People often assume a therapist’s job is to give advice. But advice isn’t psychotherapy. In the long run, it’s rarely helpful.

If advice were enough, you wouldn’t be coming to therapy. You can get advice anywhere—from friends, family, or the internet.

Instead of advice, your therapist will help you see yourself and your situation more clearly so you can make choices that are right for you.

Credit: Jonathan Shedler, PhD

Talk as openly as you can about whatever is on your mind, without editing or censoring yourself. This may sound easy, but it’s often incredibly difficult. Some thoughts will seem unimportant. Others may feel unpleasant or embarrassing. Say them anyway. If you notice something is getting in the way of speaking openly, bring it up. Talk about what’s making it difficult.

Credit: Jonathan Shedler, PhD

It can be hard to see how “just talking” will help, but talking is the heart of psychotherapy.

As you talk, you come to know yourself better. You start to recognise patterns. New options and possibilities emerge.

Research shows that most people benefit from therapy, even those with the most serious problems. The benefits are not immediate.

At first, there may be no obvious connection between what you’re talking about and how your problems will improve. It’s like planting a tree. There’s no immediate connection between planting seeds and eating apples, but if you plant seeds and tend to them, apples will come.

If you start therapy intending to try it for a session or two just to see what happens, you’ll likely be disappointed. That’s like planting seeds, then deciding it’s pointless because there are no apples the next morning.

Therapy takes time. Give it a chance to work.

Credit: Jonathan Shedler, PhD

The therapy sessions run for 50 minutes, meeting weekly, on the same day and time. A mutually agreeable time and day will be arranged in the free 20-minute introductory video call. 

Yes. Therapy sessions are confidential so what is discussed in the therapy room remains private.

Legal exceptions to therapeutic confidentiality include:

• If the client poses a danger to themselves or others.

• In the case of suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.

• If they are legally forced to by court order.

• Legal obligation to report crimes such as terrorism.

An individual session costs £45.00. Concessionary rates available, contact me for more information. 

If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, I request you contact me at least 24 hours in advance.
If you do not attend your session and do not contact me 24 hours before the session I will request the fee for the session.  

Cancellations due to illness or emergency situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.