This page offers some guidance about starting therapy with me and answers to common questions about psychodynamic counselling and how I work as a therapist. It’s designed to help provide you with a sense of what to expect, whether you are new to therapy or looking to return after a break.
If you have any questions that don’t appear below, please feel free to get in touch – I would be very happy to help.
I’m new to therapy so I am not sure where to start?
That’s totally okay – a lot of people can feel this way at the beginning. You don’t need to have a clear plan of what you want to say. In the initial session I will ask some questions about what has brought you to therapy now and I can let you know how we can work together. If you decide you would like to continue we can then agree on day and time that works for you to meet once a week.
If you want to ask some questions before booking an initial session then I am very happy to answer them.
Is everything I say in counselling confidential?
Yes, what you share remains strictly private. Confidentiality is very important in creating a safe space to talk freely.
There are a few standard exceptions which I will explain further in the initial session for example- unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or to another.
As part of ethical practice I also receive regular supervision which means I may discuss our work with a senior qualified supervisor. This helps me reflect on the work allows me to offer the best possible support. You identity always remains anonymous.
Do you offer a free initial session?
Yes. I offer a free initial 50 minute session. This gives us the time and space to discuss what has brought you to therapy and for you to have the experience of what it feels like to have a counselling session with me. I will also let you know how I work and I can answer any concerns or questions you may have. If decide you would like to continue we can work out a mutually suitable time and day to meet on a weekly basis. We will then stick to that day and time each week moving forwards. I work like this because it creates an environment that is consistent and reliable which is beneficial to the the work.
How much are sessions?
My standard fee is £70 per counselling session.
I also offer a limited number of reduced fee spaces depending on individual circumstances. Please contact me to if you would like to discuss this option further.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are for 50 minutes and can be held online, by telephone or in person in St Albans.
Where do sessions take place and is there parking?
In person counselling sessions take place in St Albans, Hertfordshire. My therapy room is conveniently located close to the centre of St Albans. The address of my therapy room is Heath House, 156A Sandridge Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 4AP. There is a free car park at the front of the building as well free street parking.
Do you offer counselling online?
Yes I offer online counselling via a secure platform to clients anywhere. Whether you are in a different city or even overseas you can access professional online therapy from your home. You must be in a quiet and private space. I use zoom.
Do you offer telephone counselling?
Yes I offer telephone counselling to clients across St Albans, the UK and internationally.
How do I book the initial free 50 minute counselling session?
Booking your free initial counselling session is easy. There are a few options – either email me, call me or complete the contact form. I will get back to you within 48hrs.
Do I need to come to sessions every week?
Yes, counselling is a commitment and works best when it is regular and consistent. I offer weekly sessions and sometimes twice weekly depending on your needs.
I work shifts – can you accommodate this?
Yes I can offer flexible counselling appointments for shift workers including morning, daytime and evening sessions. Counselling sessions would need to be on a weekly basis. Please get in touch with me to discuss this further.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling from The Counselling Foundation in St Albans. I have a BSC (Hons) in Psychology. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have 9 years of clinical experience.
Can I cancel or reschedule sessions?
Yes – I ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid a cancellation fee. Cancellations fees are the same price as a session £70. I will always try to offer you an alternative session time. Please email me if you need to cancel or reschedule a session.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept payment by bank transfer which I ask to be paid weekly and promptly after the session.
Do you specialise in any areas?
I offer counselling for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, repeating relationship patterns, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, grief and loss of all kind.
What days and hours do you work?
I offer counselling sessions on weekdays, with availability between 9am and 7pm. The latest in person evening counselling session I can offer in St Albans is 7pm. The latest online session I can offer is 8pm.
Please contact me for to check current availability or to request a specific time.
Do I have to come for a specific number of counselling sessions?
There is no fixed number of counselling sessions.
Most people I work with come for open-ended therapy, attending regularly for as long as they find it helpful. There is no pressure to commit to a set number of sessions. You are free to continue for as long as it supports your needs.