FAQ

The NHS reccommend that a typical course of specific CBT treatment ranges from 6 to 20 sessions, depending on the nature and complexity of the difficulties. CBT is particularly effective when there is a clearly defined issue, such as OCD or social anxiety. It is structured and goal focused, helping us understand what is maintaining the problem and learn practical strategies to create meaningful change. This approach works best when clients are willing to practise skills between sessions.For some people, and where appropriate, a longer term, more flexible approach is what they are looking for. Therapy may take place in blocks at different stages of life. This can be especially valuable for neurodiverse clients or those navigating ongoing challenges; where therapy may focus not only on reducing symptoms, but also on building self understanding, sustainable coping strategies, identity development, and navigating situations that feel hard to manage.For some clients, once we have completed the main course of therapy, ongoing support can continue through occasional ad hoc sessions as and when you need.

The first session is an assessment. You can attend on your own or with a parent or carer. You don't need to have the right words or a plan before you arrive, we'll figure it out together. So please don’t feel you need to attend your assessment with everything clear in your head.The aim is to understand what has been going on and to decide whether CBT feels like the right fit. We will talk about your current difficulties and the wider context of your life, such as family, friendships, education or work, and any significant experiences. I will explain how CBT works and we can begin thinking about possible goals.This session is also an opportunity for you to see whether I feel like the right therapist for you. There is no obligation to continue if it does not feel like a good fit.

You don't need to know exactly what to say. I will help guide the conversation and ask questions to help you make sense of what has been going on. It's completely okay to say, "I don't know" or "I'm not sure." You won't be left sitting in silence or expected to know exactly what to say.

We'll talk about what's been going on for you and anything that you feel is getting in the way of you living the life you want. This might include your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and things that are happening at home, school, work, friends and relationships. We will also talk about things that have been difficult in your past and how this might be affected you today.I will introduce different CBT strategies and activities that can help you understand and manage difficulties. We will work through these together and adapt them to make them relevant to you, creating personalized versions that you can use in situations that you find difficult.The strategies will be problem-specific. Meaning, there are different strategies for each problem. If you have social anxiety, we will work through the recommend strategies for social anxiety.

CBT has a strong evidence base proven to help many people, but it is not a one-size fits all approach. During the initial assessment if I feel that CBT is not the appropriate treatment, or if the presenting problem is outside my area of expertise, I will signpost to more appropriate services.  We will review treatment regularly to ensure you feel you are getting the most out of therapy. I need you to let me know how you feel sessions are going, and to say if you don’t feel sessions are going well or you need more support. We can then problem solve what the barriers are, and rethink the plan. You are also not tied into any commitment you can end sessions at any time.

Children and young people have the right for their therapy to be confidential from parents/carers if they wish, and preference of parental-involvement will be discussed in assessment.  The only time that confidentiality would be broken is if I had concerns that you or anyone else is at risk of harm. If this occurs, it will be discussed in session. I may have to request your consent to contact your GP or other services. In the event that you do not consent, I may still have to go ahead with this if you or someone else is at risk. Therapy information and personal information are kept securely in line with GDPR regulations. Therapy information may only be shared with my supervisor, who is also BABCP accredited and who regularly reviews my practice, and this information is non-identifiable (would not include your personal details).

Therapy is entirely voluntary, and you are free to pause or end it at any time without giving a reason. If you decide to finish, I recommend having a final session where possible, as this gives us the opportunity to reflect on your progress, consolidate what you have learned, and bring our work together to a thoughtful close.We will regularly review your progress to make sure therapy continues to meet your needs.

If you are a child or young person, we will discuss what level of involvement from your parent or carer is likely to be most helpful. What you talk about in therapy is private. I do not routinely share the details of our sessions with parents. With your agreement, I may share general updates about your goals or progress if this would support your therapy.If I become concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, regardless of your age, I may need to share important information with an appropriate person or service. Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you first so you understand what is being shared and why.

Payment via Self-Funding​CBT Session - £90​​​​​All sessions last 1 hour. This payment includes any accompanying  resources and documentation during our time.  Payment via Health Insurance​I accept health insurance. I am a registered health provider for:​AvivaBupaWPAAXACigna

I can only work effectively with a child or young person who is willing to engage in therapy. They don't need to be completely sure that therapy is right for them, but they do need to be willing to give it a try. If they feel pushed into therapy or do not want to be there, this can make therapy less effective and may be counterproductive.

If you have to cancel an appointment, please let me know with at least 24 hours' notice, and I can send you a full refund. Failure to provide 24 hours' notice will result in a full charge for the session.​If a health insurance company is paying for the treatment, they will have their own cancellation policy. Please familiarise yourself with your insurance companies’ policy regarding cancellations.