Frequently asked questions

I offer online counselling to adults aged 18 and over, in English or Italian.

People come to counselling for many reasons. Examples of concerns I can support you with include stress, anxiety symptoms, low mood, grief, emotional regulation, anger, communication and relationship difficulties, and changes in work or life circumstances. This is not an exhaustive list. During a free introductory call, we can discuss what you are experiencing and whether my experience is a good fit for your needs.

Counselling is a supportive space to talk openly about what you are experiencing, without judgement or pressure to have everything figured out. We work together to understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, explore patterns that may be affecting you, and find ways forward that feel meaningful and manageable.

My role is not to tell you what to do. I listen carefully, ask questions, offer honest reflection and, when helpful, introduce practical tools suited to your needs.

Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of talking support, and the terms often overlap. Counselling is sometimes described as more focused on a particular concern, while psychotherapy may involve more intensive exploration of longstanding difficulties. This is not a firm distinction: counselling can also explore past experiences and deeper emotional concerns.

I work within my qualifications and professional scope. I do not prescribe medication or conduct medical or formal psychological assessments. If your needs would be better supported by another professional, I will discuss this with you and help you consider an appropriate referral.

Yes. You can book a free introductory call of about 15 minutes. It is not a counselling session. It is an opportunity for us to meet, briefly discuss what you are looking for, ask practical questions and consider whether working together feels appropriate. There is no obligation to book a session afterwards.

The first counselling session is a paid, 50-minute appointment. It gives us time to explore what has brought you to counselling, what you are currently experiencing and what you would like to gain from our work together.

I may ask about your current circumstances and, where relevant, aspects of your personal history. I will also explain how I work, confidentiality and the practical arrangements for our sessions. You do not need to prepare anything or share everything at once. We will move at a pace that feels manageable for you.

Towards the end, we can discuss whether you would like to continue and what initial focus or session frequency may be helpful.

There is no fixed number of sessions. Everyone comes to counselling with different experiences, needs and goals. Some people find that a short period gives them the support or clarity they need. Others benefit from working together over a longer period.

Every few sessions, we will review how things are going, what has been helpful and whether we need to adjust our focus or approach. You are not expected to commit to a set number of sessions. We will decide together whether continuing feels useful and, when the time feels right, discuss bringing counselling to an end.

All sessions take place by video, using the platform that works best for you. Before your appointment, I will send you a private meeting link. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet, private room where you cannot be overheard or interrupted.

I conduct sessions from a private room using a secure internet connection, and I do not record sessions. Online counselling removes the need to travel, but privacy remains important at both ends of the call.

What you share with me is private. I do not share information about you or our sessions without your written consent, except in limited circumstances, for example where there are serious concerns about someone's safety, or where disclosure is required by law. I will explain these limitations during our initial appointment.

I also discuss my work in regular clinical supervision to support safe and ethical practice. My supervisor is bound by confidentiality, and I do not share your full name.

You can find the current fee and how to pay on the Sessions & fees page.

Sessions are privately paid and are not eligible for reimbursement through health insurance. Fees may be reviewed annually. I will give you advance notice of any change.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours' notice. I understand that unexpected situations arise, but I reserve the right to charge the full fee for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice or missed without notice.

No. You do not need a referral from a doctor or another healthcare professional. The first step is to book a free introductory call so we can discuss what you are looking for and whether working together feels appropriate.

My practice is not an emergency or crisis service, and I do not provide immediate crisis support between appointments.

If you are in immediate danger or believe you may harm yourself or someone else, call 144 for emergency medical assistance or 112 for general emergency assistance in Switzerland, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. If you are outside Switzerland, contact emergency services where you are currently located. The Swiss numbers are listed by the Federal Office of Communications.

For confidential English-language emotional support in Switzerland, Heart2Heart is available on 0800 143 000, daily from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For urgent concerns that are not an immediate emergency, you can also contact your doctor or local psychiatric emergency service.

If you are in Australia, call 000 in an emergency, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time.