Eating Disorder Counselling in Canterbury
Counsellor Who Cares
Compassionate, specialist support for adults and young people — because you deserve to be truly understood.
If you’ve never had counselling before, the idea of doing it over a screen can feel strange. You might be picturing something impersonal: a slightly awkward video call standing in for a proper conversation. I hear this a lot from adults booking their first session with me, and it’s a completely fair thing to wonder about. So here’s an honest, practical look at what actually happens, from the moment you book to the moment you close your laptop afterwards.
Is online counselling actually “proper” therapy?
Short answer: yes. The medium changes, the relationship doesn’t. What makes counselling work (being listened to properly, feeling safe enough to be honest, having someone hold the bigger picture alongside you) travels through a screen just fine. I’m trained the same way and bound by the same professional standards whether we’re sitting in the same room or two hundred miles apart. What changes is where you’re sitting when we talk, not the quality of the work.
Before your first session
Booking and paperwork
The first session is really just about building a relationship and getting to know each other. You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to get anything right. It’s a step-by-step process, not a test.
Before we start, I’ll send you a written assessment form to consent to and fill in, covering what’s brought you to counselling, some background, and what you’re hoping will be different by the time we finish. There’s no wrong answer here: “I’m not sure yet, I just know something needs to change” is a perfectly good starting point.
Sending out a proper assessment form for you to consent to before you begin is a good sign in any counsellor, it means they’re actually gathering the information they need to help you rather than working blind.
Getting the practical side right
You don’t need anything fancy. A phone, tablet or laptop with a camera, a half-decent internet connection, and headphones if you can, so you’re not worrying about sound carrying. The bigger thing to sort out is privacy: a room where you won’t be walked in on for the length of the session. If that’s genuinely hard to arrange at home, tell me; we can talk about timing sessions around when the house is quieter, or other options. A cafe isn’t the right setting, since you need a properly confidential space, but plenty of clients do their session from the car when there’s nowhere private at home or between other commitments, and that works perfectly well.
A few tech tips that actually help
If your WiFi is patchy, a powerline adapter (a cable that plugs into your router at one end and near your laptop at the other) can make a real difference to how stable the connection feels. If your internet does drop mid-session, switching to a phone call for the rest of that session is a perfectly good fallback; it doesn’t have to be video to still count. It’s also worth doing a short trial run before your first appointment, especially if Zoom or Microsoft Teams is new to you. Opening the app a day or two beforehand means any updates download in advance rather than eating into your session time, and you can check your microphone and camera are working while there’s no pressure on you to be anywhere at a set time.
What's confidential and what isn't
Everything we talk about stays between us, with the exceptions any counsellor works within: if I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or in the rare cases the law requires disclosure. I’ll talk you through this properly before we begin, so there are no surprises later.
What actually happens during a session
Sessions run for 50 minutes, and while every conversation is different, there’s usually a shape to it:
- We check in: how things have been since we last spoke, and whether anything urgent needs to come first.
- We find a focus: one or two things worth giving real attention to today, rather than skimming the surface of everything.
- We do the work. This is where most of the time goes. Sometimes that’s talking through something that’s happened, sometimes it’s noticing a pattern that keeps showing up, sometimes it’s sitting with a feeling long enough to understand it rather than push it away.
- We close well: a few minutes at the end to bring things back down, notice what stood out, and think about what (if anything) you want to carry with you until next time.
I work integratively, which means I’m not locked into one method. With 15 years of experience and training behind me, I draw on different techniques, training and theories and adapt them to what actually works for you, rather than fitting you into one fixed approach. Some weeks that look more structured, especially if we’re working on patterns around food, anxiety or body image. Other weeks it’s more about giving you space to think out loud. You’re allowed to shape this: if you want more structure, less structure, fewer questions, or just a slower pace, say so. That’s not you being difficult, that’s you knowing what you need.
