Open Therapies

Before your first appointment, I will email you my contract and Data Protection policy. During your initial session, I will spend time taking a history to understand the reasons for seeking help at this time.  If we decide to move ahead and work together, we then schedule a follow-up session.  If I think another therapist may be a better fit, I will provide an appropriate referral. All contracts sent out to clients will be done so via email, these MUST be signed prior to the first session. 

Research shows that sharing emotions with others tends to ease stress and be therapeutic. But it’s not simply the act of talking that is helpful. Rather, effective therapy is about becoming self-aware and learning how to use that awareness productively. Talking to a properly trained professional in an atmosphere of comfort and impartiality promotes insight that leads to therapeutic change.

This entirely depends on the presenting issues and the working alliance that can be achieved. Often, by the time people come for help, their issues are entrenched in their lives and it can take time to understand and shift the contributing factors underlying the presenting problem. But I tell my clients that if they are motivated toward positive change, they should experience the benefits of our work within a few weeks. Endings are important within the therapeutic alliance and I will go through this on our initial session.

Clients can pay by cash, bank transfer or via their insurance company either prior to each session, as per our working agreement. I have professional indemnity insurance and I am also registered with several insurance companies, including BUPA, Aviva, Healix, Vitality  and Axa. Initial consultations (50mins) are £65 and each 50 minute session thereafter start at £65. Longer EMDR sessions (90mins) are £115 . Please note that any correspondence requested that is not within the therapy session will be chargeable. These fees start at £50 and will include emails, letters and other documentation.

Information we discuss in therapy is never shared without written consent except when I am required to breach confidentiality and notify legal authorities and family members. This is covered in my contract. If you have any questions about confidentiality with respect to our work together, please do get in touch. 

Typically, I see clients once a week, but everyone’s needs are different. Most often, clients like to reserve a regular time so they can count on sessions being the same time each week, but I am flexible. Whilst I always start therapy in person, I also conduct long distance therapy by Zoom or phone if necessary. If you do need to cancel your appointment, please give at least 24hrs prior notice in order to avoid being charged the full amount. Cancellations within 24hrs must be paid for in full.