F.A.Q
Where will my sessions take place?
Our sessions will take place either:-
I maintain a suitable and comfortable office and therapy space situated within premises owned by an independently operated business with which I have no professional affiliation. However, as I am not always based at these offices, visiting is strictly by appointment only.
Please see below for directions.
- in person at The Therapy Room, Centaur Training, First Floor, Farington Mill, Centurion Way Industrial Estate, Farington, Leyland, PR25 4GU), or
- face to face via Microsoft Teams (or Zoom), or
- by telephone.
I maintain a suitable and comfortable office and therapy space situated within premises owned by an independently operated business with which I have no professional affiliation. However, as I am not always based at these offices, visiting is strictly by appointment only.
Please see below for directions.
How do I find your office?
I rent a room from the lovely people at Centaur Training Services who's offices can be found on the first floor of Farington Mill which is located on the Centurion Way Industrial Estate in Farington, Leyland.
Sat Nav users should use Postcode PR25 4GU and follow the road to the far end of the estate where you will find the main entrance to Farington Mill.
There is free, but limited, parking adjacent to the building.
Access to the first floor is via staircase (though disabled access is also available via stairlift). At the top of the stairs you will find a welcoming waiting area to your immediate right, where a selection of refreshments (for a small charge) and seating is available. Toilet facilities are also available (turn left at the top of the stairs and the toilets can be found on the right hand side of the corridor, clearly signed).
Alternatively, access to Farington Mill can be obtained from the adjacent residential road, Mill Street (Sat Nav PR25 4QJ), where again there is free parking readily available. Access is gated where indicated by the arrow below. In the unlikely event of the gate being locked please telephone me and I shall come to your aid!
Please note that as I am not always based at these offices, visiting is strictly by appointment only.
Sat Nav users should use Postcode PR25 4GU and follow the road to the far end of the estate where you will find the main entrance to Farington Mill.
There is free, but limited, parking adjacent to the building.
Access to the first floor is via staircase (though disabled access is also available via stairlift). At the top of the stairs you will find a welcoming waiting area to your immediate right, where a selection of refreshments (for a small charge) and seating is available. Toilet facilities are also available (turn left at the top of the stairs and the toilets can be found on the right hand side of the corridor, clearly signed).
Alternatively, access to Farington Mill can be obtained from the adjacent residential road, Mill Street (Sat Nav PR25 4QJ), where again there is free parking readily available. Access is gated where indicated by the arrow below. In the unlikely event of the gate being locked please telephone me and I shall come to your aid!
Please note that as I am not always based at these offices, visiting is strictly by appointment only. How does video therapy work?
I can offer video sessions via either Microsoft Teams or Zoom. It will be important for you to ensure that you have the appropriate software installed and also the equipment (e.g. working webcam and microphone on your computer or device) and internet connectivity required.
It has been proven that video therapy can be as effective as sessions which take place in person, and some therapeutic approaches are significantly more effective when a "face to face" connection can be established (whether that is online or physically in person).
I will email you an invite to our Microsoft Teams (or Zoom) meeting prior to our scheduled appointment. If you've not previously used the platform you choose for your session before then I would advise that you download the software needed well in advance of your appointment in case of any technical difficulties, or slow download speeds. If there is any written material I would usually give you that we need to use for the sessions (e.g. when I am going through psychoeducation), I will make sure that I email this to you before or after the session.
Regardless of how we meet, my goal is to create a safe and contained space to work with you, but there are a number of things you'll also need to do in order to facilitate the creation of an effective therapy space if we're working together remotely.
Important requirements:-
Some practical tips to help you engage with video therapy:-
It has been proven that video therapy can be as effective as sessions which take place in person, and some therapeutic approaches are significantly more effective when a "face to face" connection can be established (whether that is online or physically in person).
I will email you an invite to our Microsoft Teams (or Zoom) meeting prior to our scheduled appointment. If you've not previously used the platform you choose for your session before then I would advise that you download the software needed well in advance of your appointment in case of any technical difficulties, or slow download speeds. If there is any written material I would usually give you that we need to use for the sessions (e.g. when I am going through psychoeducation), I will make sure that I email this to you before or after the session.
