The process
Simple, private, and entirely on your terms
No referrals, no waiting lists, no awkward first appointments. Just you, a skilled thinking partner, and a conversation that moves things forward.
How it works
Choose your time, or your thinking partner
Need to talk today? Pick the next available time and we aim to match you with a thinking partner from our team within an hour, often in as little as 15 minutes. Every one of us is trained together and works to the same standards, so you're in good hands whoever you speak to. Already found someone you click with? Just ask for the same thinking partner when you book.
Book your session
Sessions are 60 or 90 minutes, held privately on Zoom. You'll receive a confirmation email with your link straight away.
Talk it through
A private, focused conversation – no agenda, no judgement, just space to think.
Private, non-judgemental, and entirely at your pace.
Your first session
What to expect
First sessions are about getting to know each other and making sure the fit feels right. There's no homework, no preparation required — just show up as you are.
You set the agenda
You decide what you want to talk about. Your thinking partner will follow your lead, not the other way around.
It's completely confidential
Everything you say stays between you and your thinking partner. Full stop.
You don't need to have it figured out
Many women come in not knowing exactly what they want to say. That's fine — working out what the real question is, is often the most valuable part.
You're in control
If the fit doesn't feel right after your first session, you can switch thinking partners. No awkward conversations, no explanations needed.
Frequently asked questions
About Sounding Board
What is Sounding Board?
A private, judgement-free space to talk through a personal life decision with an experienced thinking partner. In one focused online conversation, you are properly heard, gently challenged, and helped to see things from a new angle. You leave with clarity and your next steps.
Who is it for?
Sounding Board is designed for women at every stage of life who are facing a decision or crossroads: whether to retire, where to live next, a change of direction, caring for family, life after children leave home, or a relationship at a turning point. Men are welcome too. Sessions are for anyone aged 18 or over.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. You must be 18 or over to book or attend a session, and you'll be asked to confirm your age when you book. This also applies if someone buys you a session as a gift. If we find that someone under 18 has booked, we'll end the session kindly, give a full refund and suggest support that's right for young people, such as Childline, free on 0800 1111.
What can I talk about?
Almost anything that's on your mind and that you'd like to move forward with. Women often bring: work and purpose (retiring, winding down, changing direction, starting something new); home (staying put, downsizing, moving closer to family or further away); family (caring for parents or grandchildren, adult children, balancing others' needs with your own); relationships (a relationship at a crossroads, starting again, friendships that have changed); and questions about you — confidence, identity, what matters to you now, and what you want next. It doesn't need to be a big, life-changing decision. If something keeps going round in your head, that's reason enough to talk it through. You don't need to have it all worked out before you come — helping you find the words is part of what we do. We don't give advice or recommendations, or tell you what to do. Your thinking partner helps you think it through, see it from new angles and reach your own decision — because the answer that's right for you is yours to find. We're also not here for therapy, crisis support or specialist advice (legal, financial or medical). If that's what you need, we'll kindly point you in the right direction.
What if I want to talk about something very personal or intimate?
That's welcome. Your session is a private, judgement-free space, and nothing you say will shock or embarrass your thinking partner. You stay in control throughout: share as much or as little as you want — you never have to explain more than feels comfortable. Your thinking partner won't push. You can pause, change the subject or stop at any time. You can ask for anything personal to be left out of your written summary, or opt out of having one at all. Everything stays confidential, with the usual professional exceptions where there's a serious risk of harm. If what you share is something that would be better supported by a counsellor or specialist, your thinking partner will tell you gently and help you find the right place — without any judgement.
What is a thinking partner?
A professional who listens without judgement, asks the questions that help you think clearly, and is on your side — without being caught up in your situation. All our thinking partners are trained and experienced, as coaches, mentors or listeners, and they all work to the same Sounding Board approach and standards. They are carefully chosen, not only for their skills, but because they have lived a rich range of life experiences — not all of them easy. They understand that life doesn't always go to plan.
Is this therapy or counselling?
No. Sounding Board is about thinking through a decision and finding a way forward. It is not therapy, counselling or crisis support. If you need help with your mental health, trauma or grief, we will kindly point you towards someone better placed to help — before you pay anything.
Can you give me legal, financial or medical advice?
No. Your thinking partner can help you think a choice through, but for the specifics you may need a solicitor, financial adviser or GP. We'll help you work out what to ask them.
Is this an emergency service?
No. If you are in crisis or worried about your safety, please don't wait for a session. Call 999 in an emergency, NHS 111 for urgent help, or Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. Outside the UK, you can find free helplines in your country at findahelpline.com.
Booking and prices
How do I book?
Go to Book a Session, answer a few quick questions, choose a time and pay securely. You'll receive a confirmation email with your private Zoom link straight away.
How quickly can I talk to someone?
Bookings are open 24 hours a day. Choose Talk Today for a session later the same day, or Plan Ahead to pick a time that suits you. Sessions run from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.
Do I have to be in the UK?
No. Sessions take place online, so you can join from anywhere in the world — all you need is a computer, tablet or phone with a reliable internet connection. Our session times are based on UK time, so please check the time difference carefully when you book. Our booking system can show times in your own time zone, but it's always worth double-checking. Our website and booking system are in English. If you'd like to talk in another language, tell us when you book, and we'll match you with a thinking partner who speaks it where we can. If you're outside the UK, please note that some of the services on our Other Places to Turn page are UK services. You can find free helplines in your own country at findahelpline.com, and in an emergency, contact your local emergency services.
What's the difference between 60 and 90 minutes?
60 minutes suits one clear decision. 90 minutes gives more room if your situation has several parts, or if you'd like time to rehearse a conversation or plan in detail.
