services.
If at any point it feels that counselling is not the right support, this will be discussed with you and alternative options may be suggested.
Ending counselling
You can end counselling at any time.
Where possible, it is helpful to use a session to bring the work to a close. This allows space to reflect and end in a considered way.
Professional standards
Ali Brown is a registered member of The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
The work follows the NCPS Code of Ethical Practice.
Regular supervision and ongoing professional development form part of maintaining safe and effective practice.
Boundaries
Counselling works best when there are clear boundaries.
This includes:
- Sessions taking place at agreed times
- Payment being made in advance
- Communication outside sessions being limited to practical matters
These boundaries are in place to protect both you and the therapeutic process.
Agreement
By booking and attending sessions, you are agreeing to the terms outlined on this page.
Client feedback
“I would like to send you a huge thank you for your help over the last year. You have been so very helpful, giving practical advice and support after my domestic abuse ordeal. You've been my voice of reason, helping me to ground myself and avoid overthinking, as well as giving me confidence to take back control of my life. I have learned so much from you and from the information and links you've provided. I'm back on my feet with new boundaries and a positive outlook for the first time in 2 years. I can't thank you enough. I wouldn't hesitate to contact you again if required and would 100% recommend you to others.”
“Working with Alison has been wonderful and I would highly recommend her as a therapist. She is an attentive listener, very easy to talk to and has a calm and empathetic demeanour which always made me feel very at ease. I opened about issues that I've kept bottled up for years, and she responded supportively and compassionately, whilst offering tools to help me cope with the problem. I'm incredibly grateful for the positive impact she's had on my outlook for life.”
“Alison is a compassionate person, who listens without judgment. She is easy to talk with and one immediately feels safe. She gives wise counsel and is very supportive. I would highly recommend her.”
“Alison provided me with support to learn and strengthen so many life skills that I felt I lacked. I used to find it very difficult expressing my emotions and would mask as a positive people-pleaser. Through our sessions she made me more self-aware and helped me to look at difficult emotional situations from a different perspective. This then led to helping me look within to see who I was and what my needs were. Now I can comfortably set boundaries and I am more assertive and able to express my wants and needs. Alison always gave me a non-judgmental space to be heard while I worked through a difficult time.”
“Alison is a fabulous and experienced therapist. She has a gentle empathic manner and really helped me discuss deeply sensitive problems and explore why I was facing the difficulties that had become so painful in my life. She set me on the right track and session by session I felt better. Highly recommended”
“Alison helped me through an extremely difficult time in my life with calm kindness and understanding that was exactly what I needed at that point. She gave me the tools to manage my emotions and deal with events in my life in a positive productive way. I will forever be grateful for the impact she has had in my life.”
Contact me
I’m here to help
Ready to take the first step? I'm here to support you on your journey.
Based in Morpeth, Northumberland, with face to face and online sessions available.
For a private and confidential chat, please call 07778 719 382 or fill out the form below. Alternatively, email me via alison@calonlancounselling.co.uk.
I will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss how I can help.