What can I expect in my first counselling session?

Your first session is an opportunity to talk about what brings you to counselling and what you hope to get from it. It’s a relaxed, confidential conversation where you can ask questions and decide if Ascend Counselling & Psychotherapy feels like the right fit for you.

Do you offer online counselling?

Yes, Ascend Counselling & Psychotherapy offers online sessions for clients who prefer to meet virtually or who are based outside the local area. These are held via secure video call.

How long does counselling last?

Session length and overall duration vary depending on your needs. Most sessions last 50–60 minutes, and you can decide with your therapist whether short-term or ongoing support suits you best.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes. Everything discussed in counselling is confidential, with the exception of legal or safety obligations which your therapist will explain at the outset.

Do I need a referral to start counselling?

No referral is needed. You can contact Ascend Counselling & Psychotherapy directly to arrange your first session or a free introductory call.

How do I book a session?

You can book by email at ascendpsychotherapy@gmail.com, call 087 033 2234, or use the contact form on the website. Sessions are available both online and in person.

Counselling FAQs | What to Expect at Counselling

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting therapy is a positive step, and it is completely normal to have questions about how it works.

Below are clear answers about our sessions, fees, confidentiality, and what to expect.

Every counsellor at our practice is a fully qualified, registered member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), providing trusted, professional support both in-person and online including our limited €40 low-cost counselling service.

Our standard rate for individual therapy is €70 per 50-minute session. All sessions are conducted by fully qualified practitioners registered with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), ensuring adherence to strict professional and ethical standards.
To make mental health care accessible, we also offer a dedicated low-cost counselling option at €40 per session:
- Fully Qualified & Registered: Unlike many low-cost services delivered by student trainees, your care is provided by fully qualified counsellors and psychotherapists registered with the IACP.
- 6-Session Commitment: A minimum commitment of 6 sessions is required to establish continuity and work effectively toward your therapeutic goals.
- Limited Availability: Places in our €40 low-cost program are strictly limited based on practitioner capacity.
Yes, counselling is confidential within professional ethical boundaries. All our therapists strictly adhere to the IACP Code of Ethics.
Confidentiality is only breached in three rare, specific circumstances: risk of serious harm to yourself or others, child protection concerns under Children First legislation, or a court order all of which are fully explained during your first session.
It can be quite daunting to start a therapy journey but starting therapy is simple.
Contact us via our online form or telephone to schedule an initial consultation.
We will match you with an accredited or pre-accredited IACP-registered counsellor based on your specific needs, such as anxiety, stress, relationship issues, or self-development.
Whether you’re new to counselling or just starting with a new counsellor, the first session can be extremely daunting.
Your initial session is an intake assessment and an opportunity to see if you feel comfortable with your therapist.
Your IACP-registered counsellor will outline the therapeutic agreement, explain confidentiality, discuss what brought you to therapy, and work with you to establish clear goals for your sessions.
The key thing to remember is you control the pace and what is discussed in the sessions.
Typically therapy sessions are around 50 minutes.
This gives the therapist time to reflect on previous notes taken on previous sessions or to organise contracts for the first session.
The number of sessions depends entirely on your individual needs. Short-term counselling (typically 6–12 sessions) focuses on acute issues or specific life events, while longer-term psychotherapy addresses deeper, ongoing patterns. You and your therapist will regularly review your progress together.

Book your 10 minute consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Ascend Counselling

087-0332234

ascendcounselling@gmail.com