How much does it cost?
A 60-minute session is £87. A 90-minute session is £127. The price is the same whether you book for today or plan ahead.
Why do you ask questions before I book?
So your thinking partner can prepare, and so we can check Sounding Board is right for you. If it isn't, we'll tell you kindly and suggest where to go instead — and you won't be asked to pay.
When do I pay?
When you book, by card. Payment confirms your place.
Can I buy a session as a gift?
Yes. You can buy a session as a gift, and you'll receive a gift code to pass on. The person receiving it books their own session with the code, answers the booking questions, confirms they're 18 or over and makes their own choice about the written summary. If the session can't go ahead, for example because it isn't the right fit, any refund goes back to you as the buyer. Gift codes are valid for 12 months.
Your session
How does the session happen?
Online, by Zoom. Click the link in your confirmation email a few minutes before your start time. You'll wait briefly in a private waiting room until your thinking partner lets you in.
Do I have to be on camera?
No. Camera on or off — it's entirely your choice, and you can change your mind during the session. You can also join by phone if you prefer.
Do I need to download anything?
Zoom works in most web browsers, or you can use the free Zoom app on your phone, tablet or computer. Test your link before the session if you can.
How should I prepare?
Find a quiet, private space where you won't be overheard. Use headphones if others are at home. Have water nearby, and something to write with if you like. There's nothing else to prepare — just bring what's on your mind.
What happens in a session?
Your thinking partner will help you name the decision, picture what a good outcome looks like, explore your options from new angles, and plan your next steps — including what might get in the way. It's a conversation, at your pace.
What if it turns out not to be the right fit?
The first few minutes are a short check that we can help. If we can't, your thinking partner will end the call kindly, suggest where to go instead, and you'll receive a full refund.
Can I choose my thinking partner?
You'll be matched with the next available thinking partner, which is the quickest way to get a session. Every thinking partner is trained and shares the same approach, so whoever you talk to, you'll be properly heard and well supported.
Can I talk to the same thinking partner again?
Yes. If you'd like to talk to the same person again, your thinking partner can give you their personal booking link at the end of your session. It takes you straight to their diary, so you can book with them whenever they're available. If you've lost the link, just ask for them when you book or email info@soundingboard.solutions, and we'll arrange it where we can.
What if the connection drops?
Rejoin using the same link. If that doesn't work, your thinking partner will phone you on the number you gave when booking. If the problem is on our side and the session can't continue, we'll offer you a free replacement session or a refund for the time lost. If the problem is on your side, we'll always consider what's fair, but we can't always offer a refund.
Privacy, confidentiality and AI
Is what I say private?
Yes. What you share stays between you and your thinking partner. The only exceptions are the ones every professional follows: if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or if the law requires us to share information. If that ever arises, we will talk to you first wherever we can.
Who sees my answers to the booking questions?
Your thinking partner, to prepare for your session. Within Sounding Board, information is only shared where it's needed to support our service, for example with our Duty Manager.
Are sessions recorded?
No. We never record sessions. Please don't record sessions yourself either.
What is the written summary, and is AI involved?
Unless you opt out, you'll receive a short summary of your session and your next step within 24 hours. We use Zoom's AI Companion to prepare it from the live conversation, and our Duty Manager checks it before it's sent to you. No recording is kept, and Zoom doesn't use your session to train its AI models. You can opt out when you book, or at any time, including during your session.
How long do you keep my information?
Session notes and our copies of summaries are deleted after 35 days, unless they're needed for a complaint or safeguarding concern. You can ask to see, correct or delete your information at any time by emailing info@soundingboard.solutions. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Changes, cancellations and refunds
Can I reschedule?
Yes, free of charge, if you give at least [24 hours'] notice, using the link in your confirmation email. Sessions booked for the same day can be rescheduled free of charge up to [2 hours] before the start time.
What if I cancel later than that?
Late cancellations are charged in full, because your thinking partner has kept that time for you. If something unexpected happens, such as a genuine emergency, please contact us. We'll always consider your situation fairly.
Why do I tick a box about cancellation rights?
Under UK consumer law you normally have 14 days to cancel an online service. Because Sounding Board sessions often happen within those 14 days — sometimes the same day — we ask you to confirm you'd like your session to go ahead straight away.
What if I miss my session?
Your thinking partner will wait for 30 minutes from the start time. After that, the session is treated as missed and charged in full, but please get in touch if something went wrong.
What if my thinking partner can't make it?
We'll contact you as soon as possible and offer you a new time, another thinking partner, or a full refund. The choice is yours.
When will I get a refund?
Refunds are made to your original payment card within [5–10 working days].
After your session
What happens afterwards?
Unless you opted out, you'll receive your written summary within 24 hours. About an hour after your session, we'll also email you a short feedback form. It takes less than a minute, and it really helps us.
Can I book another session?
Yes, whenever you like. Many women come back when the next decision arrives.
What if I'd like ongoing support?
You can book as many sessions as you like, whenever you need them, and use your thinking partner's personal booking link to see the same person each time.
Is there anything I can use between sessions?
Yes. Your Thinking Journal, by Sounding Board founder Polly Barsdell, follows the same steps as a session, so you can keep thinking things through on your own. It's available as a paperback on Amazon for £9.99, or as a fillable digital edition for £4.99, and you can get a free sample by signing up on our website.
How do I make a complaint?
Please tell your thinking partner first, or email us at info@soundingboard.solutions within 21 days of your session. Tell us what happened and what you would like us to do. We'll acknowledge your complaint within [3 working days] and aim to give you a full response within [14 days].