Introduction
This FAQ page provides clear, honest answers to frequently asked questions I’m most often asked, so you can decide with confidence whether my practice is the right fit for you.
Whether you’re exploring support as an individual, a couple, or as part of a group, my aim is to make mental health care in Hong Kong feel accessible, transparent, and human.
If you’d like to read more after working through these FAQs, you’re welcome to return to the [Home] page or browse my [Blog] for further insights on mental health and well-being.
About My Services
What is the difference between counselling, therapy, coaching, and mindfulness training?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but in my practice they each have a distinct focus:
- Counselling is typically shorter-term and focused on a specific present-day concern — for example, navigating a difficult life event, a relationship issue, work stress, or a period of low mood. It is practical, supportive, and goal-oriented within a defined area of your life.
- Therapy is generally longer-term and goes deeper. It explores patterns rooted in your history, attachment, identity, and emotional development to bring lasting change. Therapy is often the right choice for recurring difficulties, trauma, anxiety or depression, or when you sense that “something deeper” is at play.
- Coaching is forward-looking and performance-oriented. Rather than focusing on healing, coaching helps you clarify goals (career, life, relationships), identify what’s holding you back, and build practical strategies to move forward.
- Mindfulness Training teaches evidence-based skills for working with stress, attention, and difficult emotions in everyday life. It can stand alone as a structured programme or complement counselling and therapy. Visit my [mindfulness training] page for details.
Is what I share in our sessions confidential?
Yes. Everything you share is held in strict confidence, with rare exceptions where there is serious risk of harm or a legal disclosure requirement. Read more in the Professional ethics section on the About page.
Who do you work with?
I work with adults — individually or as a couple — in person in Central, Hong Kong, and online worldwide. For more on the kind of clients I support, see the About page.
What kind of issues can you help with?
I support a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions. See the full list of focus areas on the About page.
Do you offer mindfulness training?
Yes. Mindfulness is integrated naturally into my therapeutic work, and I also run dedicated [mindfulness training]programmes that teach practical, secular, evidence-based skills you can apply in daily life — at work, in relationships, and in moments of stress.
Do you run group events or workshops?
Yes. Alongside one-to-one work, I host [Group Events] including talks, workshops, and structured programmes on topics such as stress, mindfulness, relationships, and emotional well-being. These are suitable for individuals, community groups, schools, and corporate clients in Hong Kong.
Appointments & Logistics
Where is your practice located?
My private practice is located in Central, Hong Kong. Full directions and contact details are available on my [contact] page.
Do you offer online counselling and therapy?
Yes. I offer secure, confidential online sessions via Zoom for clients across Hong Kong and internationally.
How do I book my first appointment?
Booking is simple. Visit my [contact] page to send a confidential message or find my whatsapp number. We’ll arrange a brief introductory call so you can ask questions and we can decide together whether to move forward.
How long are sessions, and how often do we meet?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Couples sessions are typically longer. Frequency varies — many clients begin weekly to build momentum, then move to fortnightly as progress establishes. We’ll agree on a rhythm that suits your goals and circumstances.
What are your fees? / Do you offer sliding scale?
Individual 50-minute sessions are HKD 1,900. Couples sessions are longer and priced accordingly — please ask for current fees. Packages are available, and I reserve a small number of sliding-scale spots for clients with genuine financial constraints; please mention this on our chemistry call.
Do you accept insurance reimbursement?
I am a private-pay practice, and many international and Hong Kong insurers reimburse clients directly for sessions with a BACP-registered counsellor/psychotherapist. I provide a detailed receipt after each session that you can submit to your insurer. Please check with your provider in advance for their specific terms — I’m happy to discuss the process.
What is your cancellation policy?
At least 24 hours’ notice is required to reschedule or cancel without charge; sessions cancelled with less notice are charged in full. You can manage all bookings through the online scheduling system.
How long does therapy usually take?
The duration of effective treatment varies with the presenting challenges. For a majority of issues from relationship to emotional regulation and stress management 5 – 8 sessions often bring significant improvements.
Will you give me homework between sessions?
Sometimes, yes — but only if it suits you. We’ll discuss what kind of between-session practice (if any) supports your goals. I think of it less as ‘homework’ and more as practising a new skill: when you’re learning an instrument, is playing it homework, or is it what you actually wanted to do?
Can I bring my partner to a couples session if they’re hesitant?
For hesitant partners I offer couples chemistry calls with both of you in the call. I also suggest to have individual sessions with each of you early on, as part of the couples process.
Do you work with clients in different time zones?
Yes, and with partners in different time zones.
About Me and the Therapeutic Process
What is a Chemistry Call?
A chemistry call is a brief phone or video call to get to know each other and for you to ask any questions regarding me and the process of our working together. It is not therapy, coaching nor counselling and we are therefore not discussing details of your case during this call.
What can I expect in the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. You’ll share what’s bringing you in, I’ll ask some questions to understand your context, pressure points and goals, and you’ll get a feel for how I work. The most important outcome of session one is that you feel treated with positive regard and fully understood. You will be clear about the process and how we approach the work.
Who are you and what is your approach?
I am Sebastian Droesler, a BACP-registered counsellor and psychotherapist based in Central, Hong Kong. My approach is integrative and evidence-based, tailored to each client. Read about my training, credentials, and philosophy on the [about] page.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Let’s have short free chemistry call or simply schedule your first session through my contact form!