Frequently asked questions

Each session lasts 50 minutes and will be held online via Zoom. The first one or two sessions will be assessment sessions in which we discuss the issues that are problematic for you, what maintains them, past difficulties, your background history and hopes for the future and agree a treatment plan (treatment goals and length of therapy). You may be asked to complete some questionnaires outside of the sessions to aid this process.  At the end of the assessment phase you will be provided with a formulation - an initial understanding of your presenting difficulties and suitable treatment options.  You can then decide if you would like to embark straight away with intervention sessions or if you would like to take some time to consider this. The following intervention sessions will focus on deepening your understanding of the root causes of your difficulties and providing you with the skills to cope with, and overcome these.  You will be provided with at least one 'take away' from each session to help improve your life and may be asked to practice some skills or make some changes in between sessions. Therapy works best if held weekly (at least initially). On average, a client will be seen for approximately 8-12 sessions, however this depends on the duration of the problem, other life issues, and your therapy goals. The process is reviewed throughout to ensure it is meeting your needs.

I will send you an invoice prior to the session which must be in advance of the session.  If preferred I can invoice you for a series of sessions.

I am a registered Data Controller with the Information Commissioners Office.  I comply with the requirements set out by the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR, 2018). The information that I hold includes personal demographic information, such as your name and contact details, as well as some information about the difficulties that you are experiencing and notes I make during therapy. You will not be contacted for any other purpose other than connected to the therapy and your information will not be passed on to any third parties without your written permission. I follow GDPR guidance in storing and processing clients’ information. This means that all information about you will be stored securely on a password protected computer only accessible to me.  If you wish for me to release data to other third-party professionals, written consent is needed from you and proof of destination of notes. Email copies are not provided for the above. You are able to request access to your information by putting your request in writing to me at any point during the time that your notes are stored.  I communicate appointment & invoicing information via email (gmail) which may not be secure. We can consider other ways to communicate if needed. I communicate therapy specific information via the secure email platform Egress which requires you to sign up (at no cost) to access the emails.

The initial 15 minute consultation is free.  Finding the right psychologist is important, therefore this consultation will provide the space to have a conversation about the main issues you are experiencing and how therapy can help. Each 50 minute psychological therapy session costs £120, payable by bank transfer. Sessions can be booked individually or in a block. If you wish to keep to a regular time slot it is advisable to book in advance.  If reports or letters are requested, there will be a fee for these which will be discussed with you prior to proceeding. Supervision to mental health professionals: The fee depends on the individual or team's requirements.  Please get in touch to discuss the fees for supervision.

If you wish to cancel an appointment, 48 hrs (two working days) notice of cancellation needs to be given. The full cost of the session will be charged for non-attendance or late cancellations.

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the regulator of health professionals, set up to protect the public. The HCPC keeps a register of health professionals who meet set standards for their training, professional skills, and behaviour. My professional registration as a Practitioner Psychologist (no: PYL03249) can be checked on the register at www.hcpc-uk-org. I am also an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (member number: 146995) and as such comply with the Society's Practice Guidelines and Code of Ethics & Conduct. ​

I only provide therapy online via Zoom. Online therapy offers the opportunity to access therapy from your own home at a time to suit you.  Zoom is fully encrypted and allows me to share handouts and diagrams on screen.  My clinics are held on a Monday and Tuesday.

I know that it can be difficult to talk to someone about painful issues and so create a warm, private space for you to do so.  What is discussed within the  sessions is strictly confidential. I will not share any information without your agreement. However, there are some limits to this confidentiality. In rare  circumstances, if I am concerned about your risk to yourself or to others, or if there is sufficient evidence to raise concern about the health, welfare or safety of children or vulnerable adults, it is my professional duty to share this information.  In these circumstances, I will initially encourage you to contact the appropriate source of support/help (e.g. GP, Community Mental Health Team, Police, and Social Services). However, if I feel that you are unable to do so I would make this contact myself.  I would discuss this with you first before passing any information on to others and explain why I am taking this course of action.  This is standard practice for all psychologists and health professionals. In order to ensure I provide effective intervention and in accordance with my professional duties as outlined by the Health and Care Professions Council, I receive regular clinical supervision from a qualified and accredited Clinical Psychologist. Your name or any other identifiers are not provided to the supervisor and the duty of confidentiality extends to my supervisor.   Should you wish me to share information with your GP or referrer, we can discuss this within the session.

I am registered with Aviva and BUPA. If you have private health insurance, your plan may cover all or some of the cost of your treatment. Please ensure that your treatment has been authorised by your insurance provider and that you have an authorisation code. Cancellations will be charged at full session rate unless 48 hours notice is given.