Frequently Asked Questions
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. ”
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So long as you’re a UK resident, it’s not a problem. We can have appointments via remote video call.
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Some people come to therapy with clear goals or a particular difficulty they would like to work on, which can help give our sessions a sense of direction. Others may know that they are struggling or feel that something isn’t quite right, but aren’t sure exactly what they need or want to change - this is completely okay.
We can develop and refine your goals together as we get to know each other and gain a better understanding of what is going on for you.
Some people also prefer a more open and exploratory style of therapy, using the sessions as a space to reflect, make sense of their experiences and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
There is no need to have everything figured out before you start. We can work out what would be most helpful for you together.
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A Clinical Psychologist is a highly trained health professional who has completed extensive academic and clinical training to doctoral level.
In the UK, Clinical Psychologists undertake a combination of academic study and supervised clinical training across a range of health and mental health services, typically within the NHS. This means they develop experience in assessing and understanding a wide range of psychological difficulties and supporting people experiencing both physical and emotional health problems.
Clinical Psychologists are also trained in a number of evidence-based psychological therapies (talking therapies). This means we can draw on different therapeutic approaches and tailor treatment to the individual, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
The title ‘Clinical Psychologist’ is legally protected in the UK. This means that someone can only use this title if they have completed the appropriate professional training and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The term ‘psychologist’ itself is not a legally protected title, so it is always worth checking a therapist’s qualifications, training, experience and professional registration before starting therapy. This can help you feel confident that you are choosing someone with the appropriate training and expertise to support you.
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The first few appointments will usually form an assessment phase. This is an opportunity for you to tell me, in your own words, what has brought you to therapy and what you would like help with. I’ll ask some questions about the difficulties you’re experiencing, as well as getting to know a little more about you and your life.
These initial sessions are also a chance for us to get to know each other and think together about what might be most helpful for you. We can then agree on a suitable approach and discuss how we might work together towards your goals.
What therapy looks like after the assessment will depend on you and what you’re hoping to achieve. I draw on a range of evidence-based psychological approaches and will tailor our work to your individual needs, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Both assessment and therapy sessions are 50 minutes long.
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Remote therapy allows us to have our sessions online, rather than meeting in person. I use the secure video consultation software within Cliniko, which allows us to have our sessions from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
For many people, remote therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy.
Remote sessions can offer greater flexibility, particularly if you have a busy schedule, live further away, or find it easier to attend sessions from home.
Remote therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy for many psychological difficulties.
As with face-to-face therapy, it is important that you have a private and comfortable space where you can talk openly without being overheard or interrupted. If you are unsure whether remote therapy would be right for you, we can discuss this together during your initial appointment.
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Yes. Confidentiality is an important part of therapy, and what you share with me will be treated with respect and kept private.
There are a small number of circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken. This would generally be if I had serious concerns about your safety or the safety of someone else. In these situations, I may need to share relevant information with another professional or service involved in your care, such as your GP or an appropriate NHS service.
Wherever possible, I would talk this through with you first and involve you in decisions about what information needs to be shared. My aim would always be to share the minimum amount of information necessary to keep you or someone else safe.
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It’s completely understandable to feel nervous, unsure or even a little daunted about starting therapy, particularly if you’ve never had therapy before. Talking about personal difficulties with someone you don’t know can feel daunting at first.
You don’t need to know exactly what to say or where to start. That’s something we can work out together. I’ll guide you through the process and create a warm, relaxed and non-judgemental space where you can feel as comfortable as possible opening up.
We can take things at your pace, and there is no expectation that you have to share everything straight away. My role is to help you feel safe and supported enough to explore what is going on, while gently guiding our conversations in a way that is useful and meaningful for you.
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I draw on a range of contemporary, evidence-based psychological therapies, selecting and tailoring the approach according to your individual needs, difficulties and goals. I don’t believe therapy should be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ process, so we can draw on different approaches depending on what is likely to be most helpful for you.
These include:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – helping you develop greater psychological flexibility and move towards a life that feels meaningful and aligned with your values.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) – helping you develop a kinder and more compassionate relationship with yourself, particularly if you experience self-criticism or feelings of shame.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – exploring the links between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and developing new ways of responding to difficulties.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – developing practical skills to manage difficult emotions, cope with distress and improve relationships.
Mindfulness-based approaches – developing greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings and experiences, without automatically getting caught up in them.
We can talk together about which approaches might be most helpful for you, and I will adapt our work as therapy progresses.
Want to know more? Read my guide on this topic here
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I can offer both time-limited (e.g. 6-12 sessions) and open ended therapy. This depends on your preference and goals.
Initially, I often suggest it is helpful to have weekly sessions. Then we can decide together if you would like to space sessions out e.g. every other week. After the main therapy phase has completed, some clients like to have ‘check in’ sessions every 4-6 weeks.
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During our work, I make time for you to discuss how you feel our work is going or if you would like more emphasis on certain aspects. This is your time - it is important it works for you.
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I accept insurance from most major private medical companies. Please get in touch with me to discuss any questions you may have.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your treatment is authorised by your insurer (check the terms of your policy and level of cover). I recommend checking with them prior to booking and attending your initial appointment.
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Clinical Psychologists undertake extensive academic and clinical training before qualifying. In the UK, becoming a Clinical Psychologist typically involves at least nine years of higher education and clinical training, including doctoral-level training.
As part of this training, Clinical Psychologists develop expertise in assessing and understanding a wide range of psychological difficulties, as well as training in multiple evidence-based psychological therapies. This means that rather than following one particular therapeutic model, I can draw on different approaches and tailor therapy to your individual needs, circumstances and goals.
Clinical Psychologists are also trained to doctoral level in psychological research, which means that our work is grounded in the latest evidence about what is likely to be helpful.
Ultimately, I believe the value of therapy comes not only from the time we spend together in each session, but from the depth of training, clinical experience and expertise that informs how I understand your difficulties and tailor our work together.
Click here to read my guide about the main differences between certain mental health professionals.
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You can contact me by completing this form.
We will then arrange a brief 10 minute consultation telephone call to discuss your needs and see if and how we may be able to work together. If we go on to work together, we will discuss your difficulties and goals for therapy in more detail in the initial assessment.
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I have a new dedicated therapy space in Hatfield, Hertfordshire (near the Hatfield Business Park and University of Hertfordshire).
I also offer remote online therapy.