FAQ
Do I need a referral?
No. You are welcome to contact me directly to arrange an appointment. Some health insurance providers may require a GP or consultant referral for reimbursement, so it is worth checking your individual policy in advance.
What happens at the first appointment?
Our first meeting is an opportunity to begin understanding what has brought you for assessment and/or therapy and what you hope to gain from it.
We’ll explore your current concerns, relevant life experiences, and any questions you may have about the process.
Together, we’ll consider whether my approach feels like the right fit and discuss possible next steps.
How many therapy sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people come for short-term, goal-focused therapy, while others benefit from longer-term work to explore more longstanding patterns and experiences.
We will likely start with 6 sessions, and then regularly review therapy progress together to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
Do you offer online appointments?
Yes. Assessments and therapy are available both in person and online using a secure video platform.
Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many psychological difficulties, and some people appreciate the additional flexibility it offers.
What difficulties do you work with?
I work with older teens (16+) and adults experiencing a broad range of psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress and burnout, relationship difficulties, emotional regulation difficulties, psychosis, personality difficulties, and challenges relating to navigating life with neurodiversity.
Please feel free to get in touch and I will be happy to advise on whether my service might be suitable for your needs.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
People seek therapy for many different reasons. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from psychological therapy.
Some people come with a specific difficulty they would like to address, while others want to better understand themselves, make sense of their experiences, or navigate a period of change. If you have any questions about assessment or therapy, please get in touch. I’m happy to answer any questions before you book an appointment.
Do I need a diagnosis?
No. Many people benefit from therapy without ever receiving a diagnosis. My approach begins with understanding your experiences rather than focusing solely on diagnostic labels.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in therapy is treated confidentially. There are, however, a small number of circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken, such as where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else, or where disclosure is required by law.
If this ever became necessary, I would discuss it with you wherever possible. Confidentiality and its limits will be explained in more detail before therapy begins.
Can I use my health insurance?
Many health insurers provide cover for psychological therapy and assessments. As policies vary, I recommend contacting your insurer directly to confirm your level of cover before your first appointment.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication. If medication may be helpful, we can discuss this together and, where appropriate, I can liaise with your GP or psychiatrist with your consent.