Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘empowerment counselling’?

My main training modality is Psychosynthesis, which spans psychodynamic, behavioural, humanistic, existential as well as transpersonal approaches - it welcomes the whole human experience. We explore the psychological symptoms present in your life today that are preventing you from living your best life. We want to transform your symptoms into purpose. Like coaching, you’re empowered with tools and we work towards specific goals, but we also go deeper than that. The psychological symptoms are usually rooted in childhood, and so part of the work involves exploring the unconscious mind as you would do in psychoanalysis and body-based therapies. This helps to create sustainable shifts rather than just surface level behavioral changes.

How much does it cost?

There is no charge for an initial phone consultation. I charge £75 for each 50-minute session. Payment to be made by bank transfer 48 hours before each session. Once session is arranged it will not be used to see other clients. Sessions that are cancelled with less than 48 hours notice are chargeable in full unless there are exceptional circumstances.

What’s the first step?

Research has shown that the most determining factor for a successful therapy is the quality of therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. To get a sense of what it might be like to work together, I offer a free initial consultation over the phone for us to find out about each other and to see if we could work well together.

When you first contact me, please indicate if you would like an initial consultation and your availability in your message, and l will get back to you as soon as possible.

What happens in the initial consultation?

We can discuss what brought you to therapy, and it is also about getting a feel of what counselling is like, whether it is something you would like to commit further, and whether you think I am the right therapist for you.

What happens in the first session?

After the initial consultation, and if we decide to work together, you will be covered by a contract that describes how we shall work together, including costs and confidentiality. Following this, we’ll meet for our first counselling session. It gives us the opportunity to continue exploring the reasons that brought you to therapy, your current situation and what you are hoping to get out of it. There will also be plenty of space for your questions and to establish a counselling contract that will honor the nature of the sessions and the boundaries that we each will observe — around confidentiality, holidays, cancellations, payment and timekeeping.

Can it be covered through the NHS or my private medical insurance?

This is a private service which isn’t covered by the NHS. Private therapy is more suitable if you’re looking to avoid long waiting lists, find a long term solution (beyond medication) and want an approach that is bespoke to you. Your private medical insurance may cover a limited number of sessions with me, but would need to double check.

Where does it happen?

Sessions can take place in person near London Bridge or (securely) online via Zoom.

How often are the sessions?

Sessions are usually held weekly, ideally on the same day/time each week to create a structure around the work. Each session lasts 50 minutes.

How long does it take?

I offer both long term (open-ended) and short term (8 to 12 sessions) counselling depending on your needs. Based on the issues you’d like to explore, we can discuss your needs when we meet and find the best option for you.

Is everything I tell you confidential?

Confidentiality is an integral part of counselling and psychotherapy and is seen as an essential component to building the therapeutic relationship and ensuring the client’s sense of safety. The therapeutic process encourages the client to be as open and honest as possible and inevitably personal experiences and sensitive information is disclosed. It is vital therefore that the client can trust that everything discussed will remain completely confidential. All information will remain confidential unless both the client and therapist agree to discuss something with a third party. The only circumstance where confidentiality might be broken would be if there was a serious risk to the client’s life or if another person’s life was at risk; alternatively, in the rare instance where the therapist was liable to civil or criminal court proceedings if they did not disclose client information. If at all possible this would be discussed at length with the client beforehand and everything would be done to safeguard client confidentiality.

The therapist holds all records securely and ensures the utmost confidentiality in the treatment of any information held about its clients. No information will be disclosed without the client’s written permission, except under certain rare legal circumstances (e.g. Child Protection). I subscribe to the BACP Code of Ethics for Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Copies of these codes are available on request. I am fully insured for professional liability and maintain regular supervision for all client work undertaken. I comply with the Data Protection Act 1988.