Frequently Asked Questions:
WHY SHOULD I SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST?
Some people turn to therapy because they are very interested in their inner world and would like to explore their personality and makeup in depth. But more often it happens when a person experiences a significant distress in their life and feels pain or upset for longer than a few days. Millions of people visit a therapist every year, and most research shows that people who do so benefit from the interaction. On my end, I can promise that I will be completely honest with you if I believe you will not benefit or do not need my services.
ChatGPT IS ALREADY HELPING ME WITH MY MENTAL HEALTH. HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT?
I hear you, and I won't be the one to tell you not to use AI for emotional support, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed at 3 am and need somewhere to turn. AI is here to stay, and its capabilities will only continue to evolve.
Having said that, understanding your feelings intellectually isn't always the same as actually working through them. Trauma often runs deep, affecting not only how we feel in our bodies, but also how we relate to other people and how safe we feel around them. As a human therapist, I will pay attention not just to what you tell me, but to how you say it, your body language, and the patterns and triggers that emerge as we work together. And if I notice that AI might be reinforcing harmful thoughts or beliefs, or affecting your mental health in ways that aren't good for you, we'll be able to explore that together or I will help you find the right support if necessary.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
Therapy is a process and it is not always easy to guess how many sessions are required for every individual; the length will very much depend on your unique circumstances and needs. Keep in mind that once you start sessions, new issues and angles can arise you were not aware existed which may lead you to want to explore more. Given that my work focuses primarily on trauma, it is rarely a quick-fix process. Based on my experience, meaningful progress typically takes between one and three years. That said, I do not ask for rigid commitments up front. I understand that therapy has no fixed formula, and it is entirely natural for your needs to change along the way.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE MEET?
I suggest meeting weekly or fortnightly at a mutually available time. It is crucial that sessions are regular. This gives clarity and consistency within your therapeutic process.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING SESSIONS?
It is important that you feel safe and comfortable within your therapeutic journey. You may have had therapy before, know someone who has or watched a film where someone talks about what it is like. For some it is a rollercoaster experience. For others it is a gradual buildup. Everyone has a different comfort zone and feels differently about moving beyond it. I go at your pace. During the therapeutic process upsetting or challenging memories can come to the surface. Some sessions are more emotionally charged than others. Like with anything in life, the more you invest in the process the more you get out of it. We only ever discuss things when you feel safe, protected, secure and ready.
HOW AND WHEN DO I PAY?
Sessions are paid for on the day via PayPal, Wise (formerly TransferWise), bank transfer, or cash/card reader if we meet in person. Please consider paying prior to the session itself, so none of your therapeutic time is wasted on financial business. Buying a block of 6 sessions in advance will exempt you from paying for each session separately and consequently will save your precious time. When you enquire about your first consultation, you will receive an email with detailed information about payment arrangements and my late arrival policy.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY SESSION?
Your appointments and well-being are very important to me. However, I understand that sometimes, unexpected delays can occur, requiring schedule adjustments. I do not support a policy of charging clients for cancelled appointments, but I respectfully request at least 24 hours notice, so that I have time to offer your slot to another client who may need it. I will do my very best to reschedule your session at a time that is convenient for you. You may cancel by phone, text, or email. If prepaid already, cancellations will be fully refunded. Please allow 3-5 working days for it to be processed. Alternatively, pre-payments can be retained for future sessions.
ARE SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL? DO YOU DISCUSS MY PROBLEMS WITH ANYONE?
Everything that happens in the therapy sessions remains confidential. Being able to trust your therapist and know that they can keep information is a significant aspect of psychotherapy. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as intended harm to yourself or others that it would ever be necessary for me to contact emergency services.
DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?
I do not prescribe medication. However, if during our sessions I believe you may be experiencing mania, major depression, severe anxiety or dissociation, psychotic symptoms, or are at risk of serious self-harm - I will refer you to a psychiatrist. Always consult your physician or psychiatrist before beginning or stopping any medications.
I AM ALREADY TAKING MEDICATION, CAN I STILL HAVE PSYCHOTHERAPY?
If you are already working with a psychiatrist, I am happy to provide therapy alongside your existing treatment, ensuring that we take a collaborative and integrative approach that supports your overall wellbeing.
I FEEL SUICIDAL AND HAVE NO REASON TO LIVE. COULD YOU REALLY HELP ME AND HOW?
Suicidal thoughts can be complex, frightening, and confusing. I am experienced in listening to people with suicidal ideation and am here to support you (I am trained in Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention). If you are feeling desperate or on edge, I can help you get through this difficult moment, make sense of what you're feeling, and identify other forms of help. I will be especially able to help if you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Please reach out!
I HAVE CHANGED MY MIND AND WOULD LIKE TO TERMINATE OUR CONTACT, WHAT SHALL I DO?
I pay careful attention to providing the best possible care for my clients, however if you are feeling unhappy or concerned about your progress, please speak to me and hopefully we will be able to find a solution. Alternatively, unavoidable external circumstances may interfere with our meetings, in which case I will suggest to take a few weeks break. Finally, you may feel your psychotherapeutic journey has come to an end, in which case parting our ways is a completely natural event.