Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions people most often ask before getting in touch. If yours isn't here, you're welcome to ask it directly.

Is this therapy?

No. Personal Reset provides wellbeing and personal development support rather than therapy or counselling. Sessions are designed to provide space for reflection, perspective, and practical support during periods of pressure, transition, or uncertainty.

What kind of support is this?

Personal Reset offers one-to-one wellbeing and personal development support tailored to the individual. Depending on your goals and circumstances, sessions may draw upon psychology, behaviour change, wellbeing planning, lifestyle factors, health and wellbeing approaches, practical coaching, assessment tools, and other appropriate forms of support.

Is Personal Reset right for everyone?

Personal Reset provides wellbeing and personal development support for adults seeking greater clarity, perspective, wellbeing, and personal growth. It is not intended to replace clinical healthcare, psychological therapy, psychiatric treatment, counselling, or other specialist clinical support. If you are experiencing significant mental health difficulties or require specialist clinical support, I would encourage you to seek appropriate professional advice.

Is it confidential?

Yes. Privacy, discretion, and trust are central to this work. Client information is handled in accordance with UK GDPR principles and professional standards aligned with British Psychological Society ethical practice.

Do you use assessments?

Yes. Where appropriate, assessments may be used to support understanding, monitor progress, or inform personal development. Depending on your goals, these may include psychometric assessments, wellbeing questionnaires, or health and fitness assessments. Assessments are always used to support — not replace — the wider conversation.

What's it like to work with you?

Calm, thoughtful, and grounded. There is no pressure to perform, impress, or have the right words. We begin where you are. Sessions provide a private space to slow things down, reflect, explore what might be contributing to current challenges, and consider meaningful ways forward. Clients often describe me as approachable, easy to talk to, and able to help them gain clarity and perspective. The approach is practical, evidence-informed, and focused on supporting overall wellbeing and personal development.

Is a wellbeing coach the same as a therapist?

No. A therapist provides clinical treatment for mental health conditions; a wellbeing coach provides structured, non-clinical support for people who are broadly functioning but want greater clarity, steadiness, or direction. Personal Reset sits firmly in the second category: it is wellbeing and personal development support, not treatment, and it does not diagnose or treat any condition.

The two can complement each other, but they are not interchangeable. If what you need is clinical — significant anxiety, depression, trauma — a qualified therapist or your GP is the right first step. If you are carrying pressure, facing a transition, or feel stuck rather than unwell, a session here may be a better fit. You can read more about Ian's background and approach on the About page.

Do I need a referral?

No. Personal Reset is a private service, so there is no referral, waiting list, or assessment gateway — you simply get in touch directly and arrange a time. Because this is wellbeing and personal development support rather than clinical care, no GP or specialist involvement is needed.

Some people do arrive having spoken to their GP first, and that is always sensible if you are unsure whether clinical support would serve you better. What each option involves and costs is set out on Sessions & Fees.

Can sessions be online?

Yes. Sessions work equally well by secure video call, and online clients follow exactly the same format and fees as in-person sessions. Many people prefer online for the privacy and convenience of speaking from their own space, and it makes the work available anywhere in the UK.

In-person sessions take place at Bedford Consulting Rooms, 4 Goldington Road, Bedford. You choose whichever format suits you when you get in touch, and you can switch between the two as circumstances change.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no set number and no minimum commitment. Some people find a single extended session gives them the clarity they came for; others choose ongoing sessions for continuity through a demanding period or a longer transition. The honest answer is that it depends on what you are carrying and what you want from the work.

The usual pattern is to start with the Initial Personal Reset Session — up to 90 minutes — and then decide, without pressure, whether further sessions would be useful. Nothing is sold beyond what serves you.

How do I book?

Use the Arrange a Private Session page to share a little about what brings you here and whether you would prefer to meet in Bedford or online. Ian reads every enquiry personally and will reply within one working day to arrange a time. It is confidential, and there is no obligation.

There is no online payment or automated calendar at this stage — deliberately. The first exchange is a short, human one, so you can ask anything you want to know before committing to a session.

A question is a fine way to start.

Confidential · no obligation · reply within one working day

Arrange a Private Session