Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What happens first?

It can be really hard to take that first step to get support. Please do get in touch to arrange a free initial 15 minute phone call. After this, an Initial Assessment can be arranged - if we all agree that it would be a useful next step.

An initial assessment period allows us to get to know one another a bit better. This might be one appointment (of 1.5 hours) or we might agree that we need a couple of sessions.  This time allows me to get to know you and your family, understand some of your experiences and hear what you would like from psychological therapy. It also allows you to get to know me, learn how I work and decide if we could work together. An initial assessment is the first step before undertaking any further work.

Following the ‘initial assessment’ period, we will have agreed a plan that you are happy with.  This will be personalised to your needs. It may be that we decide to meet for regular sessions – usually weekly.  These are currently taking place online and in-person. In person sessions take place from a beautiful space in Hurstpierpoint (see contact page for further details).

What Happens in a Therapy Session? 

If I am working with young people individually, then I usually meet for 50-minute therapy sessions.  We would agree beforehand how to ‘feedback’ to parents/carers in a way that is comfortable to all.  Alternatively, we may agree that it is more helpful for me to meet just with parents to see how changes in the adults can impact young people. More often, it will be a combination of the above.

The range of therapy approaches I might draw upon include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Systemic and family therapy approaches, Attachment theory, Video Interactive Guidance, Circle of Security Parenting Programme.

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What difficulties do you usually work with?

I find that young people are facing high levels of anxiety, stress and worrying thoughts and so I often work with these difficulties. The list below are just some of the issues that I support people with:

  • Anxiety, stress and worry (including social anxiety and health anxiety)

  • Panic attacks

  • Specific phobias

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • School anxiety and school absence

  • Trauma / Traumatic events

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Self-harm

  • Eating & Body image issues

  • Low mood or Depression

  • Relationship problems

  • Family conflict

  • Parenting

  • Bereavement

  • Adjustment to complex life events

I am familiar with working with people with neurodiversity, including autism and ADHD and will happily make any adjustments that I can.

What are the fees? 

Fees are from £130 per 50 minutes.