Below you’ll find answers to the questions clients most often ask about therapy at Cleary Counselling.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to get in touch via info@clearycounselling.co.uk.
General Questions
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling often focuses on specific challenges or life transitions, offering practical coping strategies. Psychotherapy delves deeper into longstanding patterns, attachment wounds and trauma to foster lasting change.
Who can benefit from therapy?
Anyone experiencing distress—whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma fallout, neurodivergent overwhelm, relationship patterns or executive-function barriers—can gain clarity, skills and support through therapy.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to work with you?
No. You’re welcome whether you have a formal mental-health diagnosis. We focus on your lived experience and current needs, not labels.Practical DetailsHow do I book an appointment?Visit www.clearycounselling.co.uk or email info@clearycounselling.co.uk. You’ll receive a link to schedule a free 15-minute discovery call or your first full session.
What are your fees and payment options?
Session fees and any sliding-scale concessions are listed on the Booking page. Payments are taken by bank transfer or secure online card payment before each session.What is your cancellation policy?Please give at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule without charge. Late cancellations (under 48 hours) and no-shows incur a full-session fee. See our full policy at clearycounselling.co.uk/faqs.
Do you offer online and in-person sessions?
Yes. Online video sessions are available UK-wide. In-person therapy is offered in Inverness by appointment.
How is my data kept confidential?
All client records are stored securely under UK GDPR and ICO guidelines. Digital files are encrypted on password-protected devices; paper notes are locked in a cabinet. We never share data unless legally required.
Therapy Approach
What modalities do you offer?
I am trained in EMDR (trauma processing), Hypno-CBT (mind-body integration), DBT-informed skills and standard talk therapy. Together we’ll tailor the approach to your goals and wiring.
How long will therapy take?
Therapy length varies by individual. Some clients see relief in 6–12 sessions; complex trauma or neurodivergent support can take longer. We review progress regularly and adjust as needed.
What happens in the first session?
We’ll clarify your goals, explore history, and map out a safe, paced plan. You’ll leave with at least one concrete micro-step or coping tool to try before our next meeting.
How do you accommodate neurodiversity and trauma?
Every resource—from worksheets to session pacing—is sensory-friendly and trauma-informed. We’ll co-create routines, micro-steps and scripts that honour executive-function needs and reduce overwhelm.
Next Steps
Still have questions?
Email info@clearycounselling.co.uk or use the contact form at clearycounselling.co.uk/contact. I aim to respond within 24 hours.
Ready to begin?
Book your free 15-minute discovery call today at clearycounselling.co.uk and let’s explore the right path for you.
Psychotherapy and Counselling are NOT emergency services.
If there is an immediate risk of harm to you or someone else - Dial 999
Alternatively, there are several listening services available, such as:
Samaritans - Call 116 123 or Email Jo@samaritans.org
Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87
Childline - 0800 1111
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Cleary Counselling Privacy & Data Protection Notice
This notice explains how Cleary Counselling (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses and safeguards your personal data under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO Number: [ZA765921]).
1. Data Controller
Cleary Counselling - Tracey Cleary (Owner & Practitioner)
2. Personal Data We Collect
Identity & Contact Details
Name
Email address
Telephone number(s)
Video-call IDs ( Zoom, MS Teams)
Health & Clinical Information
Relevant medical history and current medication
Session notes and therapeutic assessments
Website Enquiries
Contact form submissions (name, email, message)
Technical Data
non-identifying cookies and analytics data
3. Why We Process Your Data
Purpose - Lawful Basis
Arrange & conduct counselling sessions - Performance of a contract (UK GDPR Art 6(1)(b))
Meet professional insurance requirements - Legal obligation (UK GDPR Art 6(1)(c))
Maintain tax, audit & professional records - Legal obligation (UK GDPR Art 6(1)(c))
Respond to website enquiries - Your consent (UK GDPR Art 6(1)(a))
4. Who Sees Your Data
We do not share your data with third parties except:
When required by law or to protect you or others from serious harm.
With authorised supervisors or insurers under strict confidentiality.
We never sell your information or use it for unrelated marketing.
5. How We Store & Secure Your Data
Digital Records - Stored on password-protected, encrypted devices (laptop & phone)
Physical Records - Session notes kept in a locked cabinet at Tracey Cleary’s home office.
Website Cookies - We use simple, non-identifying cookies to improve site functionality. You can disable cookies in your browser settings without affecting core features.
6. Data Retention Periods
Data Type - Retention Period
Contact details - Securely deleted 3 months after our work together ends
Session notes & clinical records - Retained for 7 years (insurance & professional standards), then securely deleted
Website enquiry submissions - Deleted immediately after response
7. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you can:
Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
Ask us to correct or update inaccurate information.
Request erasure of your data where no overriding legal requirement exists.
Restrict or object to our processing of your data.
Withdraw consent at any time (for data processed on consent).
Obtain your data in a structured, machine-readable format (data portability).
To exercise these rights or for any privacy queries, contact us at hello@clearycounselling.co.uk.
If you believe we have breached data-protection law, you may lodge a complaint with the ICO: Website: https://ico.org.uk/concerns• Tel: 0303 123 1113
Last updated: 20 August 2025