Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Our first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and to explore what has brought you to therapy. There is no expectation that you have everything worked out before you begin. We will talk about what you are hoping for from therapy and whether working together feels right for you.
Finding the right therapist is important. The initial consultation gives us an opportunity to meet and discuss what you are looking for. I encourage you to trust your sense of whether you feel comfortable and whether working together feels like a good fit.
No. Many people come to therapy with a clear issue they would like to explore, while others simply know that something doesn't feel right. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.
This is completely understandable. Many people feel anxious about starting therapy or worry that they won't know what to say. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you are ready, and we can work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
You are welcome to bring whatever emotions arise in therapy. There is no expectation that you should hold things together or say things in a particular way. Tears, silence, uncertainty, and laughter all have a place in the therapeutic space.
Not at all. People come to therapy for many reasons. You may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, loss, or life changes, or you may simply want a space to understand yourself more deeply. Therapy can be valuable even when there isn't a specific problem to solve.
Therapy Sessions
Therapy is usually offered weekly at a regular time. Meeting consistently helps to provide a safe and supportive space in which trust and understanding can develop.
There is no set answer to this. Some people come for a relatively short period of focused work, while others find longer-term therapy helpful. We will regularly review our work together and decide what feels most beneficial for you.
Not necessarily. Some people want to focus on present difficulties, while others find it helpful to explore earlier experiences and relationships. We will work together to understand what feels most helpful for you.
My role is not to give advice or tell you how to live your life. Instead, I aim to work alongside you, offering a thoughtful and supportive space where together we can explore your experiences, deepen understanding, and discover what feels right for you.
Life can be messy and difficult. There is no expectation that progress will be straightforward. Therapy is not about getting things right but about creating space to understand your experiences with compassion and curiosity.
Yes. Therapy is always your choice. If possible, I encourage us to talk about endings together, as this can provide an opportunity to reflect on our work and bring it to a thoughtful close.
Practical Information
Yes. I offer both online and in-person sessions. Online therapy can provide a flexible and accessible way of working and is often just as effective as meeting face to face.
Individual sessions last 50 minutes and cost £60. I also offer a free 15-minute introductory conversation so that we can discuss what brings you to therapy and whether working together may feel right. Prices are reviewed on an annual basis at the start of the year and may be subject to rise.
I ask that payment is made in full via BACS at least 48 hours before the appointment otherwise the session may be cancelled.
I understand that life sometimes gets in the way. I ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange a session. Sessions cancelled with less notice are usually charged in full.
Confidentiality
What we discuss in therapy is confidential. There are some exceptions, such as if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, concerns about abuse, or where disclosure is required by law. These limits to confidentiality will be discussed fully when we begin working together.