FAQ

Here you can find the answers to commonly asked questions. If the answer to your query isn't here, please feel free to ask me directly via the Contact page.

What is therapy?

Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for you to talk to a trained professional about your issues and concerns. The therapist you choose will help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and of others. A therapist will not give you their opinions or advice or prescribe medication. They will help you find your own solutions – whether that’s making effective changes in your life or finding ways of coping with your problems.

Who do you work with?
I work with adult (over 18) individuals who are experiencing:

Low mood
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationship issues
Stress and burnout
Feelings of excessive guilt and shame
Dissatisfaction with life
Anger management issues
Low self-esteem
Trauma
Addiction or binges (including but not limited to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, social media, technology, shopping, etc)

Is it normal to feel nervous or uncertain about starting therapy?

Yes! I think every client I've ever worked with has felt uncomfortable to begin with, and that's okay. You might be talking about things in a different way than you're used to, to a person you don't know yet, so it makes sense that it feels strange. I will move at a pace that you're comfortable with and create a supportive environment so that you feel more at ease sharing.

How do I know you're the right therapist for me?

You don't! There's a lot of different styles and types of therapy out there, it can be confusing who to choose. Research shows us that the relationship between the therapist and the individual is the most important factor when determining whether a person will experience change from therapy. I offer a free 15-minute consultation for all new clients so that we can see if we're a good match. This gives you the opportunity to tell me a little bit about the challenges you're experiencing, and I can tell you a little more about how I might work with you. If you don't feel I'm the right therapist for you, or if I feel you might benefit from an approach that I don't offer, I'm happy to make recommendations for alternative therapists.

How much do your sessions cost?

I charge $110 USD per hour of therapy. I have numerous options for payment, including PayPal, so that you can choose the easiest option for you.

Will our sessions be confidential?

Yes, the content of our sessions remains between me and you. There are four exceptions to this:

1. Risk of Harm to Self or Others - If the client poses an imminent risk of serious harm to themselves (e.g., suicidal intent) or others (e.g., threats of violence), I may need to disclose information to protect the individual(s) at risk.

2. Legal Obligations - Confidentiality must be breached if required by a court of law, for example, if subpoenaed to provide records or testimony. Confidentiality must also be breached during cases involving abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person, where counselors are legally required to report to relevant authorities.

3. Serious Criminal Activity - If a client discloses involvement in a serious crime (e.g., terrorism, planned violence), I may need to report this to authorities as required by law.

4. Client Consent - Confidentiality can be waived if the client provides explicit consent to share specific information with a third party (e.g., medical professionals, family members).

How much therapy will I need?

This is a notoriously difficult question to answer because it depends so much on what's bringing you to therapy. I have observed that many of my clients begin to feel better after around 12 sessions. Most clients have one hour of therapy per week, but others prefer fortnightly, or twice per week. I have other clients who have achieved the changes they were looking for and now book in only when something comes up that they wish to talk through.

How will sessions take place?

I use Zoom to facilitate sessions online. Shortly before our session, I will send you a link to access the meeting. You simply click the link and the meeting will open, there's no need to install Zoom or anything else.