FAQs
General FAQs
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. I offer both online and in-person sessions. We can discuss what feels most comfortable and practical for you during our initial consultation.
How do I book a session?
Simply complete the contact form or email me directly to arrange a free 15-minute consultation. This gives us an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and see whether working together feels like the right fit.
Where do in-person sessions take place?
In-person sessions take place in Tooting, SW16. There is free on-street parking nearby, and Tooting Broadway Underground Station is within walking distance.
How do I pay for sessions?
Payment is made by bank transfer in advance of each session. I'll provide payment details once we've arranged our first appointment.
Do you offer reduced rates?
Yes. I offer a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for students and those experiencing financial hardship. Please get in touch to enquire about current availability.
What's your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange a session. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged at the full fee.
Is everything we talk about confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a fundamental part of therapy, and I work within strict professional and ethical guidelines to protect your privacy.
There are a small number of exceptional circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken, such as where there is a risk of serious harm. If this ever became necessary, I would discuss it with you wherever possible. We'll also go through confidentiality in more detail during our first session.
Do you follow a professional ethical framework?
Yes. I'm a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with their Ethical Framework. This ensures my practice is safe, ethical and professionally accountable. You can find out more on the BACP website.
Therapy FAQs
What is your counselling approach?
I'm an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, which means I tailor therapy to your individual needs rather than following a single approach. My work is rooted in person-centred and psychodynamic therapy, while also drawing on trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, creative techniques and inner child work where these feel helpful.
What if I've never had therapy before?
It's completely normal to feel unsure, especially if this is your first experience of therapy. You don't need to know exactly what to say or where to begin. My role is to create a safe, supportive space where we can explore whatever feels important, at a pace that feels right for you.
Should I prepare anything before the first session?
There's no need to prepare in any particular way. Simply come as you are. If it feels helpful, you might spend a little time reflecting on what's bringing you to therapy or any questions you'd like to ask.
Should I choose Single Session Therapy or ongoing therapy?
The right approach depends on what you're looking for.
Ongoing therapy offers the opportunity to explore things in greater depth over time. It can be particularly helpful if you're noticing recurring patterns, working through anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, trauma or significant life transitions, or if you'd like a regular space for reflection and personal growth.
Single Session Therapy (SST) is ideal if you'd like focused support around a specific issue, decision or situation. Some people find that one session is enough to gain clarity, explore a problem from a different perspective or leave with a clearer sense of their next steps. You're also welcome to book another single session in the future if and when you need it.
If you're unsure which would be most helpful, we can discuss this during your free 15-minute consultation. Together, we'll think about what feels most appropriate for your needs, with no pressure or expectation to commit to a particular approach.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll explore what's bringing you to therapy, talk about what you're hoping to gain from the process, and discuss how we might work together.
There is no expectation to share everything straight away, we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
What if I don't know what I want to talk about?
That's absolutely okay. Many people come to therapy with a general feeling that something isn't quite right, rather than a clearly defined problem. Together, we'll begin wherever feels most comfortable and allow the conversation to develop naturally.
What if I get emotional during a session?
There is no right or wrong way to be in therapy. Some people cry, others don't. All emotions are welcome, and we'll work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Do you take notes during sessions?
I may occasionally make brief notes to support my thinking, but this is always done with care and discretion. I also keep minimal clinical records, which are stored securely in line with data protection legislation.
Should I choose weekly or fortnightly sessions?
Weekly sessions are usually recommended, particularly at the beginning of therapy, as they help build trust and continuity. Fortnightly sessions may become appropriate over time depending on your needs, and we can review this together.
How long will I need counselling?
There isn't a "right" number of sessions. Some people come with a specific issue they'd like to work through over six to twelve sessions, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns and relationships.
We'll review the work together regularly, and you'll always remain in control of how long you continue.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to therapy for many different reasons. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, burnout, identity, life transitions and perinatal mental health, among many other concerns.
You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Sometimes people simply want a space to understand themselves more deeply and navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and self-compassion.
Will you tell me what to do?
Not usually. My role isn't to give advice or tell you what decisions to make. Instead, I'll help you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences so that you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and make choices that feel authentic and right for you.
What if we're not the right fit?
Finding the right therapist is an important part of the process. If, after our consultation or first few sessions, either of us feels that I'm not the right person to support you, we'll talk about it openly. If appropriate, I'll help you think about what might be helpful next, including signposting you to another therapist.