Frequently Asked Questions
Starting Therapy
The connection between therapist and client is extremely important. For this reason I offer a free initial 20 minute talk for us to meet and see if you feel you would like to work with me.
In this time you can give me a brief overview of what's brought you to therapy and get to know me a little. You will have the time to ask me any questions you may have. If for any reason I don't feel I'm able to meet your needs I'll do my best to recommend another professional to you who I think may. If at the end of our conversation you feel you'd like to work with me, you're welcome to book a session, you're also welcome to take some time to consider your decision.
What are your qualifications, professional memberships and experience?
I hold an MA in art psychotherapy and am a member of the Health Care Professions Council whose standards of proficiency I meet and whose code of ethics I abide by. I am also a member of the British Association of Art Therapists. I am additionally trained in Eye Movement Desensatisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and have further training in attachment informed (ai)EMDR therapy. I am a member of EMDR UK. I am trained in Internal Family systems (IFS). I have been working alongside trained therapists since 2010 and providing therapy as a qualified practitioner since 2016 for a wide variety of clients including those in palliative care, children in care, adults with learning difficulties and adults with both PTSD and C-PTSD as well as for those who are neurodivergent. For the last 6 years I have been working within the NHS in secondary care with adults who have 'severe and enduring mental health difficulties'.
Confidentiality
​Your sessions with me are confidential and any personal information is held in line with GDPR. Please note that I may contact your GP if I feel you are a significant risk to yourself or another - if this is the case I will wherever possible discuss first with you my concerns and my need to share information.
What are your fees?
Therapy sessions are 60 minutes in length and cost £70. Payment is required in advance of sessions by BACS. If we are processing a traumatic memory using EMDR we may require 90 minute sessions. This will be discussed with you in advance. 90 minute sessions will be charged at £105.
How can I start working with you?
If you'd like to meet me to see if you feel you would like us to work together, please contact me and I'll be in touch as soon as I'm able to arrange a time for us to talk.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for a week's cancellation notice. I commit to holding your space for you and am unable to fill it at short notice. However, should an emergency arise I will always be understanding and will try to offer you an alternative slot that week if I'm able.
What if I want to stop therapy?
Coming to therapy is a choice. There are many reasons people chose to stop therapy, and this too is your choice. I ask that we have an agreed final session in order to finish our work together in a considered way.
What If I want to complain?
In line with the recommendations of my leading professional body (HCPC), I would ask that you bring any concerns you have about our work together to me before raising concerns with them. If you don't for any reason feel comfortable doing this, or we have been unable to resolve the issue between us, you are welcome to lodge a concern about my practice with them. My HCPC registration number is. AS15645.
Are you supervised and insured?
Yes, I work with expert supervisors in my field to ensure that there is an additional layer of safeguarding and expertise in our work together. It is critical that therapists are well supervised in their work. I also hold public liability insurance.
Do you take health insurance?
No, at this time I don't take private health insurance. This is because I like to be free to make my own clinical decisions rather than working under the restrictions of an insurance company.
Is there anyone you don't work with?
I am currently not working with children under the age of 16.
I have a different question....
If you have a question that I've not answered here, I'd be very happy to answer it, either by email or in person during your free 20 minute conversation with me. You can contact me here.