Does online counselling really work as well as in-person?
Yes, for the great majority of people. Research consistently shows that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. What matters most is the quality of the relationship between us — trust, presence, and genuine attention — and that translates fully over video. Many clients actually find they open up more easily from the comfort and privacy of their own space. Read more about online counselling and how it works.
What do I need to get started?
Just a private space where you won’t be interrupted, and a device with a camera and internet connection — a laptop, tablet, or smartphone all work fine. No special software is required; I’ll send you a simple link before each session.
How do I know if counselling, coaching, or supervision is right for me?
Counselling is the right fit if you’re processing something difficult — past trauma, anxiety, grief, relationship pain, or a general sense of being stuck.
Life coaching suits you if you already have clarity on your struggles and want a more forward-focused, goal-driven space to build momentum toward something specific.
Clinical supervision is for practicing therapists seeking reflective, professional support in their own client work.
Still unsure? The free consultation is exactly for this — we’ll figure it out together.
What happens in the free one-hour consultation?
We’ll talk about what’s brought you here, I’ll explain a little about how I work, and we’ll both get a genuine sense of whether we’re a good fit — no pressure, no obligation to continue.
How often will we meet?
Most clients start weekly, especially in the early stages, and some move to fortnightly as things settle. We’ll agree on a rhythm that suits your needs and your life.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. What you share stays between us, within the professional and ethical boundaries all accredited therapists work within (the only exceptions being situations involving risk of serious harm, which I’ll always be upfront with you about).
What if online therapy doesn’t feel right for me after starting?
That’s completely okay. We can talk about what isn’t working and adjust, or I can help you find a more suitable form of support if needed. This is your process, not a fixed commitment.
What is your approach to therapy?
My approach is integrative, drawing on counselling and psychotherapy alongside psychodynamic, relational, attachment-based, systemic and parts-based perspectives. We explore both the difficulties you are experiencing and the patterns, relationships and meanings that may lie beneath them.
Do you work with trauma and attachment difficulties?
Yes. My work includes trauma, attachment, relationship difficulties and the longer-term effects of difficult experiences. Therapy is paced carefully and focuses on safety, understanding, emotional regulation and developing greater choice in how you respond. You may also find my articles on IFS and the parts of ourselves, addiction and protective parts, and parts, projection and relationships.
Do you offer supervision for therapists?
Yes. I provide individual supervision for counsellors, psychotherapists and other practitioners, with an emphasis on reflective practice, client work, professional development and practitioner wellbeing. Read about clinical supervision.
Can spirituality or questions of meaning be part of therapy?
Yes, when this is meaningful to you. We can explore spirituality, purpose, values, identity and questions of meaning alongside therapeutic work, without imposing any particular belief system.
Are you professionally accredited?
Yes. I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and a Senior Accredited Member of the ACCPH. My professional practice is informed by the ethical standards of these professional bodies.
How do I book?
Email martinhandy@protonmail.com or call 07864 029868 to arrange your free consultation.
