Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from my therapy with you?

If you choose to have your therapy with me you can be assured of a high quality service. You can expect that I will pay close attention to your particular concerns and use my clinical expertise and specialist knowledge to work alongside you to help you overcome your problems as quickly as possible and in turn enhance your wellbeing and quality of life.

My aim is to provide the best quality psychological therapy for all clients and to maintain high standards of professionalism and ethical practice. I am committed to ensuring my approach is tailored to each person’s needs and preferences while being based on proven therapeutic principles and approaches that have been shown to be effective through research.

How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment, please call me on 0330 223 1743. You can also use the enquiry form on the contact page to get in touch click here

Please don’t hesitate to call me for a free and no-obligation conversation if you would like to find out more about me or the services I provide. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have or provide evidence of my qualifications and professional accreditation and memberships.

What happens at the first session?

For many clients, attending the first session can be anxiety provoking especially when they don’t know what to expect or are concerned about talking about their problems and concerns to a ‘stranger’. I am very much aware of these issues and will do my best to help you feel at ease and comfortable during our first meeting.

The first session is an opportunity for you meet with me to discuss your concerns, expectations and goals for therapy and to begin to clarify how I might be able to help you achieve them. This initial meeting may help you to decide if you would like to engage in therapy at this stage and whether or not I am the right therapist for you. So please keep in mind that attending the first session does not obligate you to make a commitment to any further sessions.

What happens if I decide to go ahead with therapy?

If, following the first session, you decide to proceed with therapy I will ask you to sign a standard ‘Therapy Agreement’ form which outlines the practical and professional arrangements that will be in place in relation to your therapy with me. This agreement ensures that you understand and are comfortable with all aspects of the service that is being offered before you enter therapy. Typical issues included in this agreement are; session fees and payment, appointment cancellation policy, confidentiality and ethical aspects of practice.

What is the frequency and length of appointments?

Typically, appointments are scheduled on a weekly basis and may be extended to fortnightly or even longer towards the end of therapy. Some clients prefer to make an arrangement to meet less frequently from the start of therapy. Follow-up appointments can also be arranged after therapy has formally ended to ensure the gains made in therapy are maintained or if a ‘top-up’ session is needed. Each appointment lasts one hour.

How many sessions will I need?

It is difficult to predict the exact number of therapy sessions that may be required until I meet with you. However, many of my clients attend between 6-8 sessions. In some instances, fewer or more sessions may be appropriate depending on the nature and severity of your difficulties. At the start of your therapy we will agree on a set number of sessions initially, and review this at regular intervals.

What happens if I miss or cancel an appointment?

I will attempt to reschedule any cancelled appointments if you are unable to attend a previously arranged appointment. Sessions may be cancelled up to 24 hours before the appointment without charge. Cancellations within 24 hours of the agreed appointment will incur a charge of 50% of the agreed fee. Non-attendancde for scheduled sessions without prior notification will be charged at the agreed full session fee.

Is it confidential?

I am an accredited member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and am bound by their professional codes of conduct regarding confidentiality and ethical practice. I will only breach your confidence if you tell me something that indicates that you may be at risk of harming yourself or others. In such instances, I will first seek to obtain your consent before I disclose information to a third party. Further information about confidentiality and ethical practice guidelines can be obtained from the BABCP at www.babcp.com.

How much will my therapy cost?

I aim to be transparent about my fees and will discuss and agree with you at the outset a set number of sessions so that you are clear about how much your therapy is likely to cost. Of couse we will keep this under review as your therapy progresses. For many people, having therapy is an important and worthwhile investment in their health and wellbeing that will have benefits long after their therapy has ended. I have a range of fees available for insurance/corporate referrals, which are availalbe on application to me. Fees for direct referral clients are paid by cash, card or cheque at the end of each session or in advance via bank transfer.

What is a BABCP Accredited CBT therapist?

The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the lead organisation for CBT in the UK and Ireland. CBT therapists who have achieved BABCP accreditation have specialist skills and knowledge. BABCP Accredited CBT therapists have undertaken training and supervised clinical practice that meets or exceeds a set of minimum standards and have demonstrated their competence to practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. For more information about the differencce between accredited CBT therapists and accredited therapists who offer CBT click here

What is an EMDR Europe Accredited practitioner?

EMDR Europe is the official professional association of National EMDR Associations. It is responsible for establishing, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of excellence and integrity in EMDR therapy practice, research and education throughout Europe. To be eligible for accreditation, practicioners must have a clinical background in mental health and have completed a recognised EMDR training. Subsequently, practitioners must complete a minimum of two years' clinical practice under the supervision of an EMDR Consultant. EMDR Europe Accredited practitioners are recognised as having met the required standards and demonstrated their competence in the practice of EMDR.