FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Psychotherapy (Adults)
How many sessions will I need?
How often we see each other and how many appointments we have will depend on your individual circumstances and will be agreed between myself and yourself together. Sometimes we just need to talk through a concern, feel heard, gain some insight or work through something small that only requires a few sessions; other deeper concerns may take up to 12 sessions or longer to work through. Most concerns will require between 6 and 12 sessions.
How long is each session and how often do they occur?
Therapy sessions are usually 50 minutes in duration and often occur on a weekly or fortnightly basis at the same agreed upon time and day of the week.
Cancellation
I require 48 hours notice for cancellation of any therapy bookings . If sessions are cancelled after the 48 hour notice window then 50% of the full session fee is payable.
Expectations - what Psychotherapy is and is not
It is important to be aware that a Therapist will not offer you their opinion or advice, or prescribe medication. Instead therapy focuses on you knowing what is best for yourself and assisting you in finding your own solutions. That being said, appropriate tools and techniques are adopted and offered to assist you throughout this process and I may offer suggestions surrounding any appropriate coping strategies which I feel could be relevant and helpful to you based on the concerns you have and your desired outcome.
What availability do you offer?
At present, I offer availability on Thursdays and Fridays between 10am and 6pm and on Saturdays between 10am and 1pm, subject to availability.
Therapy (Children and Teenagers) - Parent / Guardian Information
How can I tell if my child may need therapy?
It can be difficult to know whether a child’s behaviour is part of normal development or if extra support would be helpful. Consider therapy if your child appears persistently anxious, sad, irritable, or if there has been a noticeable change in behaviour or personality that lasts several weeks or longer. If strategies at home aren’t helping, additional support may be beneficial.
Other signs include behaviours affecting school, friendships, or day-to-day life. If your child’s behaviour is unsafe, they talk about hurting themselves or others, or they have severe anxiety or low mood, seek help immediately. Early support often leads to better outcomes.
Can we access your support if we’re on an NHS CAMHS waiting list?
Yes. Many families that I support are also on an NHS CAMHS waiting list. Waiting times can be long, so families often seek therapeutic support in the meantime to prevent difficulties from worsening.
I would recommend staying on the NHS waiting list even if we agree to offer therapy to your child, as an NHS appointment may become available. I can provide a handover if your child begins NHS therapy.
How do I arrange therapy for my child?
Following your enquiry, I will arrange to have a call with you, or to meet with you in person if this is your preference to discuss your child’s needs and any concerns. Once this has happened, I will send an intake form and contractual agreement with the terms and conditions of therapy that will need to be completed. I will then have an initial one-off free consultation with your child.
The consultation session is for your child alone, ensuring the therapy space is their own. Children may feel nervous, but I am appropriately trained to help them feel comfortable.
Parents do not attend these sessions. If you prefer joint sessions, family therapy may be more suitable.
After the consultation, I will provide feedback and advise if ongoing sessions would be beneficial. With your child’s consent, weekly sessions will then take place at the same day and time.
Why offer an initial consultation session?
The first session ensures I am a good fit for your child in terms of the therapy I offer, my way of working and your child’s concerns to ensure that I feel that I can safely and effectively support their needs. If another service would be more suitable, I will advise you.
What ages do you work with?
I work with children aged 6 years and older. Sessions are tailored to the child’s age and understanding. Therapy with younger children often uses play, while older children engage in discussion and creative activities.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes once a week. Some children may benefit from more frequent sessions, which can be discussed. Weekly sessions are usually sufficient.
How many sessions will my child need?
The number of sessions depends on your child’s individual needs. We often begin with an initial block of around 12 weeks, then review progress.
There is no minimum number of sessions required, and we work within whatever time frame you can manage. Meaningful change often takes time, and many children benefit from longer-term support.
What is the cost of a session?
Each session costs £130, plus travel costs where applicable. Invoices are sent at the start of the month via the secure Therasee online platform and can be paid using a debit / credit card or via Apple Pay through this platform. Weekly slots are reserved exclusively for your child, so regular attendance is expected.
Why is your therapy for children and young people priced differently to the therapy you provide to adults
Fees reflect the specialist nature of therapeutic work with children and young people, including developmental expertise, safeguarding responsibility, and parent support outside of sessions.
Cancellation of sessions
I require 48 hours’ notice for cancelling an appointment. If the appointment is cancelled after this time, 50% of the full session fee is payable.
My child is hesitant to attend therapy — should I insist?
Children should consent to therapy for it to be effective. Forcing attendance may hinder progress. It is worth discussing your child’s worries with them, answering any questions they might have and offering reassurance before proceeding with therapy if they are experiencing concerns. I can assist with answering any questions you may have to assist with this process.
What information will be shared with me about my child's therapy?
Due care and consideration is given to ensure that I maintain your child's confidentiality and trust, set against ensuring you are appropriately informed and aware of how the therapy process is progressing, any immediate concerns surrounding any risk or safety management plan that may be required (where appropriate), and how you can support the therapy work and any therapeutic tools practiced outside of the sessions with your child.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions usually take place in person within the child’s home environment in a private space. For older children and teenagers, therapy is also available online (where it feels appropriate to the child and their support needs) or in person in therapy rooms at the following locations: Kensington, Clapham, Chiswick
What availability do you offer?
At present, I offer availability on Thursdays and Fridays between 10am and 6pm and on Saturdays between 10am and 1pm, subject to availability.