Regardless of how we meet, my goal is to create a safe and contained space to work with you, but there are a number of things you'll also need to do in order to facilitate the creation of an effective therapy space if we're working together remotely.
Important requirements:-
- Please ensure that you are not under the influence of alcohol or non prescription drugs during our sessions.
- Please do NOT record the sessions. I will not be recording any of our sessions UNLESS I have prior consent from you and this has been mutually discussed and agreed and a consent form has been signed by you. There may be occasions where I suggest that you record part of a session. Any such recording made, or any part of a recording, or a transcript of a recording of any part of our sessions may not be disseminated in any form or on any medium without my prior written permission and is exclusively for your own personal therapeutic use.
- You must NOT let anyone else listen in to any part of the online session (via phone or any other technical device or in person) without prior agreement with myself.
- Please ensure that you join the session at the agreed time
Some practical tips to help you engage with video therapy:-
- I would recommend that you use either a computer or tablet to engage in video therapy. Whilst it is also possible to use a smartphone there may be times when I wish to share resources onscreen with you which can prove difficult on devices with smaller screens
- Please ensure that you have your computer or tablet set up before the session commences. This includes having your microphone and video turned on.
- Please have your computer or tablet positioned at a sensible height so that I can clearly see your face and upper body, and that the camera is at eye level.
- You will need to ensure that you are in a private and confidential space for the duration of the session.
- It can be very easy to hear background noises so please make sure you are in a quiet location. Using headphones may be preferable as it is less taxing on the voice and creates more privacy. I frequently use headphones myself in sessions.
- Make sure you are ready and settled a few minutes prior to your appointment and give yourself a few moments following the session to rest and settle again.
- If you are using your computer or tablet, please have your mobile phone out of reach and with the sound muted so that it is not a distraction to you during your time with me.
- Please avoid having your back to a window or bright light as this can make it very hard for me to see you clearly. However, please ensure that there is adequate lighting in the room you are in.
- You may find it useful to make handwritten notes during sessions of any agreed suggestions or interventions.
- Please make sure that your chosen environment is comfortable and one in which you can feel at least reasonably safe in. You may wish to have a notepad and pen, a box of tissues and a glass of water nearby.
What will happen in therapy?
It's common to feel worried or unsure about what to expect from therapy, and that makes total sense. You’re embarking on a new journey, at times sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings with a stranger, and, if this is your first time working with a therapist, it might all be new to you.
Your first session is for setting expectations and starting to build trust in our relationship together. It's important that you feel safe, accepted and respected in our sessions.
I will spend some time getting to know you and we'll discuss the kinds of needs or issues you’d like to address in your treatment, what changes you are aiming for at the end of therapy, as well as what you may have done to manage your mental health in the past. We'll talk through what worked and what didn’t to enable me to get an understanding of how best to help you.
How sessions are structured can vary depending on the type of therapy you're getting and the type of problem you want help with. On occasion I may use a formal, structured interview, whilst at other times it may just feel like a more free-flowing conversation. I will ask questions about your concerns and your symptoms as well as about your history and background, including your relationships, your interests, your strengths, and your goals.
There will also be space to explain and discuss:
Your first session is for setting expectations and starting to build trust in our relationship together. It's important that you feel safe, accepted and respected in our sessions.
I will spend some time getting to know you and we'll discuss the kinds of needs or issues you’d like to address in your treatment, what changes you are aiming for at the end of therapy, as well as what you may have done to manage your mental health in the past. We'll talk through what worked and what didn’t to enable me to get an understanding of how best to help you.
How sessions are structured can vary depending on the type of therapy you're getting and the type of problem you want help with. On occasion I may use a formal, structured interview, whilst at other times it may just feel like a more free-flowing conversation. I will ask questions about your concerns and your symptoms as well as about your history and background, including your relationships, your interests, your strengths, and your goals.
There will also be space to explain and discuss:
- What you want to get out of therapy
- Any accessibility needs you have
- Any worries or concerns you have about therapy
How long is a session?
The normal duration of each CBT session is 50-60 minutes. EMDR sessions may at times require 60-90 minutes. I reserve the right to amend our session times for therapeutic reasons and will endeavour to discuss the rationale for so doing on such occasion.
How often will I have sessions?
