Common Questions

In the UK, the terms are often used interchangeably, but they do reflect different levels of training. Counselling typically focuses on a specific difficulty or life problem. Psychotherapy involves deeper work with long-standing patterns and usually more extensive training.

A Chartered Counselling Psychologist — which is my title — has doctoral-level training in psychological assessment, formulation and treatment, and is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This statutory registration is a key safeguard: it means there are formal professional and ethical standards I am bound by.

No. Some people come at a point of acute difficulty; others come because something has been quietly wrong for a long time; others come simply to understand themselves better or to navigate a significant transition. You don't need a diagnosis, a referral, or a particular level of distress to seek help.

It depends on what you are working on and what you want to achieve. Some difficulties respond well to a focused piece of work over 8–12 sessions; others are better suited to longer-term therapy. By the end of our first meeting I will usually have a sense of what is likely to be realistic, and we can discuss it openly.

The first session lasts around an hour. We'll talk about what's brought you here, your history and circumstances, and what you are hoping to get from therapy. I'll ask questions to build a clear picture, but it is also a chance for you to ask me anything you want to know. By the end, we'll have a sense of whether we want to work together and, if so, what that might look like.

Yes, with very limited exceptions. I follow the ethical codes of the HCPC and BPS, both of which require confidentiality. The exceptions are narrow: where there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to you or someone else, or where I am legally required to disclose information. I will always discuss this with you rather than act without your knowledge.

Yes. I work both in person (South West London) and online. Many clients find online therapy equally effective, and it removes the constraints of travel and scheduling.

Please get in touch directly for fee information. I'm happy to discuss this before you commit to an initial appointment.

Use the contact form or email me directly. I'll usually respond within one to two working days. If therapy feels like a significant step, that is understandable — you are welcome to ask questions before booking anything.