Booking
To start out on your journey with me, please contact me for a chat. This will allow us to get to know each other and give you the opportunity to decide whether you'd like to work with me. After talking, if you wish to take it further, we can arrange a schedule for sessions that suits you, at the location that is most convenient for you.
A session lasts 50 minutes and costs £75 for individuals and £95 for couples. I offer a limited number of places at a reduced rate for those who struggle to afford the normal cost. I'll consider concessions on a case-by-case basis.
Below, I'll answer some common questions you might have about therapy and working with me.
Common questions & answers
Q: How long will sessions last?
A: Sessions will last for 50 minutes and will usually occur on a weekly basis.
Q: Why 50 minutes?
A: 50 minutes is a standard duration in the counselling world (sometimes termed a "counselling hour"). At least ten minutes after we part ways are spent making notes on the session and other housekeeping activities that create a fluent therapeutic relationship.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Without talking to you as an individual or couple, it's impossible to say. The number of sessions required varies enormously. Typically, clients initially commit to 6 sessions, though this is optional. It's just to create for you a sense of clarity, comfort, routine, and commitment to improving yourself and/or your relationship — there's no commitment to actually pay for more than one session in advance. After the initial schedule is up, we'll have a joint review to assess your progress and whether you feel that further sessions would be beneficial.
The way I work is to find psychotherapeutic modalities, techniques, and practices that will help you as effectively and efficiently as possible, without needlessly extending or compromising the quality of the process. Realistically, many of my clients begin to improve almost immediately, and some feel ready to leave therapy in a matter of weeks. But I can't make any guarantees (nobody can), especially without talking to you. Certain clients may need longer term psychotherapy: this can be discussed at the initial assessment and at any time thereafter.
Q: Does psychotherapy go on forever? Can it?
A: I'm familiar with this misconception about therapy: that it'll be a many-year or even lifetime endeavour. Complex conditions and cases may indeed require long-term therapy on the order of years, but these cases are not the rule. The misconception of therapy as a lifetime undertaking probably stems from pop culture, with the kind of frequently unscrupulous psychodynamic therapists you may see in fictional TV shows (particularly portrayals of cynical American psychiatrists charging $400 per session). Psychodynamic approaches have their place in any holistic therapist's toolbox but often do require a long commitment when used. I prioritise other tools that can help you to start feeling better ASAP. I hope you'll never feel that I'm going too fast or too slow for you, and that you'll feel free to express such concerns if you have them!
Q: How much will each session cost? How will I pay?
A: Sessions will cost £75 (£95 for couples due to the enhanced complexity and training). I accept payment via Paypal, cash, and bank transfer. Payment for your first session will be payable 48 hours in advance (unless using cash). I have some limited availability at a reduced rate. If you find you are struggling to afford the normal session cost, please contact me to discuss a reduction in rate. After the initial session, all subsequent sessions can be paid for by either making a Paypal or bank transfer before your session (at least 24-48 hours preferred) or with cash at the commencement of each session.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Please notify me within 48 hours of your appointment to avoid the cancellation charge, which will be the full session fee. If I have to cancel your session due to illness or an emergency, your full fee for that session will be refunded.
Q: Do you offer a free consultation?
A: I don't offer a free face to face session. I do regularly conduct free phone consultations, lasting up to about 20 minutes, in order to ensure that we're right for each other and not wasting each other's time.
Q: Where are your offices located?
A: Please check my location page.
Q: Do you offer an alternative to visiting your offices?
A: I offer therapy sessions by Skype, Zoom, or regular phone call (other teleconferencing options are available if you have a reasonable preference for something else). I can also offer home visits for the elderly or disabled who are unable to get to my offices.
Q: Are you fully qualified and insured?
A: I am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Reg. No. 00839987), and I am fully insured by the Towergate Insurance Company.