Online versus in-person: an honest comparison
Online sessions genuinely suit some people better. You’re in your own space, there’s no travel, and for a lot of people that lowers the barrier to actually turning up. It can also make certain conversations easier; some clients find it less exposing to talk about difficult things without being physically in the same room. The trade-off is that it takes a bit more intention to create privacy and to switch out of “work mode” or “home mode” before and after. Neither format is objectively better. It’s about which one lets you actually show up and be honest.
What might be asked of you between sessions
Sometimes I’ll suggest something to notice or try before we next speak: a reflection, a pattern to track, a small experiment in doing something differently. I only suggest this when I think it’ll genuinely help you process things between sessions, not as standard homework handed out to everyone. It’s always optional and never marked. If it doesn’t feel useful, we talk about why, and adjust.
How you'll know it's working
Good signs: you feel respected even when a conversation is hard, I can reflect back what you’ve told me accurately, and there’s a shared sense of what we’re working towards. You might leave some sessions feeling lighter, and others feeling a bit raw. Both are normal, especially early on. What matters more than any single session is whether, over a few weeks, things start to shift.
The worries people don't say out loud
A few things come up again and again once people are comfortable enough to admit them:
- “What if I cry and the camera’s right there?” It’s absolutely fine. You’re a normal human being with normal emotions, and if you feel safe enough with me to let the tears come, I genuinely think that’s an honour, not something to feel embarrassed about.
- “What if someone in my house overhears?” Worth sorting out properly in advance, earphones in, and a plan for protecting your privacy if space at home is tight. Confidentiality matters enough that it’s worth the extra effort to get right.
- “What if someone walks into the room mid-session?” We simply go quiet together and you ask them to leave. It happens, and it’s not awkward from my end.
- “What if someone else is in the room the whole time?” I’ll usually end the session. I’ve had a client whose partner sat in the room with them throughout, and you genuinely won’t get the best out of the work if someone else is present. If space at home is a real problem, we talk about how to structure it properly rather than working around it.
- “Won’t it feel less personal?” Most clients say the opposite happens within a session or two: once the initial adjustment passes, the conversation feels just as real.
What to look for in any online counsellor
Whether you end up working with me or someone else, a few things are worth checking before you commit. A properly run practice will give you a written contract or working agreement covering things like fees, cancellations and confidentiality, along with a clear GDPR policy on how your data is stored. If a counsellor can’t produce either of these, it’s usually a sign their boundaries generally aren’t as tight as they should be.
It’s also worth checking they’re registered with a recognised professional body and working within a formal ethical framework. BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), NCS/NCPS (National Counselling Society, now the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society), and UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) are the main ones to look out for in the UK. Registration means they’re working to a code of ethics, keeping up with ongoing training, and answerable through a formal complaints process if something goes wrong. It’s worth asking directly where their training and specialist background has actually come from too, not just which body they belong to. I’m an accredited NCS and MBACP counsellor myself, trained to Level 6 in clinical supervision, and trained under the National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCFED) to Master Practitioner level, along with being enhanced DBS checked.
Sessions should be timed and boundaried. One running over occasionally isn’t a crisis, but if it’s happening constantly, that’s often a sign things aren’t being contained properly, which matters more than it sounds when you’re working through something difficult. It’s also worth noticing which platform is being used: Zoom, Google Meet and WhatsApp video are all common, and some counsellors offer occasional in-person sessions alongside online ones. There’s no single right answer, just make sure it’s consistent and feels secure.
What it costs and how sessions are arranged
Prices for adult counselling in the UK typically run between £40 and £70 a session, with specialist therapists (working in areas like eating disorders or trauma) often at the higher end because of the extra training involved. Some counsellors offer student or concessionary rates; not all do, so it’s worth asking directly rather than assuming.
With me, general online counselling is £70 a session, and eating disorder counselling is £90, with the initial assessment priced at £180. The eating disorder work costs more because there’s genuinely more involved: additional specialist training and supervision, plus behind-the-scenes work like writing letters and liaising with GPs, none of which happens in a standard counselling session.
Sessions are usually reviewed every so often, every six weeks is common practice, so you’re never just drifting; it’s a chance to check in on whether the shape and pace still feels right. Cancellation policies vary too, so it’s worth knowing the notice period upfront. None of this should be set in stone before you’ve spoken to someone; the first conversation is about finding out whether they’re the right fit for what you need. You can see my current fees and cancellation policy on my fees page.
