Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer concession rates?

Yes, I hold limited spaces at a reduced rate. Please contact me to discuss your individual case and availability. If I don't have a space available at the time of your enquiry, I will offer you a spot on my waiting list.

How long does each therapy session take?

A standard therapy session with me will last 50 minutes (a therapeutic hour) and usually takes place once a week. If there is a need for longer sessions, this can be arranged.

How many sessions do I need?

This is very individual and depends on what issues you come with and what you would like to achieve within therapy. Research suggests that effective therapeutic work and change can be done with as little as 6 sessions. For some people even 1-2 sessions can be enough. Other clients will need or benefit from therapy that lasts several months or even years. Usually, therapy takes place once a week. I offer both short-term and long-term therapy.

For couples counselling a rough guideline is between 3 months to 1 year but can vary depending on the couple. Some couples will only need a few sessions and some return for a "refresher" after having done the core work.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes, there is a cancellation and refund policy.
I operate on a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel an appointment over 24-hours in advance, I will not charge you for the missed session. If you cancel after that, or if you don't attend, you will still need to pay for the appointment as I have committed the time.
I recognise that emergencies happen, and if this is the case then I will consider waiving or reducing the cancellation fee.

How do I choose the right therapist or coach?

This is a really important question. I encourage you not to settle for the first best therapist or coach you come across, if it does not feel right. As I believe that the relationship between client and therapist/coach is incredibly important to the success of the therapy, it is vital that it feels right for you. I recommend to make sure that any therapist or coach you see has insurance, holds adequate qualifications and is ideally a registered or accredited member of a recognised membership body adhering to an ethical framework. For therapist you can visit the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) website to find registered and recognised membership bodies like BACP, NCS and UKCP. For coaching I invite you to choose a coach that has been trained and accredited through the EMCC, ICF or AfC. These membership bodies oversee that the practitioners work ethically and are trained and work to the highest standard.
Most therapists and coaches will offer a free consultation where you can test the waters and determine if they are the right fit for you.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

This is a grey area in the UK. While in other countries these are clearly separated, there is a definite overlap in both training and practice in Britain.
Some claim counselling is more short-term and focuses on current issues, while psychotherapy is more long-term work and looks at a deeper level analysing the clients development and relationships to others and the world.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy offers the following definition: “Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change and/or enhance their wellbeing”.

What is the difference between counselling and coaching?

Counselling focuses more on the internal world of the client and the exploration of emotions and thoughts. Common themes for counselling are grief, trauma, anxiety, depression and any other difficulties we face in life.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy offers the following definition:
"Coaching is about change and action. The core purpose of coaching is to increase self-awareness, to make choices explicit, and to close the gap between potential and how things are currently. While counselling is reparative in nature, coaching has a developmental focus. We look at how the ‘there and then’ may be impacting on the ‘here and now’, but it is not primarily focused on understanding the past or overcoming traumatic events."