FAQ’S 

What is therapy? 

The term therapy is often used when talking about a wide range of services: counselling, CBT, psychotherapy, relationship/couples counselling. All have the common aim to make things better through talking and other techniques. 

 I work during the day do you have evening or weekend appointments? 

 I work Tuesday and Thursdays from 10am am till 8.30 pm and Friday and some Saturday mornings. 

 What will my first session be like? 

 Your initial session provides the opportunity for you to tell me a little bit more about your situation and we can agree a way that we might work together.  Just arrive for your appointment and we'll take it from there. In the session, I will initially ask you to fill in a few forms and then I will ask you a few questions about yourself and tell you a bit more about how we might work and what might be best for you. You will be surprised how quickly time flies in the initial session. 

 I find it difficult talking about things 

 Many people worry about 'clamming up' when they first come for counselling. However, in reality it rarely happens. Everyone is different I will try and find a way of doing things that feels OK for you. 

Do I need to prepare for my first session? 

 Some people find it helpful to bring a note of the things they want to talk about, but there really is no need to do any formal preparation. 

 Confidentiality? 

Everything you tell me in your sessions is confidential and will not be passed on to anyone without your permission, including your GP (except in a few extreme risk situations which we will speak to you about in the initial session).  

What happens in a counselling session? 

There is no typical counselling session.  Counsellors are highly trained in listening and reflecting, and providing a safe environment in which to explore your issues. With most types of therapy you are free to discuss what you wish, from everyday events, dilemmas, feelings, and thoughts, to regrets, aspirations, memories and dreams. 

Other, shorter-term forms of therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be more structured and provide practical exercises to help you understand your thoughts and actions.  

What days times are available? 

I work on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Friday and some Saturday mornings. 

For couples therapy do we have to come together? 

 Ideally you will attend most sessions together as a couple (there are individual sessions during the intake process). In instances where one of you is unable to attend, most therapists will see the person who can attend. The issues that arise in this individual session will then be shared at the next session when both partners are present. 

Is there parking near by? 

 Right outside the door. 

How long do we see each other? 

I work in an open-ended way. This means that you come and see me for a period of time and we end when you feel ready. That period of time can be weeks, months, or longer. We take things at your pace. You can have as much therapy as you want. 

How much are the sessions and how do I pay? 

Individual sessions are £50 per hour, Couples £60 and Psychosexual sessions £50. You can pay either by cash at the session or a bank transfer before the session. 

Can we work online?

Absolutely. I use Zoom for my online client work. You will just need to have Zoom downloaded, (I can send you instructions) and then I send out an invite with a link. Online therapy works very well and many clients prefer this way of working. I have done some online training and feel very confident of its efficacy, please ask me if you have any questions about online therapy.