Frequently asked questions

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy can help if you feel overwhelmed, stuck or want to understand yourself better. This could be due to a personal crisis or simply a nagging doubt that something is not right. You do not need an official diagnosis, nor do you need to know exactly what the problem is in order to benefit.

What happens in the first session?

Following an initial phone consultation, we would schedule a first session which is an introduction (sometimes called an assessment) to talk about what brings you to therapy. You do not need to come prepared as it is my role as the therapist to help you start working out what the problems are.

What is therapy like?

It’s normal to feel anxious before starting therapy as you are often talking about sensitive issues with someone you are meeting for the first time. You may be unsure how to describe the issues, so you will be given a space to help put them into words. The most important thing is feeling comfortable enough to start doing this, so getting a sense for yourself is part of the first session. There is no obligation to continue if you are unsure.

When and how often should I do sessions?

Psychological therapy takes place at mutually agreed, regular times in order to maintain a sense of continuity and consistency.

How long do sessions last?

Therapy sessions last for 50 minutes.

How many sessions should I do?

The work can be open-ended or brief and focused, depending on the nature of your difficulties or what you are hoping to work on. This will be discussed with you as part of the initial consultation, and as part of the ongoing work.

Is therapy confidential?

Your trust is fundamental so everything you share is private. In line with the HCPC code of practice I undertake professional supervision, so everything that is shared there is also confidential. The only limits to confidentiality are a legal obligation to report issues of serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.  In these cases I would encourage you to disclose first through the appropriate channels, or to seek help from the appropriate outside agencies. I can support you with this process.

What types of difficulties can you help with?

I have experience working with a broad range of concerns including:

  • Anxiety and worry
  • Social anxiety
  • Health anxiety
  • Panic
  • Stress, burnout and work difficulties
  • Depression or low mood
  • Relationship issues including conflict, communication difficulties and repeated relationship patterns
  • Sexual difficulties and intimacy
  • Trauma – single event (PTSD) and complex/developmental trauma (C-PTSD)
  • Childhood abuse (sexual, physical or emotional) and neglect
  • Self-esteem and confidence including imposter syndrome and perfectionism
  • Life transitions and role changes including ageing, parenthood, career changes, mid-life crises or ‘feeling stuck’
  • Grief, bereavement and loss
  • Managing overwhelming feelings or emotional dysregulation
  • Problems with obsessive behaviour

Do I need a GP referral?

You can contact me directly—no referral is required for private therapy. If you are using health insurance your provider may need a GP referral in the first instance, so please contact them first to check.

How much does therapy cost?

My fees are £110 per session.

Can I use health insurance to pay?

I am registered to provide therapy with all the major UK health insurers:

-Axa

-Aviva

-BUPA

-Healix

-Vitality

-WPA

Please contact your insurance provider first to seek authorisation before your first appointment.

What do Clinical Psychologists do? Is it different from counselling or therapy?

Clinical Psychologists undergo extensive Doctoral Training to provide therapy using a variety of approaches or ‘models’, including Psychodynamic, CBT (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy), Family Therapy (sometimes called ‘Systemic Therapy’) and Mindfulness. Mindfulness-based approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy. I therefore draw on a broad range of these approaches when listening to your issues and thinking alongside you. Counsellors and Therapists are usually well trained professionals, but typically practise using one key approach/model.

What if I am unsure about starting therapy?

Feeling uncertain or nervous is understandable – after all, you may be speaking about personal things to someone you are just meeting.

Therapy aims to work at your pace, with no expectation to share anything before you feel ready.

 What should I do if I am in crisis?

Therapy is not for when you are in an immediate crisis or breakdown where you are at serious risk to yourself or others.

If you are in immediate danger, or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please seek urgent help straight away.

For immediate emergency support call 999 or attend your nearest A & E.

For urgent, 24-hour, mental health support call 111 and select the mental health option.

For confidential and free support, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123. For text support day and night, text SHOUT to 85258