Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

A typical assessment will be over 2-3 sessions. The main aim of assessment is to explore your problems in depth – by understanding your current experiences, and how the problems developed over time. This provides an opportunity to explore what brought you to therapy, and crucially to understand together why problems are persisting, keeping you feeling stuck. I will ask about any problems that have not been covered in or benefited from previous therapy. I may also ask you to complete some specialised questionnaires to help me understand the problems – I will of course share and discuss with you what we learn from these. Each person’s goals for therapy are unique and we will formulate an approach best suited for you.

The length of therapy all depends on the problems and your goals – the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines provide recommendations for the number of treatment sessions for specific disorders. I work with people on a weekly basis, and later sessions can be less frequent to monitor maintained changes. I don’t want to rush the therapy process, but I also don’t want to keep you in therapy for longer than you need or want.  I can provide you with a more precise answer once I understand your personal history and reasons for wanting to talk.

There are many forms of therapy available, yet only a small proportion are backed by strong scientific research. ‘Evidence-based’ therapies have been proven to be effective in reducing symptoms during rigorous research trials. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is probably the best example – please see the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for disorder specific guidelines. I offer a range of evidence-based therapies and integrate the best available published evidence to guide therapy, with a genuine and warm therapeutic relationship.

Yes, I don’t work with: addictions, personality disorders, feeling suicidal, self-harm, or anger, and problems that involve physical harm to others. I also don’t treat eating disorders. I currently only work with adults and don’t offer family or couples therapy.

Online therapy has become the preferred forum, as it is easier to fit into a busy lifestyle – clients may prefer to stay at home or at their desk because they wish to skip the commute. Face-to-face therapy and online therapy follow the same general rules. All the therapeutic approaches that I use can be used effectively online.

I suggest treating online sessions the same as you would do for a session in person to gain the most benefit. Please note, online therapy is not appropriate for everyone.

Absolutely – online therapy is a safe and secure way to speak with a psychologist.

I use  a secure platform call Vsee that is  end to end encrypted and is used by other medical professional and other organisations including NASA for medical services. More information about the platform can found at https://vsee.com.

Mental health problems can affect anyone and I want as many people as possible to be able to benefit from improved mental health. I work hard to keep our costs down to keep my services affordable. If you think my services could be of help to you and you are concerned about the costs, please get in touch and I’ll see if there’s a way I can help.