What to Expect in Therapy

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming so here’s what to expect when you begin your journey with me:

Free 15-Minute Call:

During this introductory call, we’ll discuss what’s bringing you to therapy and how psychodynamic counselling can help. It’s a chance for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and decide if we’re a good fit for each other.

First Session:

In our first session, we’ll dive a bit deeper into your background and what brings you to therapy. This is a safe, confidential space where you can share your concerns, thoughts, and emotions. We’ll explore what you hope to achieve through therapy and start understanding some of the underlying patterns that may be affecting your life. Sessions last 50 minutes, giving us ample time to begin setting the groundwork for your journey at a comfortable pace. During this session,we'll also confirm the regular time and day of the week for your ongoing sessions.

Ongoing Therapy:

Therapy is a collaborative process, and ongoing sessions will help us gradually explore deeper emotional experiences and patterns. As we continue, the focus will shift towards gaining insight into how your past influences your present thoughts and behaviors, helping you make meaningful changes.

Sessions are once a week, providing a consistent, supportive environment where you can grow, heal, and navigate life’s challenges over time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How long is each therapy session?
Each session lasts 50 minutes. This includes the first session and all ongoing therapy sessions.

2. Is the counselling online or face to face?

I am able to offer clients both online and face to face sessions. For some clients, meeting online each week is more practical, particularly when managing other commitments or health issues that make travelling difficult. For clients that wish to meet in person, I can offer sessions from my room in Oxford Circus, London.

3. How much does a session cost?

The best way to discuss session fees and payment expectations is during our free 15-minute call. This allows us to go over any questions you may have about pricing and payment arrangements, ensuring everything is clear and manageable for you.

4. How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies for each person. However, in my experience, a minimum of 24 sessions (approximately 6 months) is typically needed to do a meaningful piece of work in psychodynamic therapy. This allows us to explore deeper patterns and address underlying emotional issues. Some people continue for longer, but we’ll regularly review progress to ensure the therapy is beneficial for you.

5. What if I can't make a scheduled session?

Life happens, and there may be times when you cannot attend or need to reschedule your session. If you can let me know in advance that you are unable to attend a session, I will do my best to offer an alternative session during the same week where my schedule allows. If this is not possible, the usual fee will still be charged, as your weekly session time is reserved for you and cannot be offered to anyone else.

6. Is everything I say confidential?

Our work together will be kept confidential. No information will be disclosed to anyone without your consent except under these specific circumstances:

Occasionally, confidentiality is extended to discussions with my supervisor, which is a requirement of my membership to the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) to support me in my work with you and ensure professional consistency and ethical standards.
Under rare circumstances, if I believed that there was a serious risk of harm to either yourself or another person, it may be necessary to contact your GP or other professional. If this was the case, I would always endeavour to discuss it with you first.

7. Can I stop therapy at any time?

Yes, you are free to stop therapy whenever you feel ready. However, it’s usually helpful to discuss any decision to end therapy with your therapist. Processing the ending together can allow a more positive and thoughtful conclusion to the therapeutic work, allowing us to reflect on the progress made and address any final thoughts or feelings.

8. How do I know if psychodynamic therapy is right for me?
Psychodynamic therapy is helpful if you're interested in exploring how past experiences may be affecting your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The free 15-minute call can help you decide if it’s the right approach for your needs.