How does the process work?

My work begins with a first meeting.

This allows you to discuss your needs and difficulties, see how you feel about working with me, and get a sense of what psychotherapy is like. 

During the initial assessment, we will also discuss practical arrangements (ie. fees, as well as possible regular times and days for your sessions).

After our first meeting, I usually suggest we meet for a few sessions  before deciding to engage in open-ended therapy.  This allows us to explore your request better, and to settle into the idea of open-ended therapy.

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If we feel we can work together, the regular slot(s) of your session(s) is/are yours until our arrangements change.

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Is there  fee for the first appointment?

I charge a fixed fee of £ 100 for the first meeting.

This is non-refundable, although a 24 hour policy applies if you need to reschedule the appointment.

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Is there a cancellation policy ( i.e. missed sessions ) ?

I apply a 24 hour cancellation policy to the 3 sessions following the first meeting, in case you decided to not pursue therapy.

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After the 4th meeting, all missed sessions are charged for,  as your space is reserved for your sole use and the expectation is that of a reciprocal commitment.

You can find my cancellation policy, including exceptions that might apply, here.

 

 

Is therapy in person or online?

I offer both in-person and online therapy.

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 Is it normal to have doubts about starting therapy?

Starting therapy is potentially a big decision, which might bring changes within. Even though we feel the need to change, it’s to be expected that another part of ourselves wants to resist change - humans have a predisposition to fear the unknown, especially if that involves feeling exposed and fragile.

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Will therapy make me feel worse before I feel better?

Therapy brings up conflicts, feelings, as well as painful memories.

The quiet, safe atmosphere of the therapist’s room works like a magnet pulling things to the surface.

Initially, after a session, it is not uncommon to experience extreme fatigue;  cloudy thinking; vengeful thoughts. You might feel weepy or angry, or not want to see your friends.​ 

You might also start becoming more aware of your dreams.

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How long do sessions last?

Sessions last 50 minutes and take place regularly with the frequency that we agree upon during the first few meetings.

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How many times per week should I come?

The minimum frequency is once weekly, but I also offer  twice and thrice weekly sessions.

Sometimes people start with weekly meetings and, as therapy goes on, feel they would benefit from the containment offered by an increased frequency. This usually allows for more intense work.

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Does therapy have breaks/ holidays?

Yes. Usually, we will have breaks during Christmas, Easter, Summer as well as Bank Holidays and occasionally half terms.

I will let you know the break dates with three or more weeks' notice.

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How much do sessions cost?

My fee structure is published here.

I review my fees yearly, usually in March, for changes (if any) to existing therapies to apply from the 1st April.

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How long does therapy last?

The therapy on offer is open-ended. It can be anything from a few months to several years.

Therapy can be stopped at any time if you wish to do so.

The only recommendation is an agreed period for us to work towards an ending rather than an abrupt stop. I ask for 6 weeks notice (at our usual frequency) to give us time to discuss endings, which are part of the process and as important as beginnings.

You can read my policies here

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What kind of accreditations/membership(s) do you have?

I am a practitioner psychologist and psychodynamic psychotherapist.

I am member of the following Professional Registers/ Councils, whose standards I abide by:

 

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)

• International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP)

 

 

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