The timing, duration, frequency and number of sessions provided are arranged by mutual agreement between us at the commencement of your treatment. We will regularly review those arrangements throughout our work together and make such adjustments as we agree to be appropriate.
How long does therapy last?
Unfortunately there is no simple answer to this question!
It all depends on what you want and need. Some people come to therapy with a very specific problem they need to solve and might find that one or two sessions is sufficient. Other people come to therapy with more complicated issues and may feel they need a few months or more to understand and resolve their difficulties. Other people come with long-standing problems or difficult feelings and may benefit from longer-term therapy.
There is a great deal of variety in the length of time therapy takes. Many factors can influence this, such as:-
When people experience significant breaches of trust in relationships that are supposed to be close and trustworthy (like parents), it can take another committed and consistently trustworthy person to help repair those wounds over time. When people have been badly hurt, especially in childhood, repairing the unhelpful beliefs or behaviours which are often borne out of those experiences can be a slower process which is dependent on developing trust in the therapist and transforming maladaptive ways of coping into more effective ways.
One thing to keep in mind is that research has consistently proven that the single greatest predictor of positive outcomes is the quality of the therapeutic relationship and rapport you develop with your therapist. Building trust and developing that relationship can take time. Addressing needs that run deeper than finding an immediate solution to a specific concern will likely require more sessions.
We will periodically review how you feel therapy is progressing, the goals you set for therapy and whether you feel these goals have been met. Clarifying what you want from therapy (or how your life would be different if therapy was to help you) can help you figure out if you have met your goals and when you are ready to stop therapy.
Ultimately the decision as to when to stop therapy sits with both the therapist and client.
It all depends on what you want and need. Some people come to therapy with a very specific problem they need to solve and might find that one or two sessions is sufficient. Other people come to therapy with more complicated issues and may feel they need a few months or more to understand and resolve their difficulties. Other people come with long-standing problems or difficult feelings and may benefit from longer-term therapy.
There is a great deal of variety in the length of time therapy takes. Many factors can influence this, such as:-
- the background, symptoms and goals of the person who comes to therapy
- the treatment methods used
When people experience significant breaches of trust in relationships that are supposed to be close and trustworthy (like parents), it can take another committed and consistently trustworthy person to help repair those wounds over time. When people have been badly hurt, especially in childhood, repairing the unhelpful beliefs or behaviours which are often borne out of those experiences can be a slower process which is dependent on developing trust in the therapist and transforming maladaptive ways of coping into more effective ways.
One thing to keep in mind is that research has consistently proven that the single greatest predictor of positive outcomes is the quality of the therapeutic relationship and rapport you develop with your therapist. Building trust and developing that relationship can take time. Addressing needs that run deeper than finding an immediate solution to a specific concern will likely require more sessions.
We will periodically review how you feel therapy is progressing, the goals you set for therapy and whether you feel these goals have been met. Clarifying what you want from therapy (or how your life would be different if therapy was to help you) can help you figure out if you have met your goals and when you are ready to stop therapy.
Ultimately the decision as to when to stop therapy sits with both the therapist and client.
Can therapy make me feel worse?
I only ever use evidence based approaches in my treatment sessions.
However, therapy can bring up a variety of emotions and feelings of vulnerability which may at times feel uncomfortable or even distressing to sit with. Uncovering these emotions can be intense and overwhelming and might amplify the feelings that you have, before you have learnt to identify and process them.
Therapy is a process, and discomfort should be expected when navigating difficult emotions. People can also at times experience resistance to change especially where that change feels in conflict with established habitual ways of thinking or behaving. Therapy also helps us to discover parts of ourselves we may not have been aware of. We may feel uneasy after discovering new insights about ourselves. New self-awareness often makes us question things, and that can feel unsettling.
I would encourage you to be as open with me as you feel able, and communicate how you are feeling so that you can find validation, support, and ways to cope with these feelings. Discussing your concerns with me can help you to process why you are feeling the way you are and gain a better understanding of coping skills to use both within and in between our sessions.
However, therapy can bring up a variety of emotions and feelings of vulnerability which may at times feel uncomfortable or even distressing to sit with. Uncovering these emotions can be intense and overwhelming and might amplify the feelings that you have, before you have learnt to identify and process them.
