Question 1

What will my first session be like?

Accepted Answer

In this session we will discuss the main issues that you are bringing to therapy and the goals you would like to achieve. I will ask questions about your current circumstances, how your difficulties are impacting on your life and we will explore some of your history. What you choose to share at this stage is absolutely up to you.

Question 2

I have a session online, how should I prepare for it?

Accepted Answer

Please make sure you are in a quiet and confidential space where you are unlikely to be disturbed. If you are on a work laptop or device it may be a good idea to turn off notifications so you are not distracted by these. We will have agreed whether to speak on Teams or an alternative video platform and you will have been provided with the link for our session. Please click the link at the time of our session and I will let you into the virtual room. If we have any trouble connecting I will phone you.

Question 3

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Most clients I work with have between 10 and 20 sessions, however some may be in therapy for much longer.  I am happy to work on a short or long term basis, ensuring that we have goals that are reasonable for the time scale we are working towards.

Please note eating and body image issues generally require a longer period of working together, on average 20-40 sessions.

Question 4

Are sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Your therapy and the content of our sessions is kept confidential. As part of my ongoing accreditation it is a requirement that I receive clinical supervision on a monthly basis, cases are discussed with my supervisor but no identifiable information is disclosed.

The only exception to this is if I am concerned that you or others may be at risk of potential serious harm, in this case information is likely to need to be shared with other services. As much as is possible this would be discussed together and agreed upon.

Question 5

How much do sessions cost?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are for 1hr and cost £90. Payment is to be made by BACS. I will provide my bank details when we agree our first session and I ask that sessions are please paid for within 24 hours of the booking being made.

I do not offer concessions however we can agree to meet fortnightly instead of weekly to make therapy more affordable if needed.

Question 6

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Sessions cancelled with more than 48 hours will be fully refunded. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours will be refunded 50% of the fee. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will not be refunded unless under exceptional circumstances. This policy reflects the likelihood that I would be able to fill the cancelled slot. If however I am able to fill your cancelled slot I will make a refund to you in full.

Question 7

I have an eating disorder, do you have any exclusion criteria?

Accepted Answer

Due to the medical risks of being at a low weight I am currently unable to work with clients who have a BMI of below 17.5. In this case please seek support through your GP who will be able to refer you to local NHS Eating Disorder Services, which will be best placed to meet your needs.

Question 8

What if I don't want to continue therapy?

Accepted Answer

At the end of each session I will ask you for feedback, if you are finding any aspect of the therapy unhelpful I am very open to discussing this and working to overcome this together.

Ideally when we come to end therapy we would have an 'ending session' where we review progress made, discuss what was helpful, agree how this can be built upon and make a plan for potential setbacks. However it is absolutely your right to end therapy at any time, you are never tied in to further sessions.

The above cancellation policy would apply if there is an upcoming session booked in the diary. Please do give more than 48hrs notice where possible.

Question 9

Do you accept medical insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am a recognised provider for most of the major UK insurance providers; Aviva, Axa, Bupa, Cigna, Freedom Health, Healix, Vitality Health and WPA.

Please contact me in the first instance if you would like to work together using medical insurance. I can advise and support re the process of gaining authorisation for treatment.

For all insurance work I use an online platform which provides us with a video conferencing tool (if working online), access to questionnaires required by your insurance company and invoicing services. Fees can vary from my usual rate as this is set by the providers of this platform. Please do get in touch with any questions you have regarding accessing therapy through insurance.

FAQ