Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find answers to some of the practical questions you might have about therapy.
Further down the page you'll find more information about the
experience of therapy and some guidance on suitability
Online & In-Person Therapy
I offer both online and in-person therapy, giving you the flexibility to choose the option that works best for you.
In-person sessions take place in Shipley, West Yorkshire, in a comfortable and private therapy space.
Online sessions are delivered securely, allowing you to access therapy from the comfort of your own home.
Session Fees
My therapy sessions are £65 per session.
Before starting therapy, we'll discuss what you're looking for and whether I’m the right therapist for you. There is no pressure to commit to ongoing sessions before you feel comfortable doing so.
Session Length
Sessions are usually 50 minutes and take place at a regular agreed time each week or fortnight, depending on your needs and availability.
Some EMDR sessions may need to be longer to help the processing time.
Payment
Payment can be made by bank transfer. Payment is due at the time of your session. In some cases I can accept cash if at the correct amount.
If you are accessing therapy through an insurance provider, we can discuss the arrangements for this before your first appointment.
Cancellation Policy
I understand that sometimes things happen and appointments need to be changed.
If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, I ask for 24 hours notice wherever possible. Appointments cancelled with less than this notice, or missed appointments, may be charged at the full session fee.
I will always try to be understanding of unexpected circumstances, and we can discuss this together if something unavoidable happens.
If you have any questions about fees, appointments or how therapy works, please feel free to get in touch.
Do I need a diagnosis to have therapy?
No. You don't need a formal diagnosis to access therapy. You may simply know that you're struggling with something and would like some support to understand what's happening and make some changes.
How do I know whether CBT or EMDR is right for me?
You don't need to know anything about CBT or EMDR before you get in touch. During our initial assessment, we'll talk about what's been happening for you, what you'd like to change and what you're hoping to get from therapy. We can then decide together which approach is most appropriate.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies from person to person. The number of sessions will depend on what you're experiencing, what you want to achieve and how you progress through treatment. We'll regularly review your progress together.
Do I have to talk about everything that has happened to me?
No. You are never expected to talk about something before you're ready. We can work at a pace that feels manageable for you, and you remain in control of what you share.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you discuss in therapy is treated as confidential, within the usual professional and legal limits. I'll explain confidentiality and its limits clearly during your initial appointment so you know what to expect.
How often are sessions?
Sessions are usually weekly or fortnightly, depending on your circumstances and what we agree together. Regular sessions can help maintain momentum and make it easier to work towards your goals.
Will I have homework?
CBT often involves trying things between sessions, such as practising a technique, keeping track of thoughts or gradually approaching something you've been avoiding. This isn't about giving you lots of homework, it's about helping you put what we discuss into practice in everyday life.
What if I've never had therapy before?
That's completely fine. You don't need to know what to say or how therapy works. I'll explain the process and we'll take some time to understand what's brought you to therapy and what you'd like help with.
Can EMDR be used alongside CBT?
Yes. CBT and EMDR can sometimes complement each other particularly well. We'll consider your individual circumstances and decide together what approach is most appropriate.
What happens if I don't think therapy is working for me?
It's important that therapy feels useful. We'll regularly review how you're getting on and talk openly about what is and isn't helping. If something isn't working, we can adapt the approach or consider whether a different type of support might be more suitable.
How do I get started?
Simply get in touch using the contact form or contact details below. We can arrange an initial appointment to talk about what you're looking for and whether I can help.