Be In The Know

+ How long is a therapy or coaching session?

Sessions are typically 50 minutes duration. Occasionally, an extended 80 minute session may be recommended (e.g. trauma focused work).

+ How many sessions will I need?

This depends on the issue bringing you to therapy. I usually recommend a minimum of six sessions for you to experience progress, but can provide a better idea following your initial session. To learn more about what to expect click here.

+ Do I have to commit to a certain number of sessions?

No, you don't. I encourage an open dialogue between us about the duration of our work together. I will share how many sessions I think are indicated clinically, but understand that some people prefer to have more, or less, for a number of different reasons (e.g. time constaints, practical obstacles or financial constraints). If you feel ready to end therapy, for whatever reason, I just ask for you to please let me know as soon as possible, as this will assist the planning of my schedule and communication with individuals on my waitlist.

+ How frequently should I attend?

Regular attendance is important to ensure you fully benefit. Weekly sessions are usually recommended and, when possible, the same time will be reserved for you each week.

+ What should I expect in the first session?

The aim of the initial session is for us to get to know each other and for me to learn, in more depth, what you hope to gain from therapy. You’ll leave this session with a clear plan of how I can help you and what that help will look like. Click here for further information.

+ How do you set your fees?

My fees are set in line with my expertise, years of experience and my postgraduate and doctoral level training. The fee includes the time we spend together in session, as well as time spent outside of your session planning your treatment/support, keeping progress notes and accessing clinical supervision and CPD.

A reduced fee may be offered on occasion. I reserve a limited number of spots in my schedule to offer reduced fee sessions at 20% off my usual fee, dependent on household income. When possible I will work with you to find a way for therapy to be financially sustainable. Please contact me to discuss.

Alternative options - I acknowledge that therapy can be a significant investment, and appreciate that finances may be a barrier to accessing support with me directly. In such cases, I recommend you speak with your family doctor/GP or look up your local NHS psychology service for free counselling or therapy sessions (if UK based). Alternatively, local charities and counselling training institutes often offer low/no cost therapy sessions. The MIND website offers free support and information. In Hong Kong, St Johns Counselling Service offers low cost therapy.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations of appointments made with less than 24 working hours’ notice will result in a cancellation fee equal to the cost of the missed session. If you fail to attend a therapy session without notice you will be charged the Cancellation Fee.

+ Do you have a waiting list?

If my caseload is full, I may open a short wait list for individuals who can safely wait for therapy. This is dependent on individual circumstances and clinical need. It will not be appropriate for everybody. Please contact me directly if you wish to be considered for my waitlist.

+ Will my session be confidential?

I respect the boundaries of confidentiality and will not disclose information to a third party unless you have given your permission for me to do so. In rare cases, your information may be shared without your permission if there is a concern about your safety or the safety of someone else, including a child or a vulnerable adult. Full details about my confidentiality policy will be shared at the time of booking.

+ Do you accept medical insurance as payment?

I do not bill insurance providers directly. However, many medical insurance providers will allow you to re-claim costs incurred for psychological therapy. I recommend contacting your provider directly to obtain information regarding their level of cover and the process to reclaim costs incurred. Some insurers require a referral form or letter submitting ahead of commencing therapy, either from myself or from a medical doctor (GP or psychiatrist). I am happy to provide you with a referral if needed.

Please inform me in advance if you intend to reclaim therapy costs via insurance as there may be specific paperwork/referral forms that need completing ahead of the initial session.

+ What are your hours?

Therapy, coaching and supervision sessions are usually available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7.30am - 4.30pm UK time. Occasionally I can offer appointments at other times so please do ask if necessary! Availability for corporate wellbeing services is negotiable. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.

+ Do you only offer online therapy sessions?

Yes, currently all my sessions are offered online via Zoom. You will be sent a secure link to click on at your appointment time.

+ Is online therapy as effective as face-to-face therapy?

Absolutely! Research has shown that therapy delivered online is comparable to in person therapy. Infact, it has added advantages such as being able to access specialists outside your geographical location, saves you time and money on travel to/from appointments and you can access it from the safety and comfort of your own home, office or even a (parked!) car - anywhere private and safe.

+ Do you prescribe medication?

I do not. Please speak to your family doctor/GP or a psychiatrist for any medication related queries.