How long are sessions?

Sessions are 60 minutes. A full hour to talk properly without watching the clock.

How much does it cost?

£60 per session. Payment is due before each session (bank transfer or cash).

Where are you based?

I work from the old Assembly Rooms on the first floor of the Market Hall in central Chesterfield. There’s parking nearby (the pay and display car parks), and it’s easily accessible by bus.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. I prefer working face to face where possible, but I do work with clients online.

How often would I need to come?

Most people come weekly, especially at the start. That regularity helps build momentum and gives you space to actually work through things rather than just catching up on what’s happened since last time.

Some people move to fortnightly once they’re in a different place. We’ll figure out what works for you.

How long will I need therapy for?

Honestly? I don’t know.

Some people come for a few months. Some for a year or more. Some people do a chunk of work, leave, then come back later when something else comes up.

We’ll keep checking in about how it’s going and whether it still feels useful.

Can I contact you between sessions?

Short answer: not really.

I’m not available for crisis support between sessions. If you’re in crisis, you need to contact your GP, call 999, or contact the Samaritans (116 123).

If you need to change an appointment or ask a quick practical question, email is fine. But therapy happens in the room (or on the screen if we’re working online), not over text.

I’ve never done therapy before. What actually happens?

First session: we’ll talk about what’s brought you here, what you’re hoping for, and a zoomed out picture of your world. It’s normal to be nervous. Most people are.

After that, sessions are just… talking. Properly. About whatever’s going on for you. Sometimes I’ll ask questions. Sometimes I’ll point things out. Sometimes we’ll use creative tools to help you look at things from a new perspective.

There’s no script. No homework (unless you specifically want it). No pressure to perform or say the right thing.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?

That’s completely normal. A lot people go blank when they’re nervous.

We’ll find something. I’m quite good at noticing what’s not being said, or where you seem stuck, or what keeps coming up. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you arrive.

What if I cry?

Then you cry. There are tissues. It’s fine.

Therapy is one of the few places where you’re actually allowed to fall apart without someone trying to fix you or make you feel better immediately. Sometimes falling apart is exactly what needs to happen.

Is it confidential?

Yes. What you tell me stays between us.

The only exceptions are if you tell me something that suggests you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or if I’m legally required to share information (which is incredibly rare). If I ever needed to break confidentiality, I’d talk to you about it first unless doing so would put someone in danger.

I also have regular supervision (all therapists do), where I talk about my work with another therapist to make sure I’m doing right by my clients. But I don’t use your name or identifying details.

Do you diagnose mental health conditions?

No. I’m not a psychiatrist or a doctor.

If you’re wondering whether you have ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, or anything else that needs a formal diagnosis, you’d need to speak to your GP or a psychiatrist.

That said, we can absolutely work together on the impact these things have on your life, whether you have a diagnosis or not.

What if we’re not a good fit?

Then we’re not a good fit. It happens. Therapy is a bit like dating—sometimes the chemistry just isn’t there, and that’s nobody’s fault.

If you’re not feeling it, tell me. I won’t be offended. I can help you find someone else who might be better suited to what you need.

Equally, if I think someone else would be better placed to help you, I’ll be honest about that too.

I’m on a waiting list for NHS therapy. Should I still come to you?

Private therapy means you can start now rather than waiting months (or years). If NHS therapy comes through later and you want to switch, that’s absolutely fine. Or you might want to stick with what’s working.

Your call.

Do you offer reduced rates?

Not right now, no. I keep my fee at £60 to make my practice sustainable.

I realise that’s not manageable for everyone. If cost is a barrier, it’s worth checking what’s available through the NHS or looking into low-cost counselling services in your area—some charities and training organisations offer therapy on a sliding scale.

What if I’m not “bad enough” for therapy?

You don’t have to be in crisis to deserve support.

If something’s bothering you—if you’re stuck, or sad, or just feel a bit off—that’s enough. You don’t need to wait until you’re drowning to learn to swim.

What if I don’t like talking about feelings?

Good news: I don’t do the clichéd “and how does that make you feel?” thing.

We’ll talk about what matters to you in whatever way feels natural. Some people are very feelings-focused. Others are more practical or think in patterns and situations. We’ll work with however your brain works.

What if I just want to rant about my week?

Some weeks, that’s exactly what you’ll need. And that’s fine.

But over time, we’ll probably start noticing patterns in what you’re ranting about, and that’s where the useful stuff lives.

I’m worried I’ll say something you’ll judge me for.

I’ve heard a lot. And I mean a lot.

Whatever you’re worried about saying—I promise you, I’ve heard something similar (or worse) before, and I didn’t judge that person either.

Your thoughts aren’t as shocking as you think they are. And even if they were, my job is to help you make sense of them, not to clutch my pearls.

What if it makes things worse?

Therapy can feel harder before it feels better. When you start looking at stuff you’ve been avoiding, it can be uncomfortable.

But that’s different from making things worse. It’s more like cleaning out an infected wound—it stings, but it’s what needs to happen for things to actually heal.

If things feel overwhelming, we can slow down. You’re in control of how fast or deep we go.

How do I book?

Email me at trudiebamford@gmail.com and we’ll arrange a brief phone call (about 10-15 minutes) to talk about what you’re looking for and whether I have availability.

If it feels like a good fit, we’ll book in your first session.

Do you have availability?

I have limited spaces for new clients. If I’m fully booked, I can add you to my waiting list and let you know when something opens up.

What if I’m still not sure?

That’s okay. Choosing a therapist is a big decision.

Have a look around the website. Read the other pages. Sit with it for a bit.

And if you want to ask me something that’s not covered here, just email me. I’m happy to answer questions.