FAQ's
- What happens in a first session
In our first session, we’ll explore what’s currently going on in your life and what has led you to consider Therapy. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance, however, it can be helpful to reflect on any goals or expectations you have for therapy and bring these into the conversation. It’s ok to have a list of things you want to cover. We might not cover it all in one session, but structure can help organise your thoughts. And if your unsure where to begin, that's ok also. Simply creating the space often allows things to surface naturally.
It is typical to talk about your history early on. Our early experiences, particularly those in childhood often shape how we relate to ourselves and others in adulthood. We learn a great deal both consciously & unconsciously from our caregivers. More often, childhood is characterised by having limited choices. Many of the way we react to situations or challenges we face currently can be traced back to ways we adapted in the past. Understanding these patterns can be an important part of the work. You may find it helpful to clear some time around your session to decompress. Therapy can bring up emotions or new insights, and even 30 minutes afterwards can give you space to process what came up. This first session is also an opportunity for you to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me. We can discuss how sessions might look going forward. Please feel free to ask questions. If something isn’t working for you, please do name it & let me know!
A lot of meaningful work happens outside of the therapy room. Journaling after sessions is a good way to get the most out of therapy. It can be helpful to take notes after the session; maybe write a brief summary of what we discussed, note anything that felt difficult or hard to talk about , insights you want to remember or jot down topics you forgot to bring up or would like to revisit next time.
- How do I know which Therapist is right for me
The most important part of choosing a therapist is finding someone you feel comfortable talking to. It’s completely normal for it to feel a bit strange at first and opening up to someone new can take time. What matters is that you feel you could be open with me, when you're ready, as that sense of trust will help you get the most out of therapy.
Therapy is always at your pace. You should never feel pressured to talk about something you're not ready to share.
Starting therapy isn’t a lifelong commitment. Try not to put lots of pressure on it to go perfectly, if it doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s ok. It’s completely fine (and encouraged!) to try a few different therapists. You don't have to stick with the first therapist you meet. A big part of what makes therapy effective is the relationship, so it’s worth taking the time to find someone who feels right for you.
That being said, there may be times that you will not like your therapist. Even the best therapist may annoy you! Therapists will tell you things you don’t want to hear and challenge you to identify and reflect upon shadow parts of yourself. There is a difference between not liking your therapist and not liking the things they’re saying!
- How long are sessions
All one-to-one therapy sessions last 50 minutes. EMDR sessions are often longer, typically around 70 minutes to allow enough time for the process.
Couples therapy sessions usually run for 50 minutes, but can be extended to 90 minutes if you feel that would be more helpful.
- Can online therapy be as effective as face-to-face therapy, and what are the benefits?
Yes — research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as traditional face-to-face sessions.
Online therapy offers the same real-time interaction and visual cues as in-person work, which helps build a strong therapeutic relationship. It can be especially helpful for those dealing with anxiety, mobility issues, or even just having a difficult day, sometimes being in your own space can make it easier to open up and reduce the pressure that can come with in-person contact.
There are also practical benefits:
• Greater flexibility with scheduling
• Reduced travel time and costs
• Shorter wait times for appointments
These factors can make it easier for many people to attend regularly and get the support they need.
- What is the difference in modality of therapists?
While therapy in general focuses on helping individuals with emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges, there are different modalities or approaches that therapists may use, each with its own focus and style.
Many Counsellors often work with clients on specific issues, offering support or practical strategies to address immediate concerns. This work tends to be shorter-term and goal-oriented.
Psychotherapists, typically undertake more in-depth training and draw on a broader range of therapeutic approaches. Psychotherapy often involves exploring deeper patterns, past experiences & long-standing emotional difficulties. It tends to be longer-term and is aimed at fostering personal growth, self-awareness & lasting change. That said, Psychotherapy can also be adapted for short-term work when appropriate.
I work using an Integrative Psychotherapeutic approach, which means I draw from a range of therapeutic theories and methods to suit each individual client. Alongside deeper Psychotherapeutic exploration, including early experiences and unconscious processes, as well as Integrative techniques to address current patterns in thinking and behaviour
This holistic approach allows us to work flexibly & collaboratively in a way that supports your specific needs and goals. Therapy is also a space to practice for real life. It can be an opportunity to try out more challenging forms of communication, such as advocating for yourself, having difficult conversations or allowing yourself to be vulnerable. You might practice asserting yourself, setting boundaries, expressing your needs, ending a relationship, asking for a raise, admitting mistakes or voicing anger. It is important to acknowledge that therapy is not always comfortable. Exploring experiences or emotions that have been buried for a long time can feel difficult & sometimes things may feel more intense before they begin to settle. Growth often requires moving through discomfort. With commitment to the process, the work can lead to greater clarity, resilience & lasting change.
- How many sessions will I need?
This really depends on what you’re hoping to get out of therapy and any goals you’ve set for yourself. There’s no minimum or maximum number of sessions, it’s a flexible process that’s tailored to your needs.
I usually recommend we begin with three sessions to get a feel for how things are going. From there, we can review together and decide on the best path forward. Some people come to focus on a specific issue and find short-term work is enough, while others may prefer longer-term therapy to explore multiple concerns or deeper, more complex issues.
- Short-Term Therapy
If you’re working through a specific challenge, you might find six sessions helpful. Some clients continue for a bit longer, depending on the level of support they need in the short term. - Long-Term Therapy
If you’re looking to explore deeper or more longstanding patterns, open-ended weekly can offer the space and time needed for reflection, growth, and meaningful change.
We’ll regularly review how things are progressing to make sure the therapy continues to meet your needs.
- How often will we meet for Therapy?
Session frequency is something we’ll agree on together, based on your needs and what feels manageable for you.
I usually recommend weekly sessions, especially for the first six weeks. This consistency helps build momentum and allows us to establish trust and connection early on. After that, we’ll review your progress and decide whether to continue weekly, reduce the frequency, or begin working toward an ending.
While fortnightly (bi-weekly) sessions are possible, it can be more challenging to build a strong therapeutic relationship at the beginning with less frequent contact.
Weekly therapy offers a sense of "therapeutic holding" — a secure, consistent space that fosters emotional safety, trust, and openness. This supportive environment helps the brain and body feel safe enough to begin processing, healing, and growing.
- When Psychotherapy ends, can I come back in the future if I need to?
Yes, absolutely. You’re always welcome to return to therapy at any point in the future, whether you're facing a new challenge or need support with something ongoing.
Many people find it helpful to take breaks and come back when they feel the time is right. Therapy is here when you need it, there’s no door that closes.
- How do I book and pay for an appointment?
To book a session, simply get in touch with me to check availability and confirm a time.
Payment is required in advance by bank transfer to secure your appointment. Full payment details will be provided when I confirm your booking.
If you have any questions or need help with scheduling, feel free to reach out.
- Do you offer sliding scale Therapy or Concessions?
I believe mental health support should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why I strive to make therapy as affordable as possible.
If you’re interested in starting therapy but have concerns about the cost, please get in touch. We can discuss your situation and explore available options together.
A limited number of concessionary places are available for students, those facing financial hardship or on a low income.
- What are your available hours?
I offer therapy sessions Monday to Friday during daytime hours, with limited evening availability as well.
For specific session times or to make a booking enquiry, please contact me via email.
- What if I have more questions?
If you have any other questions, please visit the Contact page to get in touch. I’m happy to help!
Please allow up to 48 hours for an email response.
