Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have lots of questions when starting therapy. Here are some questions that often come up however, if there is anything else you'd like to know that isn't covered here, please feel free to get in touch via the contact page.
How much do sessions cost?
Individual sessions are £60. Couples' sessions are £95 or £140, depending on length.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions for individual therapy last for 50 minutes. Couples have a choice of 50 minutes or 75 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
This is totally up to you. I work with some clients for a matter of weeks and other clients I have been working with for years. Some clients come to work on specific issues which can be time limited, whereas others use their therapy more as maintenance, to process their feelings on a regular basis. Only you know how you feel and what you need. We can review our progress as we go along, to check in with how you are feeling.
Do I need to attend every week?
When beginning therapy, we recommend attending weekly for at least the first six to eight weeks. This gives us the time we need to work through the information together and allows you to start experiencing positive changes. Meeting weekly helps jumpstart the process and allows us to build a strong, supportive relationship,
which research shows is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. If we extend the time between sessions, progress might be slower, and this could lead to feelings of discouragement or frustration. While weekly sessions are ideal, your comfort and preferences are what matter most. I'm here to discuss your needs and work with you to find the best approach.
What should I expect from my first session?
In the first session, we will go over the contract to set out the boundaries around how we will work together, including a brief discussion around confidentiality and the cancellation policy. I will fill out a form with you, which gives me a snapshot of how you're currently feeling and then we can start to discuss your situation, looking at what brought you to therapy, what you're struggling with and what you'd like to achieve.
How do online sessions work and can couples therapy be online, too?
Both individual and couples therapy sessions are available online, if you prefer. After you pay for your session, you'll receive a Zoom link and password via email, typically 5 to 10 minutes before the session begins. Simply click the link and enter the password provided in the email. I'll then welcome you into our virtual meeting room, and we can start our session together.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The work of both counsellors and psychotherapists often overlaps, as both offer talking therapies with a similar approach to addressing emotional or behavioural difficulties. Counselling typically focuses on surface issues and is usually short-term, making it a great option for immediate concerns and specific challenges.
On the other hand, psychotherapy tends to be longer-term and delves deeper into more deeply rooted issues and their causes, rather than just addressing the symptoms. This makes psychotherapy particularly effective for those seeking to understand underlying patterns and achieve lasting change.
The general consensus is that psychotherapy requires a higher level of training, which is more in-depth. However, since the profession is not regulated, anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist, regardless of their training. I am proud to hold a master's degree in Psychotherapeutic Practice: Emotion Focussed Therapy, and to be a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This ensures that I am a qualified and trustworthy psychotherapist, abiding by the BACP's professional and ethical framework and able to offer both counselling and psychotherapy sessions.