I am available for confidential consultation in Cheshunt. I also offer sessions via telephone, online or Zoom.

Please scroll down the page for a list of frequently asked questions. If you cant find what you are looking for or if you would like more information, please get in touch and I will be happy to reply.

What is your approach to psychotherapy?

I am frequently asked: what is my therapeutic approach or particular preferred modality? For example, some people describe themselves as ‘Humanistic psychotherapists or as ‘Psychodynamic’ counsellors. It is not an easy question to answer, because most psychotherapists, with a level of experience have studied more than one particular approach to understanding the psyche, I have studied psychodynamic, person centred, CBT, TA, Gestalt and Existential.  The label that I prefer to use to describe my approach is ‘integrative’. I think that this term comes closest to describing the broad range of approaches that I have studied and that inform my therapeutic practice.

How do you decide on a particular approach?

I believe that people are wonderfully complex and cannot be reduced to one particular psychological theory, orientation or approach, so I like to offer whatever approach or modality a client may need at any particular moment that helps them move foward towards self awareness and change. The principle of my work is that, it is the relationship between my client and myself that is fundamental and provides the opportunity for change, healing and growth to take place, irrespective of the approach used.

That said, the right approach can facilitate faster progress. In discussion with my client, a particular approach or combination of approaches usually becomes apparent. 

What personal qualities do you bring to your work?

I have been told that I am very relateable and approachable and that I have a very calming energy, I provide a caring and non judgemental space for clients to explore their issues and concerns. I am naturally empathic and clients have often remarked that they feel seen and understood in their sessions. I have a sense of humour and firmly believe that even in the darkest and loneliest of situations, laughter is possible and often healing. I feel that one of my best qualities is my compassion and also the ability to pick up on unconscious patterns and links quickly and challenge a client if necessary in a caring and tactful approach in a way that they can easily digest it.

I know I am of a new school therapist that clients often find refreshing, gone are the days of the old style european trained therapist that is detached, nods and smiles continuously, and just asks how you feel after every sentence, with no real internal change realised. I like to work in a relateable and warm way, helping a person discover the root of thier problem(s) as opposed to plastering the symptoms.

What sort of issues do you work with?

I am most often consulted by people who have addiction issues, anxiety or depression and relationship difficulties. Modern life can be stressful and many people seek my help with stress and stress-related issues. Many people come because their life is just not working the way they want it too, and they feel stuck and unable to move forward.

Do you practise ‘psychodynamic’ psychotherapy?

My particular style is more integrative, interactive and relational. I work with Person centred, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, CBT and existential therapy. I would say that my work is informed by psychodynamic theory, as I have studied this approach during my 5 years training and have undergone long term psychodynamic psychotherapy myself.

What happens in a typical first session?

I usually start by running through some formalities, such as address and telephone number, session fee and my confidentiality policy. Then I may then ask a question such as ‘Tell me a little bit about what brings you here to see me today?’ This is an opportunity to begin to tell your story. At this early stage I am attempting to understand just how you see the issue you are facing. How you conceptualise or frame the issue and what this implies. I may ask a few more questions to clarify what has been said. This helps me to avoid making assumptions about how you see your situation, what expectations you have and what resolution you imagine is required. By the end of the first session I aim to have a clear idea of your ‘presenting problem’ and some of the dilemmas involved in its solution. I always invite questions and do my best to answer them fully. Providing we both feel comfortable to continue, we may schedule another session(s) to further explore your situation.

Over the next few weeks we will explore your issues in more detail, relating history to current events and to what we perceive is taking place in the consulting room. Frequently we may find that upon closer examination, the ‘presenting issue' or problem concealed is just an aspect of a deeper issue and concern.

Are the sessions confidential?

All sessions are strictly confidential, however there are two circumstances in which I may break confidentiality. One: If I believe that you are about to seriously harm yourself. Two: If I believe that you are about to seriously harm someone else. From time to time I may consult a fellow psychotherapist on an aspect of my work, this process of ‘supervision’ does not reveal your name, address, date of birth or any other obviously identifying information.

Do you keep notes or files on your clients?

