Frequently asked questions

I use an active, solution-focused and integrative approach that is highly relational; you will feel like you are sitting with a kind and empathic human being. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative partnership where I provide guidance, rather than leaving you to find your own way through difficult thoughts and feelings, especially if you have felt traumatised by past events. I combine Talk Therapy along with the following Trauma Informed methods; Safe Space; Psychoeducation; Part Work; IFS; Re-parenting; Inner Child; Gestalt Techniques; Polvagal Theory; Writing and Drawing; DBT; CBT; Hypnotherapy; Visualisation; Timeline Therapy; The Rewind Technique. I don't expect you to "find all the answers" yourself; instead, we work together to dismantle old patterns and give you tools to become self-sufficient going forwards.

A large number of clients I work with have had therapy before. Some have done well and are just trying a different approach. Others have had NHS therapy and found it didn't give them the chance to dig deep enough. Don't give up if you've tried therapy before and it didn't work for you. Every therapist has a unique approach, and you just need to find the right fit for you and your needs. A note about Person Centred Therapy: Many people find that "person-centred" or purely reflective therapy feels too passive for complex trauma (CPTSD). My approach is different because I am active in the room with you. I don't just listen; I provide structure, explain the "how" and "why" behind your symptoms. Once we have considered how safe your nervous system feels, we will quickly move on to helping you map what has been happening for you. This is extremely grounding, and allows us better access to create change at a subconscious level. If you've felt "unheard" or "lost" in therapy before, you may find this more directive, collaborative style far more effective.

That is completely normal. Many of my clients come to me feeling unsure about what is wrong, and they may feel stuck or dysregulated without a clear explanation. Unlike passive therapy where you are left to find your own answers, I take an active role. We look at your current patterns and history together, and I provide the clinical insights to help make sense of your experiences. You don’t have to solve the puzzle alone.

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For those wishing to work through childhood or complex issues... When I work with complex trauma (CPTSD) and deep-seated patterns, I don't offer "quick fixes" that only scratch the surface. Instead, we focus on sustainable healing. While some clients feel a shift in just a few sessions of therapy or hypnotherapy, trauma recovery is a journey. We will regularly review our progress together to ensure you feel you are gaining the practical tools and emotional resilience you need. For more specific or "singular" goals... Such as overcoming a phobia, managing a particular habit, or preparing for a specific event—my active approach often yields results more quickly. In these cases, we may only need a short-term series of sessions (typically between 3 and 6) to achieve the breakthrough you’re looking for. During our initial consultation, I will give you an honest estimate based on your unique goals.

All appointments are charged at the regular rate of £60 for the hour, including our first meeting. Whilst the first session is about gathering important information, it will also likely include some therapeutic work, and will certainly include some psychoeducation. I waste no time in getting to know how you process information, and monitoring how your nervous system is coping with things. For those wanting to have hypnotherapy we may also have a short hypnosis session. It is an active therapy session.