F.A.Q
Here you can find answers to some frequently asked questions. If you can’t find what you are looking for please contact me.
What is a discovery call?
This FREE 20-minute call enables you briefly to discuss what has brought you to therapy and what you want to achieve. It also enables us to see if I am the best therapist for you and to discuss any questions that have not been answered on my website. You are under no obligation to book an appointment following this meeting.
What should I expect in an initial assessment session?
During your first therapy we will discuss more fully as much as you feel able about your reasons you are seeking therapy. We will also look at your goals for therapy; that is, what you would like to see at the end of the therapy process. This will enable me to gain a better understanding of how I will support you in moving forward and how we will work together.
We will always be working at your own pace and if you feel uncertain about explaining certain things, I will respect your decision. If, at the end of the session, you feel as though you would like to continue working with me then we can arrange another appointment. Following this first session clients have frequently commented “I am glad I came to see you it is a huge weight off my shoulders, and I don’t feel alone anymore; I am so glad I contacted you”.
How long is a session and how many do I need?
Each session lasts 50 minutes. What brings you to therapy, and what you want to achieve, determines how many sessions that are appropriate for you; this is something we will discuss. The average number of sessions typically vary between 8–20 depending on your needs and goals. However, longer term therapy is also available. Therapy session are reviewed every 4-6 weeks to make sure we are on track to achieving your goals.
What if I only want one session, can you help me?
The first session enables you to explore what has brought you to therapy, what may be keeping the problem alive and what you would like to achieve in therapy. From there we devise a treatment plan for you. Unfortunately, whilst one session will give you some insight it will not lead to you achieving your end goals.
Will I improve through therapy?
Like anything in life, the more you put into therapy the more you will gain. It is important that you are curious about your mind and its workings. During our meetings I will recommend reading materials, audio books, podcasts to you. This adds to the therapy sessions you attend, and clients report that they find this very helpful.
Will my therapist judge me?
No. My aim is to offer you a therapeutic space in which you feel comfortable enough to discuss the concerns that you have brought to therapy. Sometimes, and it is quite common, people feel judged in therapy because they have always felt and been judged. However, in our open and honest discussions we will be able to explore if this applies to you.
What are the therapy fees?
Therapy fees will be discussed during your FREE introductory call with me. Fees will include note writing, session preparation and scoring of psychometric questionnaires.
I am registered with all the major health insurers please let me know if this applies to you. If this applies to you will need to pay my fees and claim them back through your insurance company. I will provide an invoice to help you with this process. Please make sure your insurance company covers you for the cost of therapy.
When and how do I pay my therapy fees?
Therapy fees become payable within 24 hours of booking your appointment, not on your appointment day, unless other arrangements have been made. This enables me to fully secure the slot we have agreed for you. Unfortunately, until I have received your payment, I am unable to guarantee that slot for you. Details of how to pay your fees are included in your letter confirming your appointment that will be sent to you following your ‘discovery call’.
Can I re-arrange the session?
I try and offer you the same time and day each week so you can plan your time ahead. Also, that we have regular commitment to your progress in therapy. I understand that circumstances change once the appointment is book. So that you do not have any unnecessary expense I ask that you provide me with 48 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel. If you later find that you can attend and the slot has been filled, I will do my best to offer you another slot in the same week. Unfortunately, if you do not give 48 hours’ notice your fee will still become payable.
If your therapy is funded by your insurance company you may, dependent upon the terms of your contract with that company, be liable for the full therapy fee. Additionally, it may reduce the number of therapy hours I can offer to you under the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. You will need to check this with them.
Can I stop therapy at any time
Yes, but I would ask that you provide me with at least two weeks’ notice. This time will enable us to close the therapy sessions safely and explore what you have gained from therapy.
If you wish to end therapy because you think it is not working, I will encourage you to talk to me about this. If, at the end of our discussion, you still wish to end the sessions I will respect your decision.
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality includes not just what you discuss in therapy but extends outside the therapy room. This means that if I see you outside, I will not acknowledge you to protect your confidentiality. If you speak to me, I will just say hello but will not talk to you about therapy.
There are exceptions to confidentiality which include if I feel you are at serious risk to yourself and/or others or you disclose that you are engaging in some criminal activity. In these circumstances I will speak with my supervisor and other appropriate professional but will also try and keep you informed. It is important though that you can speak openly in therapy. So, for example, I will not automatically break confidentiality if you have thoughts about suicide. In my clinical experience these thoughts are common. They are a way of coping with life that is challenging, and you need a space that enables you to discuss these thoughts without fear of judgement or consequence. But if you are actively suicidal and have plans in place to end your life it is likely that we, together, will need explore you getting additional support to therapy.
Will you be available in a crisis?
Because my service is not a crises service and am, unfortunately, unable to see clients who are actively suicidal. I would not be the best service for you at this time. If you feel that this applies to you, or someone you are enquiring on behalf of, I urge you to contact your doctor or, out of hours, 111. You can also ring, free of charge, the Samaritans on 116123. Please also see my resources page for more information. Resources Page
Can I arrange therapy for my partner, friend, or family member?
It is understandable that you may be concerned about another person’s wellbeing. If you wish to make a confidential enquiry on behalf of someone it is essential that you have their full consent.
If you are suggesting therapy to someone it is important that you choose a time when you are both calm and able to discuss your concerns in a private space where you will not be disturbed. Advise them that you just want to support them to feel better and leave the decision to them. However, in my experience, it is best if the person themselves reaches out to me.
If you have serious concerns about a person’s mental health, it is best to contact your doctor and/or local mental health crises team to seek further support.
Do you work with children?
I only work with adults from 18 years onwards
What are the benefits of online therapy?
Online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, but it also has a whole range of additional benefits some being:
Accessibility if you live in a rural community, do not drive, have physical limitations or leaving your home may just not feel doable.
Time is a precious commodity and meeting online can alleviate the stress of racing around the clock, particularly if you are a carer/single parent or have other responsibilities.
Privacy in that you are less likely to bump into someone you know.
Being in the comfort of your own home can sometimes make things a little easier and less daunting
Technical problems with online therapy
At times, as with all technology, there may be rare technical issues. However, that does not mean the therapy session will not proceed. I will do my best to connect with you, but it may be that we continue the session on the telephone. I would ask you that you leave your telephone near you ‘just in case’ and on silent. That way you can take a call from me if the Zoom link stops working. You can also call me on 07789 085410.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to re-arrange the session because that slot will have been reserved especially for you.
What is a Chartered Psychologist?
As a Chartered Psychologist I worked with people who experience a wide range of mental health problems. My aim is to reduce the psychological distress you are experiencing and work towards your mental well-being.
I regularly undertake training and continual professional development (CPD) in line with the requirements of my professional organisations.
Are you regulated?
Yes, by law, as a Chartered Psychologist I am regulated by the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC). I am also a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the EMDR Association UK.
Note keeping
During our meetings you will see me making brief notes; these are an aide-memoire to therapy and are strictly confidential. Whilst I discuss my clients in confidential supervision, this is a necessary and essential part of my professionalism, my supervisor will only know what brings you to therapy and what you want to achieve. My notes are stored in a secure place and are kept for a period of time in line with my professional policies. After this time the notes will be destroyed.
Can you help with other issues?
Of course, because I know that low self-worth can bring with it additional symptoms such as anxiety/depression and issues of abuse all of which I work with. Please do not hesitate to contact me though if you have other concerns not mentioned here and we can discuss if I am the best therapist for you. If I am not able to help, I will do my best to provide you with details of therapist you may be better for you.
