Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you begin
Do I need to have a specific problem to come to therapy?
Not at all. Many people come to therapy simply because something doesn’t feel quite right. You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in recurring patterns, struggling in your relationships, or finding it difficult to understand your thoughts and emotions. Therapy offers a space to explore whatever is important to you, at your own pace.
How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist is important. That’s why I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation. This gives us the opportunity to discuss what has brought you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and explore whether we feel like a good fit to work together. There is no obligation to continue afterwards.
What's the difference between individual therapy and psychosexual therapy?
Many of the concerns people bring to therapy overlap. Emotional wellbeing, relationships and sexuality are closely connected, and you don’t need to know which type of therapy you need before getting in touch. During our initial consultation, we’ll talk about your goals and decide together which approach is likely to be most helpful for you.
What issues do you work with?
I work with adults experiencing a wide range of emotional, relational and psychosexual concerns, including anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, attachment patterns, trauma, grief, shame, emotional regulation, life transitions, intimacy concerns, low desire, painful sex, sexual confidence, compulsive sexual behaviours, problematic pornography use, and sexual identity exploration.
If you’re unsure whether your concern is something I can help with, please feel free to get in touch.
Sessions
What happens in the first session?
Your first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and to explore what has brought you to therapy.
We’ll spend some time talking about your current concerns, what has been happening in your life, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll also ask some gentle questions about your background, relationships, family, significant life experiences and your emotional wellbeing. This helps me build a fuller picture of you as a person, rather than simply focusing on the difficulties you’re experiencing.
There is no expectation to tell me everything in one session, and you are always in control of what you choose to share. We will move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.
By the end of our first meeting, we’ll have begun to develop an understanding of your goals and discuss how we might work together going forward.
Will you ask me about my childhood?
Yes — but only if it feels relevant to what has brought you to therapy. Sometimes our early experiences and relationships can help us understand the patterns we experience in adulthood, whether that’s in our relationships, our self-esteem, our emotional responses or the way we cope with life’s challenges. Equally, there are times when focusing on the present feels more helpful.
My approach is pluralistic, which means we work together to decide what feels most useful for you. Therapy isn’t about talking about your childhood for the sake of it; it’s about exploring whatever will best help you understand yourself and move towards the changes you’re hoping for.
How often will we meet?
Most clients attend weekly sessions, particularly at the beginning of therapy, as this helps build momentum and continuity. However, we can discuss what feels most appropriate for your individual circumstances. I do also offer one-off sessions where appropriate.
How long are therapy sessions?
Individual therapy sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place on the same day and at the same time each week. This regularity helps create a consistent and reliable space for therapy, although we’ll always discuss together what feels most appropriate for your individual needs.
Psychosexual therapy sessions are also 50 minutes in length. Where appropriate, practical exercises or reflections may be suggested between sessions to support the work we do together.
How long does therapy last?
There is no fixed answer, as every person, every relationship and every difficulty is unique.
Some clients come with a specific issue they would like to work through over a relatively short period, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore more deeply rooted patterns and experiences.
We will regularly review how therapy is progressing to ensure it continues to feel helpful and aligned with your goals.
For psychosexual therapy, I currently offer a structured six-session package as part of my Master’s-level specialist training. Towards the end of those sessions, we’ll review your progress together and discuss whether any further work would be beneficial.
Will I be given homework?
Sometimes.
Depending on your goals and the type of therapy we’re undertaking, I may suggest exercises, reflections or practical activities between sessions. These are always collaborative and optional, designed to support your progress rather than add pressure.
In psychosexual therapy, these may include communication exercises, reflective tasks or practical exercises to try in your own time. There is never any expectation to complete anything that doesn’t feel right for you, and we’ll always discuss any suggestions together beforehand.
What if I become upset during a session?
It’s completely okay to experience strong emotions in therapy. Crying, feeling angry, uncertain or even sitting in silence are all natural parts of the therapeutic process. My aim is to create a space where you feel safe enough to experience and explore whatever arises.
Do I have to talk about everything straight away?
No.
There is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with. Building trust takes time, and therapy is a collaborative process. We’ll work at a pace that feels safe for you, and you remain in control of what you choose to bring into the room.
Psychosexual therapy
I'm nervous about talking about sex.
You’re not alone.
Many people feel embarrassed or anxious when discussing sex, intimacy or relationships. My role is to provide a compassionate, respectful and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about whatever has brought you to therapy.
Nothing you say will shock or embarrass me.
Can I attend psychosexual therapy on my own?
Yes. Although some psychosexual work involves couples, I currently see clients individually.
Whether you’re experiencing sexual difficulties, relationship concerns, problematic pornography use, compulsive sexual behaviours, changes in desire or simply want to better understand your sexuality, individual psychosexual therapy can be highly beneficial.
Practical
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. I offer both online therapy and in-person sessions from my private therapy studio near Winchester, Hampshire.
Many clients find online therapy just as effective as meeting in person, while others prefer the privacy and comfort of attending face-to-face. We can discuss which option feels right for you.
Is everything I say confidential?
Confidentiality is a fundamental part of therapy.
Everything we discuss will remain confidential unless I become concerned that there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where I am legally required to disclose information. I will always explain the limits of confidentiality during our first session and answer any questions you may have.
How much do sessions cost?
Details of my current fees can be found on the Fees page.
I also offer a limited number of reduced-fee psychosexual therapy packages while completing my Master’s-level training in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy.
How do I get started?
Get in touch to arrange a complimentary 20-minute consultation.
Simply get in touch via my contact form, email or telephone. We’ll talk about what has brought you to therapy, answer any questions you have, and decide together whether working together feels like the right next step.
