COMMON QUERIES
Have a question you’d like to ask? I’m committed to giving my clients the best care and experience I can. There’s no such thing as a bad question, especially when it comes to mental health. Please check out the answers to the most FAQs below, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any additional questions.
HOW MUCH DOES THERAPY COST?
HOW LONG IS A THERAPY SESSION?
During each session I will usually take brief notes on what we are discussing. This allows me to be able to think about the topics discussed in between session, as well as providing a record of what we have covered.
All information you share with me is kept completely confidential and I will not share the content of our sessions with anyone, unless requested to by you, or if I was very concern about yours or others immediate safety. All notes are stored in a locked cabinet. Notes and other data may be securely stored for up to 7 years before being destroyed.
Please click here to read my Privacy Policy
DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION POLICY?
Yes. Please offer at least 48 hours notice if you wish to cancel an appointment. If you cancel a session with less than 48 hours notice you will be expected to pay the full price of the session as it is usually not possible for me to refill this appointment slot
Yes. If we agreed to start therapy together I will send you a brief therapy contract to look at and sign. This helps both of us understand what is expected of the other and helps avoid any issues arising that might get in the way of therapy.
CAN I CONTACT YOU IF I AM IN A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS OR EMERGENCY?
No. My private practice does not offer an emergency service and I can not guarantee that I will be able to respond immediately to urgent phone calls or emails. It is sometimes not possible for me to check my emails or messages for extended periods of time and I do not access my phone or emails outside of working hours. Replying to emails and messages can, at times, take up to 48 hrs.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis and feel unable to keep yourself safe please contact your GP, call 111 (option 2) or visit your local A&E department.
I accept self-funding individuals and couples, and offer reduced rates for students or individuals on low income. Fees for insurance companies vary.
Below is an example of the fees I charge:
A initial phone consultation- FREE
Individual Psychological Therapy - £85 per 50 minute session
Couples Therapy/Family Therapy - £120 per 50 minute session
Insurance companies - P.O.A.
Please get in touch to discuss costs for all other services.
DO YOU JUST DO CBT?
A therapy session is typically 50 minutes. However, there are particular occasions when it would be necessary to extend sessions to 80 minutes (e.g. when conducting 'reliving' sessions with clients suffering from trauma). Prior consultation with clients would always be carried out if longer sessions are deemed necessary.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TYPE OF THERAPY I NEED?
No. As a Counselling Psychologist I am trained in a wide variety of different psychological models and will adapt my practice to suit the needs of the individual I am working with.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN WE FIRST MEET?
Entering therapy can be a daunting experience and you may feel confused about what type of therapy is right of you. However, in reality it is rarely as daunting as it can feel. Prior to beginning therapy, and in any subsequent sessions we have, we can spend time thinking together about how you would like use your sessions and what approaches might fit you best. We can also usually adapt the approach at any time during therapy if required.
DO YOU SEE PEOPLE ONLINE OR FACE TO FACE?
When I first meet a new client my primary aim is to make them feel safe, comfortable and relaxed so that they can begin to share their experiences and express their goals for treatment. It is also a important opportunity for you to get to know me and my style of therapy so that you can make a informed decision about whether I am a good fit for you.
In your first session(s) you may not feel ready to open up about personal experiences or issues, which is completely fine. Therapy will only ever be at the pace you set.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
I am based in Bedford, Uk
My therapy space for face to face appointments is based in Bromham, a village just outside of Bedford
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE INFORMATION I SHARE WITH YOU?
Currently, due to Covid restrictions, I am mainly offering online video sessions. However, as Government restrictions have begun to ease I am in the process of also resuming my face to face appointments. I would be happy to discuss with you which option you would prefer.
ARE YOU REGISTERED WITH ANY PROFESSIONAL BODIES?
Yes. As a Counselling Psychologist I am required by law to be registered with our governing body, the HCPC. It is possible to verify my registration status by visiting the HCPC website. I am also registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
I hold a valid and up to date enhanced DBS certificate.