Frequently Asked Questions
What is your approach?My approach is relational and grounded in Gestalt therapy, a modality that focuses on awareness, connection, and understanding how past experiences shape the way we relate to ourselves and others. I work with curiosity and empathy, paying attention to what is happening in the present moment
Depending on your individual needs, the process may include elements of other theoretical models, psychoeducation, creativity, and experiential ways of working, allowing therapy to support meaningful change.
How do I get started?Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, and it's completely normal to feel unsure about what to say or expect.
Take your time to research different therapists and consider what feels important to you. Reading about the counselling approach, asking questions, and arranging an initial conversation can help you decide whether they tick all your boxes.
What happens during the first session?The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, starting with the counselling agreement. From there, we'll move into an initial assessment, exploring what has brought you to therapy, your goals and any key concerns, relevant personal history, your current wellbeing, and any practical or risk-related considerations that may help inform our work together.
What is covered in the free initial consultation and what is its purpose?15-minute initial consultation is an opportunity for us to briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, what you are hoping for, and whether my approach is likely to meet your needs. You can ask any questions about counselling, how I work, fees, or the practical aspects of starting therapy.
The purpose of this conversation is not to begin therapy, but to help us decide whether working together feels like the right fit. If we decide to proceed, we can arrange your first counselling session.
Is the session confidential?In practice, confidentiality is essential because it promotes trust, autonomy, and emotional safety in the therapeutic relationship.
There are, however, a small number of legal and ethical exceptions where confidentiality may need to be broken, such as if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where required by law.
We will also go through confidentiality and its limits during our first session.
What about the space for the session?Therapy sessions take place in a rental therapy room in Portsmouth with the address provided prior to the first session. There is a waiting area if you arrive a few minutes early. The rooms are suitable for both individual counselling and relationship therapy, including sessions with couples and people in diverse relationship structures where appropriate.
Please note that the building is not wheelchair accessible, and dogs are not permitted on the premises.
Privacy Notice for Visitors on my websiteWhen someone visits my website, I use a third party service, Squarespace to collect standard internet log information and details of visitor behaviour patterns. I do this to find out things such as the number of visitors to the various parts of the site. This information is only processed in a way that does not identify anyone. I do not make, and do not allow Squarespace to make, any attempt to find out the identities of those visiting my website. I use legitimate interests as my lawful basis for holding and using your personal information in this way when you visit my website.
I use Google Analytics so that I can continually improve my service to you. You can read Google Analytics (GA4) privacy notice here.
I use Squarespace as the content management system for our website - find out about Squarespace and data protection.
Like most websites, we use cookies to help the site work more efficiently - find out about our use of cookies. No user-specific data is collected by me or any third party. If you fill in a form on my website, that data will be temporarily stored on the web host before being sent to me.