What to Expect and more FAQs
I’ve never had therapy before. What should I expect?
It’s normal to feel nervous or apprehensive about starting therapy. It can even feel daunting and scary especially if you haven’t spoken about your difficulties to anyone before. If you choose to start, know that it is a positive and brave step towards improving your mental well-being.
Here’s what to typically expect.
Initial Assessment:
A thorough assessment is offered as the first step to get to know you and explore your reasons for coming to therapy. I will ask about your current concerns, your background, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This can also help us see which approach fits best with your difficulties (e.g. CBT, EMDR, IPT). I will be honest with you and discuss alternative therapies that may better suit your needs. There is no commitment to continue if the suggested treatment plan does not feel right!
Building Trust:
Therapy is built on trust and confidentiality. You can expect a safe, non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. A therapist is there to listen and guide you without judgement.
Goal Setting:
Together, we will set goals based on your specific needs and challenges. Whether you want to reduce anxiety, manage stress, combat low mood, or work through relationship issues, therapy will be tailored to help you achieve these outcomes.
Active Participation:
Therapy is a collaborative process. You’ll actively participate by sharing your experiences, reflecting on your emotions, and practising new skills. Sometimes, you may be given exercises or strategies to try between sessions.
Progress Over Time:
Therapy is a journey, and progress takes time. Some sessions may feel more challenging, while others will bring relief and clarity. Over time, you’ll begin to notice positive changes in how you think, feel, and handle difficult situations.
How much are the sessions?
£110 for assessment
£110 per treatment session
Clients who have been recommended through word of mouth will receive 20% off the assessment session, just mention their name in the booking form or email.
I am also recognised by the insurance providers Aviva, WPA, AXA Health and Bupa.
Are the sessions confidential?
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Your privacy is a top priority, and everything discussed in the sessions remain confidential. Confidentiality allows for a safe, trusting environment where you can speak openly about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgement or exposure. There may be some circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken such as if there are serious concerns about the safety of you or others (including children). In these cases, this will be discussed with you first and we can agree a plan together.
How many sessions do I need?
This will depend on what we discuss together at the assessment. In some cases, you may feel you have the sufficient tools after a few sessions, and in others, it may be helpful to have up to 16-20 sessions to resolve multiple issues. As a guide, CBT and EMDR sessions offered in the NHS are typically 6-12 sessions, and IPT sessions are 12-16 sessions.
What software do I need?
Sessions will take place virtually over Google Meet. It is recommended to use Google Meet from a laptop or desktop computer where you will need an email address for me to set up the meeting, but this does not need to be a Gmail or from a Google account. You can also use a mobile device or tablet but you will need to download the Google Meet app and have a Google account (no need to have a Gmail account).
What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
Unless agreed otherwise, sessions will take place once a week at a reserved time on Friday or Monday. An attendance policy will be agreed with you through a therapy contract at the start of our sessions. If you are unable to attend an appointment, and you let me know at least 48 hours in advance, there will be no cancellation fee and therapy sessions will resume the following week (or next agreed time).
How do I pay for a session?
Payment is to be made beforehand or same day by bank transfer prior the session.
What qualifications do you have?
B.Sc. Psychology (University College London)
M.Sc. Research Methods in Psychology (University College London)
P.G. Cert. Low Intensity CBT (University College London)
P.G. Dip. Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London)
EMDR Europe Standard Accredited training (The EMDR Academy)
Interpersonal Therapy Level C (Anna Freud Centre, London)
Supervision Training (King’s College London)
I hold an up to date enhanced DBS certificate.
I am fully accredited as a CBT Therapist with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), membership no. 998024