Therapy is a process, and discomfort should be expected when navigating difficult emotions. People can also at times experience resistance to change especially where that change feels in conflict with established habitual ways of thinking or behaving. Therapy also helps us to discover parts of ourselves we may not have been aware of. We may feel uneasy after discovering new insights about ourselves. New self-awareness often makes us question things, and that can feel unsettling.
I would encourage you to be as open with me as you feel able, and communicate how you are feeling so that you can find validation, support, and ways to cope with these feelings. Discussing your concerns with me can help you to process why you are feeling the way you are and gain a better understanding of coping skills to use both within and in between our sessions.
What should I do after my therapy session?
Therapy is a gradual but steady process of developing insights, overcoming obstacles, setting and achieving goals, and enhancing wellbeing and the quality of your life.
It can be a good practice to begin keeping note of how you feel, how you think therapy went, and what you think changed for you in that session. Taking time to reflect is a good way to stay present with therapy after your session is over and think about how to apply any breakthroughs you may have had.
It can be a good practice to begin keeping note of how you feel, how you think therapy went, and what you think changed for you in that session. Taking time to reflect is a good way to stay present with therapy after your session is over and think about how to apply any breakthroughs you may have had.
What if I need to cancel an appointment or am running late?
In order for me to provide a competitive and cost effective service it is important that Clients attend sessions as arranged.
I'm unable to make “provisional” bookings for sessions. If a Client elects to book a session then the session is agreed to take place at the specified time and place and to be charged at the agreed fee.
Late attendance
If you are late attending an appointment the appointment will finish at the previously agreed time unless, at my discretion, I am able to extend it. The session will be charged at the usual rate, regardless of actual duration.
Cancellation by the Client
Please notify me of a planned cancellation via email or text as soon as you're aware that you will be unable to attend the session.
If you cancel your session with at least 48 hours’ notice, no cancellation fee will be due.
If you cancel your session with less than 48 hour’s notice, the cancelled session will be charged for at the full contracted rate.
However, it is understood that sometimes unforeseeable events happen which may make it necessary for clients to cancel their appointment at short notice or fail to attend without giving prior notification. On such occasions I may exercise some discretion as to whether a reduced cancellation fee will be charged.
After a missed appointment or a late cancellation, you will be required to:-
- confirm that you would like to attend any other appointments that have been booked; and
- have paid any outstanding fees before a further appointment can be take place.
Please note that subsequent sessions will be cancelled if payment has not been made.
Please refer to my full terms and conditions of business which will be sent to you upon your retaining my services for further details.
I'm unable to make “provisional” bookings for sessions. If a Client elects to book a session then the session is agreed to take place at the specified time and place and to be charged at the agreed fee.
Late attendance
If you are late attending an appointment the appointment will finish at the previously agreed time unless, at my discretion, I am able to extend it. The session will be charged at the usual rate, regardless of actual duration.
Cancellation by the Client
Please notify me of a planned cancellation via email or text as soon as you're aware that you will be unable to attend the session.
If you cancel your session with at least 48 hours’ notice, no cancellation fee will be due.
If you cancel your session with less than 48 hour’s notice, the cancelled session will be charged for at the full contracted rate.
However, it is understood that sometimes unforeseeable events happen which may make it necessary for clients to cancel their appointment at short notice or fail to attend without giving prior notification. On such occasions I may exercise some discretion as to whether a reduced cancellation fee will be charged.
After a missed appointment or a late cancellation, you will be required to:-
- confirm that you would like to attend any other appointments that have been booked; and
- have paid any outstanding fees before a further appointment can be take place.
Please note that subsequent sessions will be cancelled if payment has not been made.
Please refer to my full terms and conditions of business which will be sent to you upon your retaining my services for further details.
How will sessions end?
Therapy is a collaborative process which relies on an appropriately authentic engagement and clear communication by both the Client and the Therapist.
Psychological therapy is thought to be most effective when the end of treatment is mutually agreed, and treatment goals have been met. We will periodically review how you feel therapy is progressing, and the extent to which you're achieving your therapy goals. Ideally, ending therapy ought to be planned and would incorporate work together around relapse prevention strategies to support you in maintaining progress after our therapeutic relationship has ended. In the ordinary course of events you will probably know when you are ready to end therapy and we will agree together on the work we need to do to prepare for this.
