Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've contacted me, I'll usually respond within 24–48 hours. You're also welcome to book a free introductory call directly through my Contact Me page.

During this short conversation (around 10–15 minutes), we can discuss what you're looking for, answer any questions and consider whether my service might be right for you.

My practice is often fully booked, but I continue to offer introductory calls to discuss future availability and the possibility of joining my waiting list. If I'm unable to help, I may be able to suggest alternative options.

This varies depending on what brings you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it. Some people find a relatively short period of therapy helpful, while others benefit from longer-term work, particularly when exploring deeper patterns, relationships or experiences.

We'll regularly review how things are going and whether the sessions are meeting your needs. You're always free to decide how long you'd like to continue, and you can bring therapy to an end whenever you choose.

Yes. Confidentiality is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship, providing a private and trusted space where you can speak openly.

There are some legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, particularly where there are serious concerns about safety or safeguarding. I'll explain these when we begin working together, and you can also find further information in my privacy policy and counselling agreement.

You're always welcome to ask if you have any questions about confidentiality.

Weekly sessions are usually recommended at the beginning of individual counselling, as regular contact helps us develop a trusting therapeutic relationship and maintain continuity in our work together.

Depending on your needs and the type of therapy, we may agree on a different frequency. Couples counselling is often weekly or fortnightly, while CBT-I for insomnia usually follows a more structured programme.

We'll discuss what works best for you and review the frequency of sessions as therapy progresses. 

No. You are always in control of what you choose to share in counselling. My approach is collaborative and respectful of your boundaries, and you won't be pressured to discuss anything before you feel ready.

Sometimes the things we find most difficult to talk about can also be important to our therapeutic work. If this happens, we'll explore it together, at a pace that feels manageable for you, so you can make your own choices about what and when to share. 

No. You don't have to describe traumatic experiences in detail to benefit from counselling.

My approach focuses on understanding how your experiences may be affecting you in the present, including your emotions, relationships, beliefs and nervous-system responses.

Some people find it helpful to talk about aspects of their past, while others prefer to focus more on their present experiences. We'll work collaboratively, respecting your boundaries and exploring what feels manageable and helpful for you.

You can read more about my approach on my Trauma Therapy page.

Medication and counselling can both play valuable roles in supporting mental health, and for some people, a combination of the two is particularly helpful.

While medication may help alleviate symptoms, counselling offers an opportunity to explore your experiences, understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings and relationships, and develop new ways of responding to life's challenges.

The aim isn't simply to feel better in the moment, but to develop greater self-understanding, confidence and resilience that can continue to support you beyond therapy.

Whether medication, counselling or a combination is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Decisions about medication should always be discussed with your doctor.

YES! I offer a welcoming, inclusive and affirming space where you can feel respected and accepted for who you are.

Whether your sexuality or gender identity is something you'd like to explore in therapy, or simply part of who you are, you're welcome to bring your whole self to our work together.

My approach is thoughtful, curious and actively engaged. I believe therapy can be a place not only to find relief from distress, but also to explore the deeper questions of what shapes us, how we relate to others and what gives our lives meaning.

Drawing on a range of psychological perspectives, including a particular interest in existential psychology, I help you make connections between your experiences, beliefs, relationships and the ways you've learned to navigate the world. Together, we can question old assumptions, discover new perspectives and explore possibilities for meaningful change.

Our work can be challenging, illuminating and sometimes surprisingly enjoyable. There is room for humour and creativity alongside the more difficult conversations, always within a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship.

I also offer specialist approaches for particular difficulties, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.

Finding the right counsellor is a very personal decision. Qualifications and experience matter, but so does feeling comfortable with the person you're working with, and having a sense that their approach might suit you.

Our free introductory call is an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little. You can tell me what you're hoping to gain from counselling, ask questions and get a feel for how I work. I'll also consider whether I have the appropriate experience to support you with what you're bringing.

You don't need to make a decision on the spot. It's important that you feel able to choose a therapist who's right for you, and if that isn't me, that's absolutely fine.

Yes. I offer face-to-face counselling from my private practice in Chislehurst, as well as online sessions for clients across the UK.

Online counselling can be just as meaningful and effective as meeting in person, and offers greater flexibility if you live further away, travel frequently or simply prefer to attend from your own space.

We can discuss which option might suit you best during our introductory call.

Not every therapeutic approach or relationship will be the right fit for everyone, and a previous experience of counselling that felt unhelpful doesn't necessarily mean that therapy can't benefit you.

Different therapists bring different perspectives and ways of working. My approach is curious, engaged and exploratory, and I'm interested in helping you understand not just what you're experiencing, but the deeper patterns and connections that may lie beneath it.

If you've had counselling before, we can talk about what you found helpful, what felt missing and what you might want to be different this time. Your previous experience can be a useful starting point for shaping our work together.

You can find my current session fees, including information about individual counselling, couples counselling and CBT-I for insomnia, on my Fees page.

If you have any questions about fees or appointments, you're welcome to ask during your free introductory call.