Will my counselling be confidential?

Yes. Everything shared in counselling is treated as confidential. The only exceptions are rare situations in which there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case the relevant parties may need to be informed—ideally with your prior knowledge and consent. In addition, like all psychotherapists, I take part in regular supervision with a senior colleague. This is a professional requirement designed to ensure safe and effective practice; clients are never identified in this process.

Why do I need to attend weekly?

Regularity is essential for productive therapeutic work. Meeting weekly provides continuity and helps you make gradual, steady progress. In some circumstances, we may agree that two or more sessions a week would be beneficial.

How will I know if it’s working?

Therapy is not always straightforward or comfortable, and feeling dissatisfied after a session—or even several—does not necessarily mean that the process isn’t helping. Change often unfolds gradually, but you may notice a shift sooner than you expect: a sense that something is moving. Over time, you will be able to reflect more deeply on whether you are getting what you need. I encourage you always to raise questions or concerns, so that we can think together about what feels difficult or unsatisfactory in the work.

How long will the therapy last?

The length of therapy varies greatly. Some people find a few sessions sufficient, while others choose to work over months or years. The decision is always individual and made jointly between us. You are free to stop whenever you wish, though we will keep the question of timing under review. As a guide: 6–12 sessions may be considered brief or ‘time-limited’ therapy; work lasting over six months may be thought of as ‘longer-term’.

How does therapy end?

Ideally, therapy ends by mutual agreement, with one or more sessions to reflect on the work and bring it to a thoughtful close.

Payment and cancellation policy

Your session time is reserved for you each week. I require at least one week’s notice for cancellations; otherwise, the usual fee will be charged. Payment can be made by cash or cheque at each session, or by bank transfer at the end of each month.

Can you prescribe medication if I need it?
I am not able to prescribe medication. However, I can recommend private consultant psychiatrists who can provide an assessment, or liaise with your GP, both of whom can prescribe medication where appropriate. This can, if needed, complement the therapeutic process.

What ethical code do you follow?

I am a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (Division of Clinical Psychology) and a candidate member of the British Psychoanalytic Council, the professional body regulating psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I adhere to the ethical standards and requirements of both organisations.

Are you insured?

Yes. I hold full professional indemnity insurance.