Frequently Asked Questions

Starting psychotherapy can raise all sorts of questions, whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or returning to it now. This page brings together some of the questions people often ask before beginning therapy, including practical information about how I work.
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If you don’t see your question here, you’re very welcome to get in touch. An initial conversation can often help you decide whether therapy feels like the right next step. ​​
Click on a question below to jump to the answer
Starting Therapy
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Sessions and Practicalities
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Professional Standards and Confidentiality
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Additional Information
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FAQs
Starting Therapy
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What issues can therapy help with?​
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Therapy can support a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, bereavement, illness, and significant life changes. It can also offer space for reflection, self-understanding, and making sense of what you're going through.
If you are unsure whether what you're experiencing is something you can bring to therapy, you're very welcome to get in touch. You can also request a free 15-minute phone or video call to talk things through and see whether therapy feels like the right fit.
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Therapy offers a confidential, supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Sessions are shaped around your needs and move at a pace that feels right for you.
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As an integrative therapist, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to tailor our work to you as an individual. This means taking account of your history, relationships, and current circumstances, and working in a way that responds to the emotional, relational, psychological and existential aspects of your experience, rather than focusing narrowly on symptoms or diagnoses.
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You don't need any knowledge of therapeutic theory for our work together to be helpful. However, if you're curious to learn more about the ways I work, you're welcome to visit the Therapeutic Approaches page. I'm always happy to talk any of this through and to be transparent about how we're working together, so that you feel informed and in control throughout the process.
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What happens if I'd like to start therapy with you?​​
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I offer a free 15-minute phone or video call so you can ask questions and see whether working together feels right. If you decide to proceed, we will agree a regular session time, either in person or online.
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Do I need to prepare for therapy?​​
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No preparation is needed. Some people find it helpful to reflect beforehand, while others prefer to see what emerges naturally in the session.
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What if I'm unsure whether therapy is right for me?​
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Uncertainty is often part of the process when thinking about therapy. You're welcome to bring any questions or hesitations to an initial conversation, where we can explore whether working together feels right for you. Therapy is always your choice, and you can stop at any time.
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What happens during a therapy session?
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Each session is tailored to you and your needs. We may explore your thoughts and feelings, reflect on past experiences, or work with the mind-body connection, depending on what feels most relevant at the time. You remain in control throughout, and you're always welcome to ask questions or raise anything that feels important.
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Therapy isn't about giving advice or offering quick fixes. Instead, it is a collaborative process that supports greater self-awareness and understanding, helping you connect with your inner resources.
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We usually review how things are going every four to six sessions, offering space to reflect on where you're at and what direction you'd like to take next.
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How long does therapy last?
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The length of therapy varies. Some people benefit from short-term work of around six to twelve sessions, while others prefer ongoing therapy. Many clients return to therapy at different points in their lives depending on what they need at the time.
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What happens when therapy comes to an end?
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You can choose to end therapy at any time. Therapy can end when you feel you have achieved your goals, or if circumstances change. Where possible, endings are planned in advance to allow time for reflection and closure. Many people return to therapy at different points in their lives and you can return for further therapy in the future.
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Sessions and Practicalities
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​​​​How long are sessions and how often will we meet?​
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Individual sessions last 60 minutes. Couples’ sessions are 60 or 90 minutes. Most people begin with weekly sessions, as consistency supports the therapeutic process. This can be reviewed over time.
How much does therapy cost?
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Fees depend on the format and timing of sessions. I offer lower cost options for daytime and online appointments, as well as a limited number of reduced fee sessions for clients on a low income. If you would like to enquire about reduced fee sessions, please get in contact so this can be discussed before sessions begin.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​Day time in person or online
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Evening online
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Evening in person
​​​​​£75
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£80
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£90
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Individuals
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60 mins
Couples​
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60 mins 90 mins​
​​​​​£90
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£95
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£105
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​​​​​£130
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£135
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£155
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How do I book a session?
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You can contact me by phone, email, WhatsApp, or by filling out the contact form on the Contact Page. Before booking sessions in with me, you are welcome to arrange a free 15-minute phone or video call to find out more.
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What happens if I need to cancel a session?
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I ask that where possible, cancellations are made with at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged in full. Full details are outlined in the Client Contract, which is provided to clients before sessions begin or on request.
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Where are in person sessions held?
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In-person sessions take place in Guernsey in discreet, accessible locations with parking. Day time appointments are held at my home therapy room in Castel, photos of which are shown throughout this website. Evening appointments are held at private locations in St. Peter Port and St. Sampsons. Details and directions will be provided before your first appointment.
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Is online therapy as effective as in person therapy?
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Both can be effective and largely depend on individual preference. Some people prefer the familiarity of being at home, or having their pet with them for emotional support. Others find being physically present in the same room as their therapist creates a stronger sense of safety and containment. We can discuss what feels most suitable for you beforehand.
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Professional standards and confidentiality
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Are you professionally qualified and accredited?
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Yes. I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Counselling / Psychotherapy, accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), a Level 5 Diploma in Relational (Couples) Counselling, accredited by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) and a Level 6 Diploma in Transpersonal Psychology. I am an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work within the ethical frameworks of both bodies and engage in ongoing professional development and supervision.
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Is therapy confidential?
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Yes. Therapy is confidential, with limited legal exceptions where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others. This will be explained fully before therapy begins and is detailed in the Data Protection and Privacy Notice.
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How is my information kept safe?
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Personal information is stored securely in line with data protection requirements. Further details are available in the Data Protection and Privacy Notice.
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What if I have concerns about my therapy?
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If concerns arise, I encourage you to raise them with me directly so they can be addressed. Information about complaints procedures is outlined in the Client Contract, which is provided to clients before therapy begins or is available upon request.
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Additional Information
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If I like or comment on your social media, will this identify me as a client?
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No. Interacting with my social media does not identify you as a client.
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What happens if I see you out in public?
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Guernsey is a small island, so this can happen. If you’d like to discuss how we can navigate these situations, we can do so during our initial consultation or at any time during our work together.
