Frequently asked questions

1. I have had a negative experience of therapy in the past where the practitioner didn't seem equipped to deal with my problems- how do I know it won't be the same again?

If you have had therapy before and did not find it helpful, please tell me about this in your consultation so that I can understand you better. Finding the right therapist can be difficult and is a deeply personal choice. I am a fully qualified, accredited and supervised psychotherapist. I practice by the guidelines set by the BACP Code of ethics and practice.

2. What should I expect in terms of length of treatment?

This is variable depending on you and your issues. Some people will only want a time limited therapy of 10 or fewer sessions, whereas others will benefit more from a long-term engagement with therapy of a year of more. This will be discussed in detail at your first full session.

3. How long will it take before I feel better?

This very much depends on the nature of your concerns: whether you have had any previous therapy, how we work together as well as what is happening in the rest of your life including what support you have. We will review this as the therapy goes along. Some people feel better after a few sessions and for other people, it can take a lot longer.

4. What if I need to take a break - do I still have to pay?

Your sessions will be weekly (or very occasionally twice weekly) and you are expected to pay for each week. If you need time off for something such a holiday or illness, then we will discuss and agree on dates. For longer or open ended therapy, breaks are normally as follows:

Christmas 1 week, Feb half term - 1 week, Easter 1 week, May half term - 1 week, Summer - July 16th to end of August. October half term-1 week. During this time, I can offer some telephone emergency appointments if needed.

5. What if you cancel?

In the unlikely event that I cancel, you will of course, not be billed. I will also see if we can arrange an alternative time, if you wish.

6. When do I settle up?

Clients are billed at the end of each month and can pay by transfer. I currently have no more concessional places.

7. Can I bring my partner if I am having relationship problems?

I don’t work with couples, but naturally if you are having relationship problems, this will be part of our work. If it appears that you would benefit more from couple therapy, we would talk about this and I could recommend you start couple therapy as well or instead, although this would be entirely up to you.

8. Can I have therapy if I am taking anti-depressants and other medications for mental health issues?

Absolutely. Working with people who are on long or short term medication is not a problem. It is helpful to know if and what you are taking so that it can form part of the overall picture. There are no taboos in my practice. If you have a long term mental health diagnosis treated by a psychiatrist or GP, I would usually ask for their contact details so that I can form part of your overall care plan. (Also see FAQ on confidentiality)

9. Are the sessions fully confidential?

Confidentiality is maintained unless I consider that you are at serious risk either to yourself or to someone else, in which case I would be ethically obliged to contact a doctor or next of kin.

10. What makes you think you can help me?

I believe in psychotherapy’s ability to change peoples’ lives providing you invest in the process and are patient. However, I cannot guarantee that I am the right therapist for you, so if I don't think I am, then I will be honest with you and refer you elsewhere.  If we do work together, I will be committed to working with you for change and improvement. I will try to understand you and help you to understand yourself, supporting you throughout.