Yes, you are welcome to speak with me over the phone to ask questions before you book an initial appointment. Please use the contact form to request a call back free of charge.

It is completely understandable to find the prospect of a first session daunting. Generally speaking, the first session is an opportunity to think together about what you would like to focus on in therapy. This might mean getting more details about what is bothering you, thinking about what you would like to be different in your life, and barriers to change. It is also a chance for you to experience what it is like to work with me and to assess whether I am someone you would feel comfortable working with moving forward. At the end of the session, we will discuss whether or not you would like to book in further appointments. There is no obligation for you to do this, and you can also go away and have a think, and schedule more later via email if you’re unsure.

I greatly value a person centred approach and believe that every person is an expert in themselves. I value working collaboratively, and that means that the two of us would work as a team to try to make sense of what is going on for you and what might help. Psychological therapy works well when you take an active role in the work and I aim to offer an empowering space, where the two of us can work as equals to make sense of the choices you have before you. I will check in with you regularly for feedback and encourage you to let me know what is working well for you in our sessions, and what could be different.

I take an integrative approach and I am trained in various evidence based models of therapy including Person-Centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Compassion Focussed Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Absolutely. Prospective clients are always welcome to enquire about my training and knowledge base during the first session. If you are bringing something I deem to be outside of my areas of expertise, I will endeavour to signpost you elsewhere.

Appointments are conducted via the Zoom platform. Please note, that by agreeing to have a meeting on Zoom you consent to your name being entered in order to book an appointment. Please visit https://zoom.us/privacy for further information. Prior to our session, I will email you with the details for ‘arriving’ at the appointment. If you are unfamiliar with zoom, you can find usage instructions here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360034967471-Getting-started-guide-for-new-users

Please note that I cannot offer a crisis service. Please don’t struggle alone. Things you can do include:

Talk to someone you trust:

Do let family or friends know what's going on for you. They may be able to offer support and help keep you safe. There's no right or wrong way to talk about suicidal feelings – starting the conversation is what's important.

 We know it can be difficult to pick up the phone, but reach out to somebody and let them know how you are feeling.

Samaritans (116 123) run a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org

 If you have harmed yourself:

If you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose – call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. Or ask someone else to call 999 or take you to A&E.

 Getting help in an emergency:

* If you don't feel you can keep yourself safe right now, seek help straight away.


* Go to any hospital A&E department


* Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if you can't get to A&E


* Contact your GP for an emergency appointment or the out of hours team.


* Call NHS 111 (England) they will help you find the support and help you need


* Contact your local crisis team https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline 


* Find NHS guidance on seeking urgent mental health support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/advice-for-life-situations-and-events/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/