What kinds of issues or problems can you help with? All mental health struggles are worth exploring including depression and anxiety, relationship problems (including conflict, affairs, separation and divorce), abuse (sexual, physical or emotional), any addiction or compulsive behaviour, identity issues (including sexuality and gender), loss (including death, miscarriage and infertility), and loneliness (with or without suicidal thoughts).
Are You Professionally Certified? Yes. I am registered with both the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) whose strict codes of ethical best practice I follow. This includes attending regular sessions with a registered clinical supervisor who oversees and supports my work. As part of my continual professional development I attend a broad range training courses, workshops and conferences.
Is Your Service Confidential? Yes. Unless there is a risk of serious injury or criminal activity, all sessions are private and confidential. All records are collected and stored in line with the current data protection law. Further details can be found on the BACP and UKCP respective websites: www.bacp.co.uk and www. psychotherapy.org.uk
How much does therapy cost? Sessions cost £90 and last 50 minutes.
How many sessions will I need? It is often difficult to know how many sessions a client will need and there are many factors to take into account. This will form part of our initial discussion. Most clients opt to keep the therapy open-ended. As soon as you decide you wish to end therapy I ask that you provide me with 2 week's notice. This is so that we can bring your sessions to a safe and, where possible, satisfactory conclusion.
What happens if I miss or cancel a scheduled session? In order for to get the most out of therapy I advise clients to commit to weekly sessions (online sessions are occasionally available on a fortnightly basis). This allows me to reserve you an appointment at the same time and on the same day each week. Unless circumstances do not allow it, that slot will be yours and I will not offer it to anyone else until you decide that you no longer wish to be in therapy. Should you need to cancel a session I will do my best to offer you an alternative slot that week. This is not, however, always possible. Missed sessions are charged for at the full rate.
What about holidays? I take on average 12 weeks holiday each year. These weeks are more or less in line with the UK state school annual calendar. Your normal weekly sessions and my corresponding fees are suspended during those weeks. In addition to those weeks I allow clients to cancel 3 more sessions per calendar year (roughly one session every 4 months) without charge.
Do you offer CBT? Yes I offer a range of CBT interventions.
Do I need any prior knowledge or training to get started? Absolutely not. Whilst my approach to psychotherapy is firmly rooted in science and philosophy - no knowledge whatsoever of these subjects is required on the part of the client in order to be able to engage with and benefit from my sessions.
What do I need to do to get started? Just send me a message leaving your name, number and email address. I will get back to you as soon as possible so that we can have a brief chat if you are undecided, or simply go ahead and book your introductory consuktation.
