Getting Started

How do I book my first session?

Start by getting in touch with us. We'll arrange a free 30-minute online conversation with our Clinical Lead. This gives you a chance to talk about what's brought you here, ask questions, and see if Sea Change feels right for you. There's no commitment and no pressure.

If we're a good fit, we'll match you with a therapist and get you booked in.

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What happens in the initial conversation?

This is a relaxed, informal chat via video call (Google Meet or Teams). We'll ask what's been happening for you, what you're hoping therapy might help with, and answer any questions you have about how we work.

We'll also discuss practical things like whether you'd prefer online or in-person sessions, and make sure we can meet your needs. If you have any concerns—including if you know someone on our team—this is the time to bring them up.

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How long does therapy take?

Honestly? It depends.

Some people find a few sessions helpful for working through a specific issue. Others benefit from longer-term support. We'll work at your pace and review regularly how things are going.

There's no pressure to commit to a set number of sessions upfront. Therapy is as long or as short as you need it to be.

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What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't work?

That's more common than you might think, and it doesn't mean therapy won't work for you—it might just mean you hadn't found the right fit yet.

Different therapists work in different ways, and the therapeutic relationship itself matters enormously. Our pluralistic approach means we tailor how we work to what you need, not the other way around.

If past therapy didn't feel helpful, it's worth exploring what didn't work. Sometimes that clarity helps find what will.

 

Practical Information

Do you offer online or in-person sessions?

Both.

You can choose in-person sessions at our therapy room in St Monans, or online sessions via Google Meet or Teams. Some people start online and switch to in-person, or vice versa. You can choose what feels most comfortable and practical for you.

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What are your session times and availability?

Session times vary depending on therapist availability. We'll do our best to find times that work for you, including some evening and weekend slots.

We'll discuss availability during your initial conversation.

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What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Life happens. We get it.

We ask for 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. If you cancel with less notice, you'll need to pay for the session unless there are mitigating circumstances—illness, emergency, things genuinely out of your control.

Just let us know as soon as you can.

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How do I pay?

All sessions are paid online in advance. We'll send you a payment link when you book.

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About Sea Change Therapies

What does "trainee therapist" mean?

Our therapists are experienced trainees in their second or third year of an MSc in Counselling. They're registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work under close, regular supervision.

"Trainee" doesn't mean inexperienced or unqualified to practice. It means they're completing their professional qualification while providing therapy. They bring up-to-date knowledge, enthusiasm, and a commitment to deep personal development work—exploring their own experiences, building self-awareness, and developing the skills that make therapy effective.

This model is what allows us to offer sliding-scale fees while maintaining professional standards of care.

 

What is pluralistic therapy?

Pluralistic therapy recognizes that there's no single "right" way to heal or grow. Different people need different things at different times.

Rather than fitting you into one therapeutic approach, we work collaboratively with you to find what helps. You're the expert in your own life, and therapy becomes a genuine partnership.

This might mean drawing on different techniques—talking, exploring patterns, focusing on the present, working with the body, creative approaches—whatever feels most useful for you.

 

What's a sliding scale and how do I choose what to pay?

A sliding scale means you choose what you can genuinely afford within a range, rather than everyone paying the same fixed price.

For counselling, our range goes up to £40 per session. We trust you to assess your own financial situation and pay what works for you—no proof needed, no justification required.

If you can comfortably afford the higher end, we ask that you pay it, as this helps keep costs accessible for people who need lower fees. But wherever you are on that scale, you're equally welcome.

 

What if I can't afford therapy?

If even the lower end of our sliding scale feels out of reach, please don't let that stop you from getting in touch.

We'd rather have a conversation than have you miss out on support you need. We work on a "people, not profit" philosophy—we'll find a way to make it work.

 

What if I know my therapist? We're a small community.

We get it. In the East Neuk, you might bump into your therapist at the Co-op or recognize them from the school gate. That can feel awkward.

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Here's how we handle it:

Before you start: During your initial conversation with our Clinical Lead, we'll discuss any connections you might have with our therapists. If you know someone on our team—whether casually or more closely—we'll make sure you're matched with someone else, or we can discuss whether the connection feels manageable to you.

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Confidentiality is absolute: All our therapists are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework. Nothing you say in therapy leaves that room. If you see your therapist outside of sessions, they won't acknowledge the therapeutic relationship unless you do first. Your privacy is protected, always.

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Professional boundaries matter: Even in a small community where paths cross, your therapist maintains clear professional boundaries. The therapeutic relationship stays in the therapy room.

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If something changes: If a connection develops outside therapy (you join the same club, your kids become friends), talk to your therapist. We can navigate it together or arrange a different therapist if needed.

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Being local also has advantages—your therapist understands the community context you're living in. And your feedback helps us serve the East Neuk better.

Still worried? Just talk to us. We'd rather address your concerns upfront than have them stop you from getting support.

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Confidentiality & Safety

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Absolutely.

What you share in therapy stays in therapy. Your therapist won't discuss your sessions with anyone outside of their clinical supervision (which is a confidential, professional requirement for maintaining quality of care).

 

Are there any limits to confidentiality?

There are very limited circumstances where a therapist might need to break confidentiality:

• If there's an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else

• If there's a legal requirement (e.g., a court order)

• If a child or vulnerable adult is at risk

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Your therapist will always try to discuss this with you first if possible, and will only share what's absolutely necessary to keep people safe.

These situations are rare. In the vast majority of cases, confidentiality is complete.

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What if I'm in crisis?

If you're in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out for immediate support:

• Emergency services: 999

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)

• NHS 24: 111

• Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (weekday evenings and weekends)

 

If you're currently working with us and need support between sessions, contact your therapist to discuss what's available. We care about your safety and will work with you to ensure you have appropriate support.

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