Counselling FAQs | Counselling in Manchester & Online Across the UK

Getting started is straightforward.

You can contact me through the website contact form and I will usually reply within 24 to 48 hours.

From there, we can arrange an initial session and talk about what brings you to counselling, whether that's grief, relationships, men's mental health, neurodivergence, feeling stuck, or something else entirely.

Sessions are available in person in Manchester and online across the UK.

If you have questions before booking, that's completely fine too. You're welcome to get in touch by email or phone and we can discuss whether counselling feels like the right fit for you.

work with adults from a range of backgrounds and life experiences, both in Manchester and online across the UK.

Much of my work focuses on supporting men and fathers, alongside people experiencing grief, loss, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, low self-worth, neurodivergence, and periods of feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

Some people come with a clear issue they want to work through. Others arrive with a sense that something isn't quite right but find it difficult to put into words.

You do not need to have a diagnosis, be in crisis, or know exactly what you need from counselling to get started.

If you're unsure whether I am the right fit for you, please feel free to get in touch and we can have a conversation about what you're looking for.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin exploring what has brought you to counselling.

There is no expectation that you arrive knowing exactly what to say. Some people come with a clear issue they want to work on, while others simply know that something feels difficult, overwhelming, or different from how they would like it to be.

We will talk about what is happening in your life, any relevant background, and what you hope counselling might help with. I'll also explain how I work and answer any questions you may have.

The first session is not a test and there is no pressure to share more than feels comfortable.

My aim is to create a space where you can begin to feel heard, understood, and able to talk openly at your own pace.

Yes.

Many people worry about what they might say, how emotional they might become, or whether they will be expected to talk about things they are not ready to discuss.

Counselling is not about forcing you to open up before you feel comfortable.

You are free to talk at your own pace and decide what feels right to share. Some people begin by talking about what is happening in their lives right now. Others gradually explore experiences, relationships, or feelings that have been difficult to put into words.

There is no expectation to reveal everything immediately.

My role is not to push you into uncomfortable conversations, but to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore whatever feels important, in a way that feels manageable for you.

Often, trust develops over time. Counselling is a process, not a performance.

Yes.

Counselling is entirely your choice, and you are free to end therapy at any point.

That said, if possible, I encourage having a final session before ending our work together. This gives us an opportunity to reflect on what has been helpful, review any progress you have made, and bring the counselling relationship to a thoughtful close.

Sometimes people end counselling because they feel ready to move forward. Sometimes life circumstances change. Sometimes they decide they need something different.

Whatever the reason, the decision will always be respected.

My aim is to ensure that counselling remains a collaborative process where you feel in control of your own journey.

All counselling and psychotherapy sessions are currently delivered by me, Stuart Walker.

Me In Time, however, was always created as a shared vision with my wife, Claire Berkley Walker.

Whilst my work has developed around psychotherapy, men, fathers, grief and neurodivergence, Claire's journey has explored creativity, nature, identity and the different ways we reconnect with ourselves.

In the future, you may begin to see Claire's own reflections through Views From The Other Side, a series exploring creativity, slowing down, midlife, self-discovery and finding the things that make us feel more like ourselves.

I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist.

This means I do not work from a single approach or follow a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, I draw on different therapeutic ideas and approaches depending on your needs, experiences, and goals.

At the heart of my work is the belief that counselling should feel human, collaborative, and tailored to the individual.

Some people need space to reflect and explore their experiences in depth. Others benefit from a more active conversation that helps them understand patterns, relationships, emotions, and ways forward.

My aim is not to tell you what to do or provide quick fixes. It is to create a safe and supportive space where you can make sense of what is happening in your life and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

Every person is different, and our work together will reflect that.

The terms counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably, and there is a great deal of overlap between them.

In simple terms, counselling is often associated with helping people work through specific difficulties, challenges, or life events. Psychotherapy can involve exploring deeper patterns, relationships, experiences, and ways of relating to ourselves and others.

In practice, the distinction is not always clear-cut.

Some people come to counselling wanting support with a current issue such as grief, anxiety, stress, or relationship difficulties. Others are interested in understanding themselves more deeply and exploring patterns that may have developed over many years.

My approach draws on both counselling and psychotherapy. This means we can focus on what is happening in your life right now, while also exploring any deeper themes that may be influencing your thoughts, feelings, relationships, or experiences.

There is no expectation that you work in a particular way. Together, we can find an approach that feels helpful, manageable, and relevant to what brings you to counselling.

Yes.

While I work with adults from a range of backgrounds, I have a particular interest and specialism in men's mental health.

