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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
I offer an introductory session for £30, giving you an opportunity to get a feel for what it is like to speak with me and to consider whether working together feels right for you.During the session, we can talk about what has led to you seeking therapy, the difficulties you are experiencing and what you would like to get from sessions. You might have a clear idea of what you want to work on, or you may simply know that something doesn't feel right at the moment. Either is fine.I will be interested in understanding your experiences and what matters to you, and you will have the opportunity to ask me questions about how I work. We can also discuss what you hope to achieve and how we might approach our work together.There is no expectation that you have everything figured out before you come. The introductory session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know each other and decide together whether therapy with me feels like a good fit.
Being an integrative therapist means that I draw on different therapeutic approaches rather than relying on one method for everyone. I believe that each person has their own experiences, needs and preferences, so our work should reflect that.My approach incorporates person-centred, psychodynamic, existential, solution-focused and cognitive behavioural therapies.Depending on what you are experiencing and what you would like to explore, our sessions might involve talking through your feelings, making sense of past experiences, recognising patterns in your relationships or considering how you respond to particular situations. We might also explore questions about identity, meaning and purpose, or look at practical ways of managing difficulties and approaching things differently.Sometimes it can be helpful to understand why certain patterns keep repeating. At other times, you may want to focus more on what is happening in your life now and what could help you move forward.We will work together to find an approach that feels useful to you, at a pace that suits you. The aim is to help you develop a greater understanding of yourself and your difficulties, explore new perspectives and consider changes that feel right for you.
Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of talking therapy that can help you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences, understand yourself better and work through difficulties in your life. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, people sometimes use them to describe slightly different ways of working.Counselling is often associated with exploring particular difficulties or challenges you are experiencing in the present, such as anxiety, stress, relationship problems or a significant life change. Psychotherapy places more emphasis on exploring deeper emotional experiences, longstanding patterns of behaviour and the ways in which past experiences continue to affect your life and relationships.In my practice, I offer integrative counselling and psychotherapy, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches to suit each individual. This means we can explore immediate concerns, look at recurring patterns and consider how your experiences have shaped the way you feel about yourself and relate to others.You do not need to know whether you need counselling or psychotherapy before getting in touch. We can talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you would like to understand or change, and how we might work together. The most important thing is finding an approach that feels right for you.
Yes. As well as face-to-face sessions in Leeds city centre, I offer online counselling and psychotherapy via Zoom and telephone.Online therapy can be a convenient option if you live outside Leeds, have a busy schedule or find it easier to talk from a familiar environment. Telephone counselling is another option if you would prefer to talk without using video.For online sessions, it is helpful to find a private, comfortable space where you can speak freely without being overheard or interrupted. A reliable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone will help if we meet via Zoom.The most important thing is finding a way of working that feels comfortable and suitable for you. We can discuss the different options and consider which might best meet your needs.
You do not need to be in crisis or have a clearly defined problem to consider therapy. Sometimes people seek therapy because they are struggling with a particular difficulty; at other times, they may feel stuck, disconnected from themselves or unsure why they are not feeling the way they would like to.You might be experiencing anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief or the effects of difficult past experiences. Perhaps you have noticed familiar patterns repeating in your life, or you simply want a space to think about things more deeply and understand yourself better.Therapy offers an opportunity to explore these experiences with someone who will listen and help you make sense of what is happening. It can provide space to reflect on your feelings, understand patterns and consider different ways of responding to challenges.It is also understandable to feel uncertain about starting therapy. You may wonder whether your problems are serious enough, whether talking will help or whether you will feel comfortable opening up to someone. You do not have to make a long-term commitment before finding out what therapy with me is like. I offer an introductory session for £30 so that we can talk about what you are looking for and consider whether working together feels right for you.
What we talk about will remain confidential except in certain circumstances, such as a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.
Also, as an ethical practitioner, I discuss my work with clients with my supervisor in a non-identifiable way. My supervisor and I are both members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by the requirements of confidentiality in the BACP's ethical framework. For further details about confidentiality and data protection please see my privacy policy.
You do not need to prepare a list of topics or know exactly what you want to say before coming to therapy. Many people begin feeling unsure about where to start, and that is completely okay.Sometimes there is a particular problem that has prompted you to seek counselling. At other times, you may have a general sense that something is not right, without being able to put it into words. We can start wherever you are.I will listen to what you feel able to share and may ask questions to help you explore your thoughts and feelings. We might look at what has been happening recently, how you have been feeling or whether there are experiences from your past that seem relevant to your current difficulties.There may be times when you do not know what you are feeling or find it difficult to put your experiences into words. We do not have to rush to find answers. Sometimes allowing yourself time and space to think can be valuable in itself.My role is not to expect you to arrive with everything worked out, but to work alongside you as we explore what is important to you. We can take things at a pace that feels manageable and work together to find a way forward.
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