Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Chartered Psychologist?

  Chartered Psychologists do at least 6 years formal training up to Doctoral level and are regulated by the government Health Professions Council as well as the British Psychological Society.

  Counselling & Clinical Psychologists work now overlaps - both work with the general public as well as those with more complex mental health issues. Trained in counselling and psychotherapy they have several different ways of working with clients. Their work is informed by an in depth knowledge of psychology and continually supervised throughout their careers. They are expected to do at least 70 hours of continual professional development. They are viewed as experts in the therapy field. Having therapy with a Chartered Psychologist is often more efficient, more effective and brings faster results.

• What is the difference between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

  Psychiatry is a branch of medicine. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who prescribe drugs and they usually refer patients to Psychologists for talking treatment.

• How do I know what therapy will suit me best?

  Don't worry as you will be guided at the initial appointment according to what the issue is and what is likely to work best. The most important thing is that I have many ways of working at my disposal and it is likely that you will get appropriate resolution to the issue.

• What is the difference between counselling & psychotherapy?

  Counselling is based on listening. Sessions are usually unstructured. Counselling allows you to offload and be heard. Counselling usually explores how you feel in the present. Psychotherapy is based on analysing, looking for themes and patterns over a longer period and exploring why and how things happen. Sessions will usually be more structured and include some guidance, information, and interpretation. As well as being heard you will probably come away with a deeper insight and awareness.

  Psychotherapy is usually for deeper or more complex problems. It is more of a past, present and future way of working. Counselling and Psychotherapy can and do overlap and counselling psychologists work is informed by both. The skill is knowing which to use and when. Not everyone needs deeper analysis, but sometimes counselling is not always enough.

• What is hypnotherapy?

  Hypnotherapy is a type of psychotherapy – a day dream state in which therapeutic change can occur.

• How many sessions will I need?

  For most people a few weeks or a few months (rather than years). The majority of my clients come for between 6 and 12 sessions. Hypnotherapy can be a shorter treatment (1- 6 sessions). Some people come for an intensive half days (for example to overcome a phobia or for coaching in public speaking if they have to perform the next day).

• How often will I need to attend?

  Most people come weekly, some twice a week, some fortnightly. Some less often. Some people just attend once for an intensive session. It will be explored in the first session.

• I like what you offer but I am not local / I cannot get to you?

  I am also trained in working with people by telephone or email. Home visits can also be arranged (although there may be an additional charge for my travel time).

• How much do you charge?

  From £60 /hour. Hypnotherapy and couples may need longer sessions. Student and un-waged discounts apply. Evening appointments are available at extra cost.

• Will the NHS pay for my treatment?

  Occasionally the NHS will pay part or all of your treatment but this is rare – please ask your NHS specialist.

• Can I claim it on my private medical insurance?

  Yes, I am registered with several insurance companies please ask.

• Do you have a waiting area?

  I cannot offer a waiting area indoors, the town centre is less than 5 mins walk away with cafe's open until 8pm, bars, restaurants, shops etc. There is also a park a few minutes walk away and a large M&S within 10 mins drive.

• How do I know what therapy will be best for me?

  Some people have a clear idea of what they want (or dont want) and others do not. There is usually more than one way to work with an issue and is something we discuss at the initial consultation or first session.

• How soon can I get an appointment?

  Usually within a week. The more flexible you can be with time the more quickly I can fit you in.

• Is it normal to feel nervous?

  Deciding to consult a professional is a big step and a brave one. Some people feel quite nervous, some feel relieved they are getting some help, either way it is my job to put you at your ease and make it easy.

• I think my problem sounds silly - what will you think of me?

  25% of all Britons experience psychological distress in any one year. I think you have done the right thing to seek help with a qualified person and I am not here to judge rather to help you and make you feel welcome. Like many people I have had therapy myself and believe in it. If something is bothering you it isn't silly and I hope you will feel like you are in safe hands.

• Will therapy work for me?

  Results cannot be guaranteed but I don't work with people I am not confident I can help. I use many tried and tested reseached based therapies / techniques that have worked well for many people over the years. The number of recommendations from previous clients/ doctors and dentists I now get speaks for itself.

• Is it confidential?

  One of the advantages of seeing a Psychologist privately is that nobody will know you are coming unless you choose to tell them. In other words your GP, your family, spouse, employer or place of study will not know and neither will anything go on your medical record without your consent. There are a few exceptions for legal or safety reasons (for example if you are about to cause harm to yourself, others or children). If I felt legally obligated to break confidentiality I would inform you and explain why. (So far this has never happened).

• How do I choose a therapist?

  Make sure you feel comfortable with them, that they are professionally qualified (ask to see certificates if you are not sure), belong to at least one of the well known professional organisations or governing bodies. You can always ring or email the professional body to check the person is who they say they are.If they do not belong to a professional organisation then or have no insurance then you will have no fall back if something goes wrong or you wish to formally complain. Ask how long they have been in practice and how many clients they see. Ask whether they have any experience of treating the type of issue you have. Ask when they qualified and what they do to keep their knowledge up to date. Trust your gut feel. Any bona fide therapist will not mind you asking these questions and will be pleased to take time to answer questions. Be practical - can you easily get there ? is there parking / or do you need to walk somewhere where you may not feel safe (especially if visiting in the evening). How can you pay ? if it is cash only - how do you feel about carrying round cash every time ? and so on. Don't feel you have to go to the first person you see and remember you may have to wait a few days or a week to see therapists who are good at what they do. They will probably not be the ones who can offer same day availability.

• Why Do Prices vary between therapists?

  What you are paying for is the therapists time, qualifications and experience. Session time can vary. A counsellor with a diploma and one year experience will offer a different service to a Psychologist or Psychotherapist with higher degrees and many years experience. Choosing on price alone you may not be comparing like for like. This means that you may spend more in the long term and still not reach a resolution to your issue.

• Do you offer home visits?

  Yes, please ask. You will be asked to pay a little more (depending on your location) to include travel time.

• I want to go ahead what do I need to do?

  Just call or email to book your appointment. You do not have to have a free consultation you can just book your first session.

• Where can I park?

  Feel free to park on the drive. If any other cars are parked just make sure they can get out without disturbing our session. Alternatively you can use the adult education car park opposite.