You do not need to know which therapy approach you need before getting in touch.The first step is understanding what you are currently experiencing, how it is affecting your life and what you would like to change.As an integrative therapist, I draw on different approaches depending on your needs. These may include counselling, psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy.We can discuss which approach, or combination of approaches, may be most suitable during the initial consultation.

The first session is an opportunity to understand what has brought you to therapy and what you would like help with.We may exploreyour current difficultieshow long they have been presenthow they affect your day-to-day lifeprevious experiences of therapyrelevant medical or emotional historyyour goals for therapywhat you would like to be differentYou will also have the opportunity to ask questions and decide whether you feel comfortable working together.The initial consultation is usually longer than a standard therapy session so there is enough time to understand your needs and agree a plan.

There is no single number of sessions that is right for everyone.Some people benefit from a focused course of therapy, while others may need longer-term support, particularly where difficulties are more complex or long-standing.The number of sessions may depend onthe difficulty you are experiencinghow long it has been presentyour therapy goalswhether several issues are connectedhow consistently therapeutic strategies can be practised between sessionsProgress is reviewed regularly so that therapy remains focused on what is most useful to you.

Many clients begin with weekly sessions.You may choose to keep the same regular appointment time each week or arrange sessions more flexibly depending on availability.As therapy progresses, the frequency of sessions may sometimes be reviewed.

It is completely reasonable to have doubts before starting therapy.The initial consultation gives you an opportunity to talk through what you are experiencing and consider whether therapy may be helpful.There is no expectation that you need to know exactly what you want to work on before you begin.Part of the therapeutic process can involve making sense of what is happening and identifying what you would like to change.

Long-standing difficulties can still be worked with.Therapy focuses on understanding the patterns that are maintaining the problem now, even if those patterns began many years ago.Change may take time, particularly where difficulties are deeply established, but therapy can help you develop greater awareness, new coping strategies and more flexible ways of respondin

Previous therapy that did not feel helpful does not necessarily mean therapy cannot help.Different therapeutic approaches, therapists and stages of life can lead to different experiences.It can be useful to explore what did and did not work previously so that the current approach can be adapted to your needs.

Yes.I work with children from the age of 7, teenagers and parents.Therapy is adapted to the age and developmental needs of the young person and may include talking, imagery, drawing, role-play, behavioural strategies and practical coping skills.I commonly support children and teenagers with difficulties such asanxietylow confidencefears and phobiasschool stressexam anxietysleep difficultiesgrieftraumaemotional regulationnail bitinghair pullingskin pickingFor younger children, parents are usually more involved in therapy. With teenagers, confidentiality and parental involvement are discussed carefully at the beginning.