Many of the men I work with come to counselling feeling under pressure, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or unsure how to talk about what is happening in their lives. Others are navigating grief, relationship difficulties, fatherhood, identity, work-related stress, or major life changes.

I understand that reaching out for support is not always easy. Many men have spent years trying to manage things on their own before considering counselling.

My aim is to provide a warm, grounded, and non-judgemental space where you can speak openly, make sense of what you are carrying, and explore a way forward that feels right for you.

You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Sometimes having space to pause, reflect, and be heard can be valuable in itself.

Yes.

Grief and loss form a significant part of my work.

Alongside private practice, I have extensive experience supporting people bereaved by suicide through my work with AMPARO, a specialist suicide bereavement service.

Grief can affect every part of life. It may follow the death of a loved one, but it can also emerge through relationship breakdown, loss of identity, changes in health, family difficulties, or significant life transitions.

There is no right way to grieve and no timetable for how long it should take.

Counselling provides a space to talk openly about your experience, explore difficult emotions, and make sense of the impact loss has had on your life.

Whether your loss is recent or something you have carried for many years, you do not have to navigate it alone.

People come to counselling for many different reasons.

Some arrive with a specific issue they want to work through. Others simply have a sense that something is not quite right and want space to explore what is happening in their lives.

Common areas I support people with include:

• Men's mental health
• Grief, loss, and bereavement
• Fatherhood and family relationships
• Anxiety and stress
• Low mood and depression
• Relationship difficulties
• Neurodivergence
• Loneliness and isolation
• Low self-worth and confidence
• Life transitions and change
• Emotional wellbeing and resilience
• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected

You do not need to have a diagnosis, a clear goal, or a crisis to benefit from counselling.

Often people contact me because they have spent a long time carrying things on their own and would like a space to talk openly, reflect, and make sense of what they are experiencing.

Counselling is not about having all the answers. Sometimes it begins with simply having somewhere to bring the questions.

Working at depth means looking beyond immediate symptoms to better understand what may be happening underneath them.

For example, anxiety, low mood, anger, relationship difficulties, or feeling stuck do not appear out of nowhere. They are often connected to past experiences, patterns of thinking, beliefs about ourselves, relationships, or ways we have learned to cope with life.

Sometimes people come to counselling wanting help with a specific problem. As our work develops, they begin to notice deeper themes that have been influencing them for years.

Working at depth is not about endlessly analysing the past or searching for hidden meanings in everything. It is about developing a greater understanding of yourself and the experiences that have shaped you.

This deeper understanding can often lead to meaningful and lasting change.

At the same time, counselling should always feel manageable. We will work at a pace that feels right for you, focusing on what feels most relevant and important in your life.

Some people have no preference about the gender of their therapist, while others feel more comfortable speaking with a man, particularly when discussing men's mental health, fatherhood, relationships, identity or life experiences. The most important factor is finding someone you feel safe talking to. If you'd like to explore whether I'm the right fit, you're welcome to arrange an initial conversation.

Individual counselling sessions are £60 per 50-minute session.

Payment is usually made by bank transfer before each session, unless otherwise agreed.

I also keep a limited number of reduced-cost spaces available for people experiencing financial difficulty. Availability varies, so please feel free to ask if this is something you would like to discuss.

My aim is to make counselling as accessible as possible while maintaining a professional, sustainable service.

If you have any questions about fees, payment arrangements, or reduced-cost sessions, please get in touch.

Yes.

I work with many neurodivergent clients, including people who identify as autistic, ADHD, or who experience the world in ways that may not always fit traditional expectations.

I recognise that neurodivergence is not something that needs to be "fixed." Instead, counselling can provide a space to better understand yourself, explore challenges, build on strengths, and make sense of experiences that may have felt confusing or misunderstood.

Many neurodivergent people have spent years adapting to the expectations of others, often masking how they feel or trying to fit into environments that do not always meet their needs.

My approach is flexible, collaborative, and tailored to the individual. There is no expectation that you communicate, process emotions, or engage with counselling in a particular way.

The aim is to create a space where you can be yourself, without pressure to perform, explain, or fit a mould.

The cost of private counselling varies across the UK. A lot of people understandably ask questions like:

• How much does counselling cost in the UK?

• Why is counselling so expensive?

• Is £60 for a counselling session worth it?

• Can I find an experienced therapist at an affordable price?

I understand those questions because I have asked similar ones myself.

When I completed my own 40 hours of personal therapy during training, I compared therapists, considered their qualifications and experience, and worked out what I could realistically afford.

The most expensive therapist wasn't necessarily the right one. The cheapest wasn't either.

I wanted someone I trusted, at a price I could sustain.

My fee is £60 per session, and I aim to offer experienced, professional counselling that is accessible, ethical and good value.

