Frequently Asked Questions

The first session is primarily an assessment. It’s a chance for us to get to know each other and for me to understand what has brought you to therapy. We will talk about your current challenges, your history, and what you hope to achieve.

We can also discuss how therapy can target the goals you have for the future.

You can ask any questions you have about the process so you feel fully informed. 

Yes. Your privacy is a priority. Everything discussed in our sessions is kept strictly confidential.

The only exceptions to this are if I believe there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or others, or if I am legally required to share information. I am also required to discuss my clinical work with a supervisor (which is standard practice for all therapists), but your identity remains anonymous during those sessions. We can discuss this in more detail during our first meeting.

This varies depending on your specific goals and the nature of the difficulties you’re facing. CBT is generally a short-to-medium-term therapy. We will usually start with 6 to 12 sessions and review our progress regularly to ensure the work remains helpful and focused.

• CBT focuses on the "here and now," helping you identify and change the patterns of thinking and behavior that keep you stuck.

• EMDR is more focused on how the brain stores distressing memories. It uses eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) to help "reprocess" those memories so they no longer cause the same emotional pain.

During our initial consultation, we can discuss which approach might be most effective for your specific needs.

If you are using insurance, please contact your provider before our first session to confirm your level of cover. They will provide you with an authorisation code and a membership number, which you then share with me prior to starting therapy. 

I understand that life happens and aim to be as flexible as possible with re-scheduling. I have a 24-hour cancellation policy; if you cancel with less notice than this, the full session fee will usually be charged, as it is difficult to offer that time to another client at short notice.

Yes. While many clients prefer the consistency of one format, I am happy to offer flexibility. If you usually see me at the clinic but cannot travel one week, we can easily move that session online.