However, you have the unfettered right to withdraw from therapy at any time, without giving a reason (subject to your adherence to the terms and conditions governing the cancellation of appointments as set out in our Therapy Contract). Therapy can at times be demanding, frustrating and emotional. You may at times find the process difficult and feel the need to end therapy. Your feedback will usually be sought in each session and if you feel unhappy with any aspect of the treatment being offered then please do try to communicate this to me.
I also have the right to withdraw from continuing to provide services:-
Psychological therapy is thought to be most effective when the end of treatment is mutually agreed, and treatment goals have been met. We will periodically review how you feel therapy is progressing, and the extent to which you're achieving your therapy goals. Ideally, ending therapy ought to be planned and would incorporate work together around relapse prevention strategies to support you in maintaining progress after our therapeutic relationship has ended. In the ordinary course of events you will probably know when you are ready to end therapy and we will agree together on the work we need to do to prepare for this.
However, you have the unfettered right to withdraw from therapy at any time, without giving a reason (subject to your adherence to the terms and conditions governing the cancellation of appointments as set out in our Therapy Contract). Therapy can at times be demanding, frustrating and emotional. You may at times find the process difficult and feel the need to end therapy. Your feedback will usually be sought in each session and if you feel unhappy with any aspect of the treatment being offered then please do try to communicate this to me.
I also have the right to withdraw from continuing to provide services:-
- if I hold a genuine professional belief that you may not benefit from further sessions, or
- if I conclude in my professional opinion that I am no longer the appropriate person to be treating you, or
- if you were to substantially and/or persistently breach the terms and conditions of the Therapy Contract.
What will therapy cost?
I provide a cost effective, competitive and accessible service. Clients will be informed of the fee for sessions prior to attending their first appointment.
Unless stated otherwise in writing my fees are as per the hourly rate stated at the start of treatment. Fees are normally based upon hourly sessions and longer sessions will be charged pro rata at the agreed hourly rate.
Additional work undertaken outside of sessions at the direction and on behalf of a Client may be chargeable on a pro rata basis. Such charges would be agreed prior to any such work being undertaken.
Unless stated otherwise in writing my fees are as per the hourly rate stated at the start of treatment. Fees are normally based upon hourly sessions and longer sessions will be charged pro rata at the agreed hourly rate.
Additional work undertaken outside of sessions at the direction and on behalf of a Client may be chargeable on a pro rata basis. Such charges would be agreed prior to any such work being undertaken.
Will you keep all my information private?
I provide a safe and confidential service to all Clients. Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with legal requirements and within the codes of ethics to which I am bound. I will not ordinarily disclose information regarding or obtained from you to a third party without your express permission and providing that it is in your best interests to do so.
Confidentiality would not apply where it would mean that I as your therapist might break the law, or where withholding information means that I would breach the codes of ethics.
I have a duty of care to act upon identified risks of harm to my clients or others. Confidentiality may be breached if I consider that there is a risk that you may harm yourself or others. In such circumstances it may be necessary for me to liaise with others outside of our therapeutic relationship and I would normally consult with you before doing so, unless to do so might increase the risk of harm.
Further details about how I use, store and destroy personal information relating to you (and your Data Protection Rights) are contained in my Privacy Policy and Therapy Contract, both of which are provided upon the retention of my services (or are available on request to those who have not yet entered such an arrangement).
Confidentiality would not apply where it would mean that I as your therapist might break the law, or where withholding information means that I would breach the codes of ethics.
I have a duty of care to act upon identified risks of harm to my clients or others. Confidentiality may be breached if I consider that there is a risk that you may harm yourself or others. In such circumstances it may be necessary for me to liaise with others outside of our therapeutic relationship and I would normally consult with you before doing so, unless to do so might increase the risk of harm.
Further details about how I use, store and destroy personal information relating to you (and your Data Protection Rights) are contained in my Privacy Policy and Therapy Contract, both of which are provided upon the retention of my services (or are available on request to those who have not yet entered such an arrangement).
Do you offer sessions during weekends and/or evenings?
Unfortunately I'm typically unable to offer sessions outside of my usual working hours of Monday - Thursday, 9am to 5pm. I do on occasion offer sessions at 8am or 5pm though these cannot be guaranteed on a recurrent basis. I am unable to offer sessions on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
