How do I know if therapy is right for me?

​

You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people come to therapy because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious or emotionally exhausted. Others are adjusting to a long-term health condition, coping with persistent pain, experiencing significant life changes or simply wanting to understand themselves better. If something is affecting your quality of life, relationships or well-being, therapy may be able to help. If you're unsure, I offer a free 20-minute introductory consultation where we can discuss your situation and whether I'm the right psychologist for you.

​

Do I need a diagnosis before starting therapy?

​

No. Many people contact me before they have a formal diagnosis or while they're waiting for medical investigations. Therapy focuses on your experiences and how they're affecting your life, rather than simply on a diagnosis.

​

What happens during the first appointment?

​

We begin with a free 20-minute introductory consultation by Zoom or telephone. If we decide to work together, we'll arrange a comprehensive assessment where we'll explore your experiences, understand what's been happening and discuss your goals for therapy. There is no pressure to share everything in one session. Therapy develops at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

 

What if I've never had therapy before?

 

That's completely okay. Many of my clients have never spoken to a psychologist before and often feel nervous about what to expect. You don't need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say. My role is to guide the conversation and help you feel comfortable. Therapy is simply a conversation in a safe, confidential and supportive space.

​

What if I become upset during therapy?

 

It's completely natural to experience strong emotions during therapy. You won't be judged for crying, needing time to think or finding certain topics difficult to talk about. We will work together at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.

​

What approaches do you use?

 

I use an integrative, evidence-based approach, tailoring therapy to each individual. This may include:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

• Mindfulness

• Cognitive Behavioural approaches

• Motivational Interviewing

Rather than following a rigid programme, I select the approaches most likely to benefit you and your goals.

​

Is online therapy effective?

 

Yes. Research consistently shows that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy for many people. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of attending sessions from home, particularly if they have health conditions, busy work schedules or caring responsibilities.

​

What do I need for online therapy?

 

You'll need:

• A reliable internet connection

• A quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted

• A laptop, tablet or smartphone with a camera and microphone.

Sessions are delivered securely via Zoom, and joining is as simple as clicking the link sent to you before your appointment.

​

How many therapy sessions will I need?

 

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Some people benefit from a small number of focused sessions, while others prefer longer-term therapy to explore more complex or long-standing difficulties. Following your assessment, we'll discuss your goals and agree on a plan together. We will review your progress regularly throughout therapy.

 

How much does therapy cost?

 

• Free 20-minute introductory consultation

• £115 per 50-minute individual therapy session

If you're interested in one of my structured therapy programmes or professional services, please get in touch to discuss the most appropriate option.

​

How do I pay?

 

Payment is made by bank transfer before each appointment. Full payment details will be provided before your first session.

​

Is what I tell you confidential?

 

Yes. Everything discussed during therapy is confidential. There are a small number of legal and professional exceptions where confidentiality may need to be broken, such as if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else. If this situation ever arose, I would aim to discuss it with you wherever possible. Your personal information is managed in accordance with professional standards and UK data protection legislation.

​

Can therapy help if my physical health condition won't improve?

 

Yes. Many people worry that if their health condition can't be cured, therapy won't help. Psychological therapy isn't about suggesting that symptoms are "all in your head" or encouraging you to ignore very real physical difficulties. Instead, therapy focuses on helping you respond differently to the challenges you're facing, reduce emotional suffering, strengthen resilience and build a meaningful life alongside your health condition.

​

Can family members or carers access support?

 

Absolutely. Living alongside someone with a long-term health condition can be emotionally demanding. I offer psychological support for partners, family members and carers, providing a space to explore your own experiences while developing practical ways of looking after your well-being.

​

How do I know if you're the right psychologist for me?

 

Finding the right therapist is important. The free introductory consultation gives us an opportunity to get to know each other, discuss what you're looking for and decide whether working together feels like the right fit. There is no obligation to continue after this conversation.

​

How do I book an appointment?

 

Simply get in touch using the contact form on my website or by email. I'll respond as soon as possible to arrange your free introductory consultation and answer any questions you may have.