What is Therapy?

Being curious about change is an important first step, so well done for getting this far. You do not have to commit to a certain number of sessions and coming to an initial session does not mean you have to continue. The most effective part of any therapy is the relationship formed between therapist and client, therefore that is the most important thing for you to get a sense of in the first few sessions. 

I work collaboratively with my clients at every step of the way, to ensure that you are the one in charge of your change and what that looks like.

My work focusses not just on managing current difficulties but on learning to gain a different perspective on life's challenges to allow for improvements in other areas as well as those targeted. we will monitor progress and track change so that you get a sense of how the sessions are going.

Whilst this depends on the difficulties that you are experiencing, the therapies I specialise in are time-limited. This means we decide on goals of therapy together and work towards those with an idea of how many sessions that will take, established at the initial session. That way you know where you stand the whole way through the process. We review regularly to ensure we are being effective. 8-12 sessions is common. You are of course free to end therapy at any time. 

Session arrangements can be flexible to suit your particular circumstances and may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly for example.

I offer both online and in person sessions and so this is purely personal preference. There is evidence to show the efficacy of online therapy as equitable to in-person therapy and it means that you can access the right therapist for you even if not close geographically. As therapy is an interpersonal interaction, I do fine that at least a couple of in-person sessions can be helpful if possible and these can be combined with online. 

Coming to an initial session does not mean you have to commit to therapy. It is an opportunity to discuss an issue you may have been struggling with or wondering about and your hopes and expectations. We can then think together about what the therapy would target and look like.  Please do get in touch with any questions as the most important thing is that the therapist and client form a therapeutic relationship, as that is the grounds for for the change that can take place. 

There may be some questionnaires to fill out to get a sense of where you are on scales which can help us to track your progress throu gh the therapy.

Appointments can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before the booked appointment time. This allows for someone else to be offered that slot. 

Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice incur 50% charge of the appointment fee. 

Yes, my ethical code of practise ensures that sessions are completely confidential. The exception to this is if there is a risk of your causing yourself or someone else harm. This would be discussed with you in person if there was any concern. 

Your notes are stored in a locked filing cabinet in a locked office or on an encrypted file. No one else other than your therapist has access to these notes.

If you are paying for therapy sessions yourself, the standard fee for either an initial consultation or therapy session is £140.

Please make the payment before the initial consultation.Payment can be made via bank transfer or payment link.

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Registered with most major insurance providers, including Aviva, AXA, WPA, Cigna and other insurers, I am not currently taking BUPA clients.

The world of therapy is a minefield of different terms. Clinical psychology is a protected term for those who have completed a doctorate level degree in both therapy and clinical research. Therefore we are highly trained to deliver evidence-based treatments for a range of presenting difficulties.

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Psychologists are different to psychiatrists who have undergone medical training and therefore are medical doctors rather than holding doctorate level in therapy. They are qualified to prescribe psychiatric medication and may have done further training in a therapy.

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Clinical Psychologists are different to counselling psychologists and counsellors. These are separate qualifications with different levels of experience.