What happens in a therapy session?
Therapy offers a time for you to explore whatever your concerns are which vary from person to person and from goal to goal. You are free to discuss and explore what you like, from everyday events to issues from the past, dilemmas, relationships, feelings, thoughts, memories and dreams within a safe and non judgmental environment.
How do you work?
I have studied a number of theoretical approaches over the years and have been trained as an Integrative Psychotherapist, meaning that as we are all so unique, I am able to adapt my vast knowledge and work with different people supported by different techniques dependant upon their needs.
Are you an accredited Psychotherapist?
Yes I am a full clinical accredited member of the UKCP.
"UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) membership is the hallmark for high standards of training, professional and ethical practice."
How do I start with counselling?
A first consultation allows for us to introduce ourselves and will last for up to 50 minutes. Within this time we will explore what has brought you to counselling, your past life experiences and also your hopes for the future regarding this therapy. There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about therapy. It is also the perfect opportunity for us to decide if I am the right person to help you at this stage in your life. I would hope we could work together, but if for any reason you or I feel that I am not the right person for you, you are not obliged to return. If happy we will look to work together at a regular mutually convenient time and day, where each session will last for 50 mins.
How long should I have therapy for?
I work with clients within short, medium and long term time scales. Therapy can last for weeks, months and even years and you are not limited in the number of sessions you can have. The number of sessions really depends upon you.
Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, for the majority, the contents of our sessions are confidential and are in accordance with the UKCP’s Ethical Framework. However in extreme cases, such as risk to human life or a child's safety, or disclosure of acts of terrorism (1989) or drug trafficking I would be lawfully obliged to break confidentiality and make contact with third parties should such information be disclosed to me.
What types of issues do you work with?
I have worked with many individuals over the year and each and every one of them has held their own story, with their experiencing of their life being unique to themselves. However, as a part of our shared humanity, many of those stories have included some topical similarities which are termed as 'issues'.
Some of the topics that I have worked with alongside my clients in the therapy room have been their difficulties in romantic, family, or work related relationships, student life, bereavement, health issues, stress, separation and divorce, anger issues, difficulties around sexuality, low self esteem, anxiety, depression, self harm, panic attacks and eating disorders. I have worked along side people coming to terms with difficulties from their childhoods, abuse, people struggling with their identity, pregnancy, miscarriage, and abortion as well as addictions, cultural difficulties, bi-polar, age related and spiritual exploration to name but a few. Alongside this I have also worked with individuals that are seeking to enhance their self-awareness.
How much does a session cost?
Initial session appointment 50 minute: £75
Ongoing weekly 50 minute session: £75
Private health insurance: £90 per session
Can I book my appointments through my health insurance?
Yes, I am registered with WPA, AVIVA, CIGNA & AXA
How does it Work?
Contact your insurer and check if your policy covers you for psychotherapy sessions.
If it does, check whether you can book directly with me.
Please also ask your insurer the number of sessions that will be covered.
Once your insurer has agreed cover please contact me and with your policy number and authorization code.
(Note that unfortunately I do not accept Vitality, SimplyHealth or Aetna claims, due to their fee caps and restrictions.)
“My friend...care for your psyche...know thyself, for once we know ourselves, we may learn how to care for ourselves" Socrates