FAQ's
Do I accept private insurance?
Yes, as a registered provider for WPA, Aetna Global Benefits, and Vitality Insurance companies, all I would need from you is your claim number and your insurance membership ID. I will deal with the invoicing aspects directly with your insurance company, on your behalf.
What is online therapy and how does online therapy work?
Online therapy is conducted through an online video platform or via phone. It allows unprecident access and convienience to clients. Online therapy is quickly becoming an important resource for a growing number of people, especially during the current pandemic. Online therapy also allows you choice and an ability to connect with a therapist that may be an inconvenient distance away from your home or office. With an online therapist, you can have your sessions in the comfort of your home or office and at a convenient time that suits your schedule.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy is more than just dealing with past or present issues, and delves into self-exploration as well. Whatever your reason for considering counselling, you have an initial understanding that things may need to change in your life. Counselling will offer you a safe place in a non-judgemental atmosphere to help you along this journey.
How long will it take for me to feel some relief?
How long is a piece of string? Some people feel some relief as soon as they feel heard and understood by the counsellor, for others this happens when they experience shifts in their awareness, and still for others, only when practical changes are made to their lives.
How long does therapy last?
The length of therapy advised is based on the complexity of the issues you are experiencing and how long-standing they are. This is discussed together and determined on an individual basis. Evidence has shown that long-lasting change and maintenance of symptom relief is achieved through long-term psycho-therapeutic work. This may be as little as six sessions or to open-ended therapy.
How often do I need to come to therapy?
In general, it is once a week at a regular time. However, it may vary depending on the orientation of the therapy and what you are working on.
How much does a session cost?
The standard fee is £90 per session in person and £70 per session online, however I work on a sliding scale to ensure that the therapy I offer is accessible for people in different financial situations. Please see my Plans and Pricing page for more details.
How do I know if we are a good fit?
It is normal to feel anxious in the first session when you encounter a stranger who you know you are there to open up to. To help combat this, I encourage clients to ask questions. I recommend using a few sessions to sense how you feel about moving forward. I believe that the client and therapist fit is the most significant factor contributing to successful therapy of any kind.
What is confidentiality?
The information shared in therapy, stays strictly between us. However, there are limitations to confidentiality that all mental health practitioners must adhere to:
What can I expect in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to find out a bit about each other, and for you to decide if I am the right therapist for you. It is an opportunity to think about what you would like to work on in our sessions.
What is the difference between Psychotherapy and Counselling?
Short-term work is often referred to as counselling. We may have experience a crisis and need support to help us through it, or we may wish to work on one key issue, such as stress, redundancy, sexuality or relationship problems. However, this does not mean there is not space to bring whatever is important to you, to the room.
How do I find the right therapist?
This is a critical question and the answer to this is not simple as a matter of therapeutic models or qualifications, although both of these are important.