FAQs

I believe therapy helps in many ways, there is now positive evidence-based research that therapy can be helpful in so many people’s lives. We often hide our true feelings from those closest to us because of our feelings of shame, fear of judgement or being a burden on others. Being able to talk things through with a trained professional, can bring a great sense of release and relief. People are often surprised to learn that therapy isn’t about giving advice. Only you know how you feel in any given situation. I may summarise what I have understood you have been saying ensuring we both have the same understanding to enable us to make meaning and allow me to support you. It is important we create a safe non-judgemental space where you can explore, reflect and understand the difficulties in your life. The insight and awareness gained during therapy will enable a new freedom, allowing you more choices in the way you live your life. In my experience, relational therapy is a collaborative process, the more you engage with the process the more you are likely to benefit from it. Personal growth is the ultimate aim of the therapeutic relationship.

Below are some examples of personal growth outcomes that have been possible with previous clients as a result of our therapeutic process: -

• Increased awareness of the issues that led to seeking therapy
• Getting to know yourself, your own values and goals
• Noticing behaviour patterns and developing new ones
• New problem solving ability.
• Managing emotional stress such as anger, grief, depression etc.
• Developing coping strategies for anxiety and stress
• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
• Improved relationships using new communication skills

There are many different therapeutic approaches available and it can be confusing to decide which one is best suited for you. Time after time the research shows that the quality of therapeutic relationship is more important than the therapeutic modality used. Whatever the approach, they all have the same focus, facilitating positive change and improving wellbeing for you. The decision to start therapy can be a difficult one and therapy will only work when you feel ready.

I have trained as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist. This is a combined approach that brings together different strands of specific therapeutic theories. Integrative psychotherapists take the view that not one approach can treat each client in all situations. Rather, each person needs to be considered as an individual and techniques are tailored to their individual needs and personal circumstances. I believe that our childhood experiences can have an impact on how we feel about ourselves today and can influence how we relate to others and how we live in the present moment. I incorporate psychodynamic ideas into my work with clients, attachment theory as well as relational psychotherapy and place importance in our therapeutic relationship. Where appropriate, I also use meditation, grounding and awareness techniques as well as Mindfulness to support you.

We will meet at the agreed location for the initial consultation at the agreed time. This first session is 1 hour, after that sessions will be 50 minutes. During the initial consultation, you can share what brings you here, what you would like to achieve from therapy and for you to have the opportunity to ask me as many questions as you need to feel more comfortable. This first session may feel different from our ongoing sessions as these will be led by you. After the session, you can take some time to think about whether I am the right therapist for you. There is no obligation to continue after the initial consultation, you may decide you would rather work with another therapist or that the time is not quite right. Should you decide to continue working with me we can discuss how we may work together and how I can best support you. We will discuss the terms of contract in the next session, both signing to accept the terms we agree.

Please read my Terms of Therapy.

The establishment of regular sessions is important in order to facilitate, and give momentum to the therapeutic process. Many people find that regular meetings provide a sense of safety and continuity whilst they are working on their emotional difficulties.

All issues are welcome there is no scale of importance, you don't have to be in crisis to make use of therapy. The most important thing is a will and desire for growth. Simply wanting more fulfilment, improved mental wellbeing, a clearer understanding and energy for life is reason enough for committing to therapy.

Yes, our contract is strictly confidential. The only exception to this is if I’m obliged by law to do so or I believe there is a threat to your own safety or to the safety of others. If I need to disclose information for these purposes, I would discuss this with you first. My governing bodies BACP & UKCP require me to have appropriate supervision for all clients. All client details are kept anonymous during supervision. In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR), any records of sessions are confidential and held in secure and encrypted manner.

For missed sessions, I charge a full session fee, however I will always try to find alternative times to make up for a cancelled session. Holiday breaks require 4 weeks’ notice. Please read Terms of Therapy for full details provided during the first session.

In my experience, it is difficult to predict how many sessions will be required as this varies depending on the nature and aims of therapy. For some, a small number of sessions are sufficient, however a period of a year or more would be more beneficial to deal with deeper issues. I believe consistency of sessions can be helpful, so it is preferable to meet at the same time on the same day each week. Many people prefer to work in an open-ended way and to continue for as long as it feels useful or helpful, others prefer to agree a fixed number of weeks. We can discuss all options at the consultation and review them throughout the sessions.

The decision to end the therapy will always be yours. I recommend for short term work allowing 3 weeks’ notice to bring the work to a satisfactory end and in longer term work, over one year, 4-6 weeks’ notice.