Honest answers
Frequently asked questions
It is completely normal to feel uncertain or have questions when considering therapy, especially if it is your first time. If your question is not answered here, you are welcome to ask it on a free initial call.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a space to explore what is happening in your life with greater depth and understanding. You may come because of anxiety, stress, difficulties in your relationships, or simply because something no longer feels right. Rather than looking at one symptom in isolation, psychotherapy gives us space to understand what may be contributing to how you feel and what needs to change.
What happens in a psychotherapy session?
We start with what is happening for you now and what you would like help with. We talk together about what you are experiencing, and I may ask questions or notice connections that help us understand things from a different perspective. As trust develops, we can explore things in more depth when they feel relevant.
How is your approach to psychotherapy different?
I am interested in understanding you as a whole person rather than looking at one difficulty in isolation. We may explore your life now, your relationships, how you see yourself, experiences that shaped you, and how emotions and stress are felt in your body.
Can psychotherapy help with anxiety?
Yes. We can look at when anxiety appears, what intensifies it and what may be happening underneath it. Understanding anxiety in the context of your life can create more choice in how you respond and help it take up less space over time.
How is this different from CBT?
CBT usually works with thoughts and behaviours in the present, often over a set number of sessions, and helps many people. My work goes more slowly and more deeply, towards the feelings and early experiences underneath. Neither is better in general; it depends on what you are looking for.
I already understand why I am like this. Will therapy help?
This is one of the most common things women say to me. Understanding matters, but it does not always reach the place where the feeling lives. Part of our work is moving gently from what you know into what you feel, including what your body holds.
I have had therapy before and it did not go deep enough.
That experience is worth talking about on our first call. It can help us notice what you need this time, and whether my way of working is a better fit.
Will you push me to talk about things I am not ready for?
No. If you are not ready to go somewhere, we will not go there. Defences are respected because they once kept you safe.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies from person to person. Some people come with a particular difficulty they want to work through, while others want time to explore patterns or experiences that have affected them for longer. We can discuss what you would like from therapy and review together how things are changing.
What happens on the free initial call?
The call lasts about 30 minutes. I do not book calls for the same day; we choose a time together, according to availabilities that week.
- Reach out. Book straight away in my online diary using the button below, or send me a message by email or through the contact form. Whichever feels easier.
- You will hear back from me within 24 hours, and we can arrange your call from there.
- We book your call. I will ask for your email address and phone number. Once we agree on a date and time, your call is booked in my diary and you will receive a confirmation and reminders.
On the call itself, you can tell me a little of what is happening and ask anything you need to know. There is no obligation to continue.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, across the UK, as well as in person in Basingstoke. Online sessions are held through Carepatron, the secure system I use for booking and invoicing. Read about online psychotherapy.
How much does therapy cost?
£280 a month for four weekly sessions, or £80 for a single session. See the fees page.
Can I claim through my health insurance?
I do not bill insurers directly, but I can provide invoices through Carepatron for you to claim if your policy allows.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes, within the limits set out in the BACP Ethical Framework, which I will explain on our first call. The main exception is if I believed you or someone else were at serious risk of harm.
Do I need to know what to say?
Not at all. Many women begin with "I don't really know why I'm here", and that is a perfectly good place to start.
What if I am in crisis?
I do not offer an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 and select option 2. You can call Samaritans any time on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.
Something else on your mind?
You are welcome to ask it on a free initial call.
Book a free initial call