Frequently Asked Questions
How does online therapy work?
I will admit that I was previously sceptical about whether online therapy could work - but I have never looked back. The evidence base for online therapy is continuing to grow and is looking very positive.
Clients find it very convenient, comfortable and effective. I primarily use zoom, which a lot of people are familiar with. I can also send you some guidelines to help you with getting set up if you haven’t used it before.
Sessions are the same format as they would be if we were sitting face to face - and I can share resources and images with you, electronically, - both during and after the session.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
This is a great question. It is so important for you to feel comfortable with finding the right therapist.
I therefore offer all new enquiries a free 20 -minute consultation where I will tell you a bit more about who I am, how I work and what to expect. You can ask me any questions that you are feeling unsure about and I will also ask you a few questions about what you are looking for.
After this consultation, if you are happy to go ahead, I will send you my terms and conditions and we can book in your first appointment.
How long are the sessions and how frequently do I need to attend?
The first two sessions will incorporate the more in depth assessment - and these will last up to 75 minutes each. Following this, the treatment sessions will last 50 minutes.
We will agree an initial number of sessions at the end of your assessment and then review and extend if necessary. Appointments are typically weekly, but can be flexible to meet your individual needs.
Why do I need 2 appointments for an assessment?
The assessment is essentially the beginning of therapy. It is where we develop a shared understanding of your difficulties.
It considers your current situation, the circumstances that led to the onset of your symptoms, historical factors - and your therapeutic goals. This is often referred to as a formulation and is the basis for developing your bespoke intervention.
A lot of the time symptoms have persisted for years and clients very much value this time. They have described feeling very heard and validated.
What are your qualifications and credentials?
Becoming a Clinical Psychologist can take many years of experience and training. My path involved gaining an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, working as a support worker in a supported living care home, working as an assistant psychologist in the NHS, then completing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
The doctorate is a three-year full-time programme that includes both academic and clinical training. It involves working as a trainee clinical psychologist across a range of mental health settings within the NHS, attending lectures, completing coursework, case studies, audits - and a final year thesis.
I worked in the NHS from 2002-2020, in a range of mental and physical health specialities. I have worked in private practice since 2020 and am registered with the British Psychological Society and the Health and Care Professions Council (PYL03835). I also - have regular clinical supervision and take part in continual professional development.
You have the title Dr, does this mean you can prescribe medication?
No. I have the title Doctor as I have completed a Clinical Doctorate to become a clinical psychologist. I am not a medical practitioner and so I cannot advise on or prescribe medication.
If I feel that you might benefit from a medication review, I will write to either your GP or the medical consultant who referred you.
How do I pay for therapy?
If you are self-funding, then I will send you my payment details and you can make a bank transfer prior to each session - or in blocks if this is what we have agreed.
If you are paying through medical health insurance, then I will invoice them monthly. You will need to provide me with your authorisation code to get this set up.
How long are the sessions and how frequently do I need to attend?
The first two sessions will incorporate the more in depth assessment - and these will last up to 75 minutes each. Following this, the treatment sessions will last 50 minutes.
We will agree an initial number of sessions at the end of your assessment and then review and extend if necessary. Appointments are typically weekly, but can be flexible to meet your individual needs.
Do you accept medical insurance as payment?
Yes, I am registered with BUPA, AXA and AVIVA.
If you are registered with a different insurance company, then I can contact them to see if they will register me as a provider.
Will my sessions be confidential?
Yes, your sessions will always be confidential. I do make notes from the session which helps me to plan and prepare for future sessions.
These will not be identifiable and are kept secure in a locked filing cabinet. I also have my own clinical supervision with a fellow professional clinical psychologist, and may sometimes take your case, without sharing your name, to discuss the best ways in supporting you.
The only time when I might need to breach confidentiality would be if I was concerned about risk of harm to yourself or someone else. I would talk to you about this first and my plan of action would always be to ensure your safety and to guide you to further help or treatment if needed.
How will I know that therapy has helped?
By the end of the therapy, you will instinctively know whether you feel better or not.
However, I will often ask clients to complete some questionnaires at the beginning and end of therapy to consolidate your progress. These questionnaires are standardised assessment tools that will help me to measure the severity of your symptoms and mood.
Setting clear goals and expectations at the beginning of therapy is another important way to help measure success, guide how many sessions you might need and ascertain when you are ready to end.
What is your cancellation policy?
This will be in my terms and conditions which I will ask you to read and sign before starting therapy.
The policy, which is standard practice, states that 48 hours’ notice needs to be given if you want to cancel a session.
Free Consultation
Taking the first step towards change can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact me today for a free 20 minute initial consultation where we can discuss your needs and how I can help.
