How I work

Getting started

• How should I choose a therapist?

  Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, but a few questions can help. You might start by asking:

  • Are they registered with an accrediting body such as BACP, UKCP, or COSCA?
  • Does their way of working — person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT, or something else — sound like it fits what you’re looking for?
  • Do you get a sense that you could feel safe, understood, and taken seriously by them?

  Registration with an accrediting body means they’ve completed recognised training and work within published ethical guidelines.

  More than any technique, what makes therapy work is the relationship itself — someone you can talk to easily, and who you feel values you.

  These qualities are hard to gauge from text alone. That’s why I offer a free 20-minute online consultation where you can get a sense of my character and ask any questions you might have. Arrange a consultation.

• What will happen in our first session?

  In our first session, you’ll have space to share what’s brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about what you hope might change, and you can tell me a little about yourself.

  We won’t try to cover everything in one go. By the end of this session, I hope that working together will begin to feel more comfortable, that you’ll have a clearer sense of how I work, and that you’ll be able to talk more freely than before. I also hope you’ll feel I’ve listened carefully and tried to understand you, and that this has given you some relief from the distress you’ve been experiencing.

• How long does therapy take?

  This varies from person to person. Some people work with me for a few months; others for a year or more. There’s no fixed duration.

  We usually meet weekly to begin with — often enough that the work keeps its thread. We’ll review how it’s going from time to time, and you’re free to stop whenever it stops being useful.

• What if therapy isn’t working?

  If therapy doesn’t feel helpful, I’d want us to talk about it. Sometimes the work involves difficult feelings, and it can be hard to distinguish between necessary discomfort and a poor fit.

  If it seems that another approach, or another therapist, might suit you better, I’ll say so, and point you towards the right fit where I can.

Practicalities

• How much does therapy cost?

  Sessions are £70 for 50 minutes. I review fees each January and always give notice of any change.

  I also offer a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for those unable to afford the standard fee. If cost is a concern, please ask about current availability — I’d rather discuss this openly than have it be a barrier.

• Should I work in person or online?

  It’s your choice. If possible, I suggest we meet in person for our first few sessions, as the increased contact can help us establish a good working relationship.

  However, I understand that distance and busy schedules mean this won’t be practical for everyone. If you decide to work with me online, we’ll discuss ways to keep some of the benefits of in-person work whilst meeting remotely. You can read more about how online therapy works.

• What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

  The terms overlap considerably, and in practice the differences can be subtle. Broadly, counselling tends to be shorter-term and more focused on specific issues, while psychotherapy often involves longer-term, deeper work.

  I trained in both counselling and psychotherapy, and my work draws on both traditions. What counts is whether the way of working suits you, not which word it goes by.

• Do you prescribe medication?

  No. I’m not a medical doctor and can’t prescribe medication.

  If medication might be helpful, we can talk about this in therapy and I may suggest speaking with your GP. Some people find a combination of talking therapy and medication useful; others prefer to work without medication.

Therapeutic approach

• What does “psychodynamic” mean here?

  Psychodynamic therapy pays attention to patterns across time — how earlier relationships and experiences can influence how you feel and respond today.

  The aim isn’t to dwell on the past for its own sake, but to understand what keeps repeating, and why it once made sense to do so. Often, seeing a pattern clearly is what creates room for a different choice.

  You can read more about my approach to psychodynamic therapy in Edinburgh.

• How is privacy handled?

  I follow BACP and COSCA ethical frameworks, which require that I keep client information private within legal and ethical limits (for example, where there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else). We’ll go through these limits in full during our first session.

  I’m registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and any information I keep is subject to the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK-GDPR. You can read my privacy notice here.

• Do you offer EMDR?

  EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps clients process trauma through bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements.

  I don’t currently offer EMDR, but I’ll update this page if that changes.

Neurodivergence

• Do you have experience with neurodivergent clients?

  Yes. I work with clients who are autistic and/or have ADHD.

  It’s important to me that you feel comfortable in the room. We can discuss any accommodations you might need — I’m happy to adjust lighting and other sensory elements to ensure the space isn’t overstimulating. I can also offer grounding objects to help you feel calm.

  You can read more about my approach to therapy for ADHD and autism.

• Can you assess or diagnose ADHD/autism?

  More adults are seeking ADHD and autism assessments than ever before. A diagnosis, or the question of one, can stir up a great deal — relief, grief, self-doubt, and the unsettling experience of rereading your own past in a new light.

  Whilst I can’t diagnose clients, I can help you explore your feelings about what a diagnosis might mean for you, and the choices it raises (including medication). However, I’m not a doctor and cannot offer medical advice.

Can’t find your question?

If there’s something you’d like to ask that isn’t covered here, you’re very welcome to get in touch before deciding whether to book.