FAQs

Who do I see?

I work with adults (over 18) on a one-to-one basis.

What days/hours are available?

I work Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 5pm. 

How do I get started?

The first step is to phone or email me to see what vacancies I have, and to let me know something of the difficulties you are experiencing and that are prompting you to seek a therapist.  If I think I can be of help, we will arrange an initial meeting for us both to decide whether it is appropriate to arrange regular sessions.

What happens in the initial meeting?

We will discuss the issues that have brought you to seek therapy, and you may have questions about how we would work together. Sometimes it is useful to have a second meeting before deciding.  If I think that another therapist would be more suitable for you, or if you think I am not the right person for you to be working with, I will try to help you find someone more suitable. These meetings will last 50 minutes, as do ongoing sessions.

What happens in ongoing sessions?

We will meet at the same time each week, usually once a week, but sometimes more frequent sessions are preferable.  A client will talk about whatever is on their mind and I will listen attentively, commenting where I feel it is appropriate. You will be encouraged to bring any dreams you remember (although some people do not usually remember their dreams), and to let me know any thoughts or feelings that arise during the session.  Sometimes this process can be painful, as distressing feelings may come up, but working through this with your therapist helps with healing and change. 

How long will it take?

This is very individual, but I usually work on an open-ended basis, where people come for as long as they want to continue, and as long as we both feel it is useful.  I can also work to a fixed number of sessions if that is preferred or is required.  Some people find that a few weeks is all they want, while others may come for months or years.

How does therapy end?

It is always a good idea to plan an ending, usually at least a month ahead, but this will depend on the length of time you have been coming, and we can discuss this when you start to think about ending.  Issues often arise around endings which it is useful to explore.  Of course it is ultimately your choice when and how you end.

Is it confidential?

The work we do together is confidential, unless I have good grounds for believing there is a high risk of serious harm either to yourself or to others, or if I am required by law to break confidentiality.  Even in such rare cases, I will, if possible, talk to you about my concerns before taking any action.

How much does it cost?

I charge £50 per session, although I can discuss a lower fee for those on a low income or students supporting themselves.   I will charge for all sessions, whether attended or not, in order that I can keep a space for you which will not be used by anyone else.  If you cannot attend at your usual time for unavoidable reasons, I keep some spaces so that I can offer you an alternative time that week, but I cannot guarantee this.  I will invoice you at the end of each month, except for the initial meeting(s) when I will invoice you at the end of the session.  

What if I feel nervous about beginning therapy?

Most people will feel somewhat apprehensive about talking to a stranger about very personal matters, but psychotherapists and counsellors understand this and are trained to work alongside their clients to help them to feel safe, accepted and understood.