It can be a daunting process trying to find the right therapist especially when you’re not feeling your best. The free 15 minute call gives you a chance to gauge whether we will be a fit. I’d then encourage you to book an initial consultation with me. If after we speak you feel like a different therapeutic approach or different therapist would be a better match for you, then don’t worry, it won’t be taken personally and I can try and signpost you to further support. 

Sessions take place weekly at the same time each week, and last 50 minutes. Some people find that it just takes a few sessions to unravel an issue and help them to feel better, others prefer more open-ended work. Your preference can be discussed in our initial appointment and we can always check in further down the line about extending sessions if needs be.

I offer what is often referred to as exploratory therapy, this is different to a more structured and practical based therapy such as CBT. Typically, this means that sessions have space for you to bring whatever is on your mind, whether this be your day-to-day difficulties or experiences from the past. The aim is often to bring a greater understanding of yourself and how you navigate the world, gaining new insight so that you can enact worthwhile and lasting change. Sometimes we might have some background goals such as reducing anxiety, exploring specific relationships or understanding behaviours, for example, but we will work together to see what feels most helpful. I work in a trauma-informed way that seeks to understand each individual as shaped by a complex mixture of factors. I draw on psychoanalytic and attachment-based ideas whilst keeping the uniqueness of your circumstances and personality in mind to work in a way that will work for you. 

The information discussed in our therapy sessions remains confidential between you and I, however if you disclose information which suggests that either you or another person is at serious risk of harm then I may have a duty of care to share this information with safeguarding agencies, for example, your GP, and it is for this reason that I ask for your GP’s details. Before sharing any information, I will always attempt to discuss this with you first. In some circumstances, I am also legally required to disclose if you are breaking the law.

It is part of my professional accrediting body (The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) regulations that I regularly consult with another therapist (supervisor) about the work that I undertake with clients, to ensure that my practise remains ethical and effective. Aspects of our work may be discussed during these sessions, but no full name will be used and identifiable details removed.

If you have any concerns about our work together, I would always encourage you to bring them to me so we can discuss them. However, if you feel unable to resolve this with me, you are fully entitled to contact my professional accrediting body, the BACP, which provides confidential telephone and email guidance on what to do if you have concerns about your therapy or therapist. Details of how to do so can be found online.