Qualifications and experience matter, but so does the relationship you build with your therapist. Finding someone you feel comfortable talking to, who listens without judgement and works in a way that feels right for you, is often more important than choosing the most expensive therapist or the one closest to home.

Yes.

I keep a limited number of reduced-cost counselling spaces available for people experiencing financial difficulty.

I understand that therapy can feel like a significant commitment, particularly during periods of financial pressure. Where possible, I aim to make support accessible while balancing the practical realities of running a private practice.

Reduced-cost spaces are limited and availability can vary over time.

If cost is a concern, please feel free to get in touch. We can have an open conversation about your circumstances and whether a reduced-cost space is currently available.

My view is that financial concerns should not prevent someone from asking the question.

Sessions last 50 minutes.

This provides enough time to explore what feels important while maintaining a clear and consistent structure for our work together.

The session is your space. Some sessions may focus on a specific issue or challenge, while others may be more reflective and exploratory.

There is no expectation to achieve a particular outcome in every session. Counselling is a process, and some conversations naturally take longer to unfold than others.

My role is to provide a safe, supportive, and focused space where you can talk openly and work at a pace that feels right for you.

Most people attend counselling on a weekly basis, particularly at the beginning of our work together.

Weekly sessions provide consistency and allow us to build momentum, explore issues in depth, and develop a strong therapeutic relationship.

As counselling progresses, some people choose to continue weekly, while others move to fortnightly sessions depending on their needs, circumstances, and goals.

There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people come for a short period to focus on a specific issue, while others find longer-term counselling helpful.

We will regularly review how things are going and make decisions together about what feels most beneficial for you.

I ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange a session.

Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice may be charged in full, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

I understand that unexpected situations can arise, and I will always try to be fair and reasonable where possible.

If I need to cancel a session due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, I will provide as much notice as possible and offer an alternative appointment.

Having a clear cancellation policy helps protect the time set aside for your counselling and supports the consistency of our work together.

Yes.

I offer online counselling sessions via Microsoft Teams to clients across the UK.

Online counselling provides the same confidential and supportive space as in-person therapy, while offering greater flexibility and convenience. Many people find it easier to access support from the comfort of their own home, particularly when balancing work, family commitments, health needs, or travel.

All you need is a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

Some clients choose online counselling because it fits more easily into their lives. Others prefer it because it allows them to access specialist support regardless of where they live.

I also offer in-person counselling in Manchester, so we can discuss which option feels most suitable for you.

Research suggests that online counselling can be just as effective for many people. Some clients prefer the flexibility of meeting from home, while others value being together in the same room. I offer both online and in-person sessions so you can choose what works best for you.

I am based in Manchester and offer both in-person counselling and online sessions.

In-person appointments take place in Manchester, while online counselling is available to clients across the UK through Microsoft Teams.

Many people choose online counselling because it offers flexibility and convenience. Others prefer meeting face-to-face. Both options provide a confidential, supportive space to explore whatever has brought you to counselling.

If you're unsure which approach would suit you best, we can discuss the options and find a way of working that feels comfortable for you.

Booking an appointment is simple.

You can get in touch through the contact form on this website, by email, or by telephone.

I will usually respond within 24 to 48 hours and let you know my current availability. We can then arrange an initial session at a time that works for you, either in person in Manchester or online.

If you're unsure whether counselling is right for you, or you have questions before booking, you're very welcome to get in touch first. There is no obligation and no pressure to commit to ongoing sessions.

Taking the first step can sometimes feel like the hardest part. My aim is to make the process as straightforward and comfortable as possible.

The honest answer is that it depends on you.

Many people work very successfully with both male and female therapists, and there isn't any evidence to suggest one is inherently better than the other.

For some men, whether their therapist is male or female simply isn't important. For others, working with a male therapistfeels more comfortable, particularly when talking about fatherhood, relationships, grief, identity or the pressures that can come with being a man.

Choosing a male counsellor isn't about believing that another man will automatically understand your experiences. It's about finding someone you feel able to speak openly and honestly with.

The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of successful counselling. Feeling heard, respected and understood matters far more than gender alone.

If you're unsure, that's completely normal. That's one of the reasons I offer a free introductory conversation before we begin. It gives us the opportunity to meet, talk about what has brought you here, and decide whether working together feels like the right fit.

You can verify my BACP registration through the BACP Register. You can also view my Psychology Today profile and connect with me on LinkedIn to learn more about my work, read my articles and explore my professional background.

People come to counselling for many different reasons, including stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, relationship difficulties and major life changes. If you'd like to explore these in more detail, you can read Common Reasons People Come to Counselling.