FAQs
What is therapy?
Therapy is a coming together of two people - you (the client) and me (the therapist). Together we explore what has brought you to therapy at this time. Through a range of techniques, we work collaboratively with joint responsibility for achieving your goal for how you would like things to be different as a result of therapy.
Each session will be different but my clients say that therapy has helped them to gain a greater understanding of their situation, develop more compassion and acceptance, and has supported them to take positive change in their life.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The titles can be used interchangeably. Some argue that a psychotherapist might spend more more time exploring a client's past, in order to make sense of the present. Personally I prefer the term psychotherapy, as for me it represents a deeper exploration of your life and presenting issue. Clients tell me that they find it helpful to look at their past experiences and relationships in order to make sense of what is happening now.
How do I make payment?
For the first session I ask for payment in advance. For subsequent sessions please pay on the day of the appointment. Please pay via bank transfer - details of which I will provide directly to you when I email you to confirm the appointment.
How long does each therapy session take?
Each session lasts for 50 minutes and would take place once a week, for as long as we both agree it is useful for you. Clients tend to find somewhere between 8 and 12 sessions helpful, whereas others find just after a couple of sessions they feel clearer, and others want to come for a lot longer.
Regular attendance is crucial to the process.
How does Online and Telephone Therapy work?
You have the flexibility to have therapy from wherever you feel most comfortable, without the need to travel to meet me, or deal with accessibility issues. I will send you a Microsoft Teams meeting invite, or call you on your phone. I ask that you are free from distractions and able to speak without being overheard.
What is Outdoor Therapy?
Some clients feel more comfortable walking side by side with a therapist, rather than sitting face to face. This can also be a viable option for parents of babies in buggies, people who want to combine mental and physical health, or people who enjoy the additional therapeutic benefit of fresh air. We will agree a place to meet and walk for 50 minutes, which is both public, but discrete.
My affectionate Golden Retriever is a free of charge optional extra.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Finding a therapist who you who can quickly trust and feel at ease with is crucial to the success of your therapy. I have had experience of working with many different people over many years, in many settings and environments. Please read my profile to see if I might be right for you, and then connect with me, for an initial 15 minute free consultation, with no obligation. If we decide to work together, I ask for the first session to be paid in advance, but beyond that there is no obligation to commit further unless you want to.
How do I know that therapy will be confidential?
Therapy is confidential. I am bound by the professional standards and ethics of the BACP. As a result, the only reasons that I would need to break confidentiality would be if there was serious safeguarding issues, risk to life, disclosure of acts of terrorism, drug trafficking, or money laundering. I would always discuss this with you first.
To ensure that I am working ethically and in your best interests, I have a supervisor, with whom I discuss my clients. Details are anonymised.
I need immediate help. Where can I turn?
For help in a crisis please call;
NHS 999 or 111
Samaritans 116 123
First Response 0800 952 1181
Do you offer reduced fees for those on a low income?
Therapy should be available to all. Rather than offer concessionary rates, I volunteer 20% of my clinical hours at a community counselling service.
What is the Rewind Technique?
The Rewind Technique is an internationally recognised treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many clients report feeling more in control of their symptoms after just a couple of sessions. Please ask if you would like to find out more about this, or go to www.iartt.com for more information.
How do I know that therapy will help?
The act of speaking and being heard and understood, both by another, and by ourselves is in itself an intensely healing process. Clients may experience a few ups and downs along the way, but we will walk one step at a time, and I will be there for you to support and encourage you to do what you need to do, both inside and outside of the session.