What will the first steps of treatment be like?

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Typically, treatment begins in the assessment stage, which can take 2-3 sessions. The purpose of the assessment is to gather key information and explore your difficulties from your point of view. We will also be reviewing past and recent experiences, to establish a good understanding of how the problems developed over time. This process also helps to clarify and refine what brought you to therapy, and what you hope to achieve or change for yourself. We may also review specialised questionnaires to help recognise certain symptoms and patterns you may experience but struggle to name, which is quite common. You will be invited to raise any questions or concerns you may have, as already in these early stages of treatment we will be working collaboratively and building our therapeutic relationship.

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How many sessions are needed?

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As every treatment is specifically tailored to the patient's individual needs and goals, it is impossible to set a precise number of sessions in advance; however, I do aim to follow the guidelines set by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which provide recommendations for the range of treatment sessions for specific disorders. Overall, while it’s important not to rush the therapy process, I also don’t want to keep you in therapy for longer than you want or require. I can provide you with a more precise answer once I understand your personal history, current difficulties and expectations from treatment.

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Do you accept private health insurance?

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I am currently registered with the following health insurance providers: AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality and Alliance Health. Sessions will be invoiced at the agreed insurer rates. Your insurance provider will be able to tell you if your policy will cover your treatment with me.  

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Is CBT a form of Counselling, or vice versa?

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The two are completely separate. While the terms ‘counselling’ and 'treatment' are often used interchangeably, it is in fact a very specific therapeutic approach, that requires different qualifications and training, and is of a different school of thought than CBT. As such, each approach is recommended for different needs.

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‘Evidence-based’ therapies and why is this really important?

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Out of the many forms of therapy, only a small proportion are backed by strong scientific research. Having treatment that has been well-researched for reducing symptoms and tackling specific emotional difficulties effectively is important, as you can have the confidence and peace of mind that your treatments are founded and proven helpful. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is probably the best example – as it was trialled and tested to show an empirical effect on patients’ clinical conditions from the very beginning, being developed over the past several decades. Please see the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for disorder-specific guidelines, recommending CBT for various presentations.

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Should I expect treatment to be full of awkward silences?

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Many people have the impression that treatment is necessarily made of awkward silences and uncomfortable tension. I can assure you that in line with my therapeutic style and training as a CBT therapist, I aim to develop a collaborative and empathic relationship in sessions, and have supportive and comfortable interactions in treatment, with the aim of having helpful, productive discussions of what matters to you.

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Are there problems you don’t work with?

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Certain disorders are best managed by a comprehensive multi-professional team exemplified by the NHS Care Programme Approach; therefore, I do not provide treatments for Eating disorders, Alcohol/drug addictions, Schizophrenia/Psychosis, Neurological disorders or Personality disorders.

I do not treat individuals who are actively suicidal or struggle with emotional regulation or anger issues that involve genuine plans or behaviour of physical harm to self or others. I also don’t offer treatment for Bereavement.

I only work with adults (18+).

The list of problems I do work with can be found here.

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Do you accept private health insurance?

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I am currently registered with the following health insurance providers: Aviva, AXA, Vitality and Alliance Health Corporate. Sessions will be invoiced at the agreed insurer rates. Your insurance provider will be able to tell you if your policy will cover your treatment with me.