If you're ready to take the first step
You don’t need to have it all figured out before you book. If you’re carrying something around anxiety, body image, disordered eating or just a general sense that things aren’t right, get in touch and we’ll talk about whether online counselling with me is the right next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about therapy and eating disorders that clients often ask.
How long is an online counselling session?
Sessions are 50 minutes, the same as an in-person appointment.
Is online counselling as effective as face-to-face?
The evidence base says yes for most presentations, and in my experience the therapeutic relationship (the thing that actually does the work) forms just as well on screen.
What if my internet connection drops mid-session?
It happens occasionally. We simply reconnect and pick up where we left off; it doesn’t cost you session time.
How do I know an online counsellor is properly qualified?
Check they’re registered with a recognised body such as BACP, NCS/NCPS or UKCP, and that they can give you a written contract or working agreement plus a GDPR policy. If either of those is missing, treat it as a warning sign.
Why can't I get a session straight away on the same day?
Because I’m already working within a schedule of existing clients and set working hours, and I want to get it right for you rather than rushed. That means finding a day and time that genuinely works for you, and sending over the correct information and booking link for the Zoom call in good time, rather than squeezing you in unstructured at short notice.
Do you take notes during our sessions?
Yes, I keep a few brief notes as we go, though they tend to look more like stick figures or mind maps than proper writing. I’ll always let you know in the moment if I’m jotting something down. I’m dyslexic and have ADHD, so this way of noting things helps me properly track the patterns and structure of what’s going on for you, and it often means I can put together homework that’s genuinely bespoke to you rather than something generic.
How long does therapy take?
There’s no magic wand, so it really depends on what you need. As a rough rule of thumb, I’d say around five months, though some people want something short and focused, six weeks of clearly targeted work aimed at a specific goal, while others need a more bespoke, longer-term process to become the best version of themselves. That’s especially true when we’re working with learned behaviour that’s built up over years; understanding it properly and putting new strategies in place, rather than relying on what once worked but doesn’t anymore, takes the time it takes.
Is online counselling confidential?
Yes, in the same way in-person counselling is, with the same limits around risk of serious harm, which I’ll explain clearly before we start.
Do I need any special equipment?
Just a device with a camera and microphone, a stable connection, and headphones if you have them.
Can online counselling help with eating disorders or body image specifically?
Yes, this is a large part of my work, and online sessions work well for it, partly because clients often find it easier to talk about food, body image and shame from their own space rather than a clinic room.
Can I record my session?
No, not without both of our consent. Once something is recorded, neither of us has control over where it ends up or how it might be used, and that puts the confidentiality of the session at risk. If you’d like to record for your own notes, it’s something to raise with me directly rather than doing it without agreement.
What happens if it's not working?
We talk about it together. If something isn’t landing, or there’s a rupture in how we’re working, that conversation is exactly how we find our way through it and clarify what would help more. What works for one client doesn’t work for another, so it’s normal for us to adjust the approach until we find what actually works for you.
What if you're not the right therapist for me after the first session?
I’ll always check in with you about whether you’d like to book another session, but you never have to say yes just to please me. If you go away and decide you don’t want to continue, all you need to do is email me and let me know. I’ll say thank you very much, and you’re always welcome to come back when you’re ready. What matters most is that you’re ready, willing and able, not that you’re being polite.
Reach Out for Support
Take the first step towards healing by connecting with a compassionate therapist who truly understands. Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or a loved one, I’m here to help you navigate your journey with empathy and expertise. Don’t wait to start your path to recovery – contact me today.
Becky Stone, Eating Disorder Specialist
Becky Stone
07510 495791
Becky Stone is a dedicated therapist with a deep commitment to supporting individuals through their recovery journey. With qualifications in eating disorder counselling and personal experience, Becky offers a unique blend of professional insight and empathy. Her approach is tailored to each client’s needs, fostering a safe and non-judgmental space for healing.
