What is psychotherapy?

Psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy involves better understanding how your current feelings, behaviours and conflicts are shaped by both past experiences and the unconscious. This is done through having honest conversations with a trained listener, that you can learn to trust. This kind of therapy comes from psychoanalysis, which is a more intensive version of this work, and it has been around for a long time. It has a rich tradition to draw on, as well as a solid scientific evidence base.

How often should I have psychotherapy?

I offer long-term and short-term once-weekly therapy, or a fixed term of consultations.  You may prefer something short-term to focus on a particular issue, or a deeper commitment through regular sessions. 

What is the first step?

The first step is to get in touch with me to arrange a short telephone consultation (these usually last around 10-30min) . After we have discussed how this might help, as well as the question of availabilities and cost, we can arrange to meet in person or online. The initial process of deciding how we can work together will usually take place over one to three consultations, where we will discuss previous experiences of therapy/counselling, expectations and hopes, current life events and difficulties, family history and whether something short-term or long-term would be more appropriate.

How long is a consultation and session?

The initial consultations/assessments and weekly sessions last 50 minutes.

How much does it cost?

Initial telephone consultations are free. Ongoing fees and means of payment will be negotiated before the first in-person consultation, and different aspects of personal finances will usually be discussed as part of the process. In setting the fee, individual circumstances will be taken into account. Lower-fee spaces may be available, so do ask. All financial decisions will be discussed thoroughly and thoughtfully before any commitments are made. Payments are via bank transfer, and invoices are sent on the first working day of the month. 

Do you take insurance?

Unfortunately I won't be able to take on patients who are looking to pay through insurance.

How do I book a session?

First, I advise you to get in contact with me so that we can discuss some of the context of why you’re seeking support. Then, if suitable, we will talk on the phone and then I will hold a consultation with you at my practice in 19 Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1A 2NS.  This initial consultation/assessment will be used to explore what you are hoping to get out of psychotherapy and how I might be able to help, as well as giving us a chance to discuss your individual circumstances and history in a bit more detail. 

Where is your practice and how do I get there?

My practice is at 19 Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1A 2NS, a short walk from a number of Underground Stations including Holborn, Tottenham Court Road and Russell Square. There is also parking available in the paying Underground Car Park beneath Bloomsbury Square.

Can I have my sessions online? What if I live outside of London or in another country?

I am able to hold consultations and sessions online or on the phone, and I have a few spaces for patients based abroad. I use Zoom to host online sessions.

Is your practice disability-friendly?

I am sorry to say that there is no step-free access to the consulting room, which is above the ground floor, though if accessibility is an issue I would still be happy to discuss online or telephone options.

I need help immediately, what should I do?

For those seeking emergency support, please get in contact with one of these crisis helplines:

-NHS 111     Phone: 111  (24-hour)

-SANE  Phone: 0300 304 7000 

-MIND Phone: 0300 123 3393 

-Samaritans Phone: 116 123 (free)

What is your method?

As a psychodynamic psychotherapist, I can guide you towards a deeper understanding of yourself, what you are struggling with emotionally and psychologically, and help you find a way to live a more fulfilling life. I will be interested in the way you relate to me and how this links with other relationships in your life, making the therapy itself a tool for better understanding your past and your present. I will offer you a safe, confidential  (and creative) space where you can look at things honestly, and I will take a non-judgmental approach as we think together in our work.

Do you follow any professional or ethical guidelines?

I adhere to strict professional guidelines and ethical codes of clinical practice (see the BPC code of ethics for more details). I undertake regular supervision and Continual Professional Development (CPD) as specified by these guidelines, and I have an up to date Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You can learn more about my qualifications and work experience here.

Will my sessions be confidential?

All communication will be confidential and this confidentiality extends to after you have ended therapy. Circumstances when confidentiality may be breached are extremely rare, but this will be discussed from the very beginning, and I will provide you with a privacy notice to sign where all of this is laid out in detail.

I’m not sure this is for me, what type of therapy should I do?

There are no commitment obligations after our initial meeting(s). If I am not the right person for you, I will try to connect you to someone who might be able to offer a the right kind of treatment or approach that might work best.

Do you taken on patients that are under 18 or couples?

I can only offer one-to-one psychotherapy with adults over 18 years of age.