In most cases I do not keep formal clinical notes. I may keep a brief record of what takes place in a session informally in order to keep your agenda at the forefront of our work. I may also keep some basic information for the purposes of invoicing. Information is kept securely at all times. 

Can I see you while I am seeing another therapist?

In most cases the answer is no. Usually, I would encourage you to discuss the matter first with your existing counsellor/psychotherapist. This restriction only applies to individual work. I am usually happy to see couples if one of you may be seeing another therapist individually.

Where do you practise?

My private practice is in Cheshunt EN7 6HZ

How long are sessions?

Individuals - 50 minutes. Couples sessions may be anywhere between - 60 minutes and 90 minutes.

How often should I come?

The minimum sessions I generally schedule for is 6 or 12 sessions, this is not contractual and a person can leave if they feel we are not the right fit or if they feel it is not working for them. It is an important part of the therapeutic process that the sessions are structured and consistent, meaning the same day and time each week if it can be helped. Most people attend one and see how they feel from there. In some circumstances two sessions per week might be required.

How long will I have to come?

Many individuals and couples can gain enormous benefit from just a few sessions. Others may require much longer. Without additional information it is not possible to fully answer that question. I would need to know where you currently are and where you want to get to. It would also help to know what challenges you may face, your motivation for change and the support and resources you have at your disposal. After a session or two I can usually answer this question more accurately. 

What sort of commitment is required?

Initially there is no formal commitment and we may proceed on a session by session basis. Usually after a few weeks we would formalise arrangements, depending on the particular issue that you bring and the anticipated length of the therapy. Typically, I would suggest we agree to meet for a set number of sessions and then review our progress.

What fees do you charge?

Individuals: £60.00 during office hours.

£70.00 evenings and Saturday mornings.

Couples: £80.00 during office hours.

£90.00 evenings and Saturday mornings.

Do I always have to keep to the same appointment time?

Usually, yes. However, I do understand that people’s circumstances can change and some people have irregular work patterns. In such cases I would work with you to find a mutually suitable arrangement.

What if I need to cancel a session?

I require a minimum of 12 hours notice of cancelled sessions, if a session is missed with no notification, then the session will still have to paid for unfortunately.

Do you work evenings or weekends?

Evening appointments are available. Saturday mornings are also possible.

Can I pay for my sessions through my private medical insurance?

Unfortunately not at the moment, the payment method is either by cash or bank transfer.

How can I contact you outside of sessions?

Email or text message is best. If I am busy I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Do you offer Skype, FaceTime, online or phone sessions?

Yes. I regularly work with people who live and work far or overseas or who frequently travel. I also work with people who may live locally, but for various reasons find it difficult to attend sessions. 

Do you do home visits?

If you have a mobility issue or if you have agoraphobia, I can usually arrange a home visit. The cost is my usual session rate plus my travelling time. After an initial home visit, I would usually continue via Skype or FaceTime. 

Relationships can be our greatest source of joy, and as many of us discover, they can also bring us much heartache and pain. The challenges of relationships can be an opportunity to get to know ourselves and our partners and provide great insight into our needs, wants and desires.

Boredom, sexual problems, infidelity, jealousy, anger and conflict – there are as many issues as there are couples to face them. When working with a couple my initial focus is on creating a safe and contained space for each person to be able to speak and express themselves. Typically, I would feed back my observations on what I see and hear during the session. I usually draw attention to the interplay or dynamic process between the couple, commenting not from a judgemental position, but from an impartial perspective. This helps to facilitate awareness and clarify any conflicts or misunderstandings.

Couples Sessions last for either 60 or 90 minutes and are charged at £80.00 for 60 minutes and £120.00 for the 90 minutes.

If you are experiencing relationship difficulties and think that couple counselling may help please give me a call or send an email.

Clinical Supervision

I offer one to one supervision to student/trainee and qualified counsellors. My model is integrative using a variety of interventions to ensure each supervisee is able to fully utilise their supervision and feel supported, held and challenged.

Individual sessions are charged at £60.00 per hour or an hour and a half for £90.00.

Concession Fees

I may be able to offer a limited number of reduced fee sessions for student/trainee counsellors - please contact me to discuss how I may be able to help.