Catching 
 Patterns

1. Can my session be over the phone?

Due to the nature of CBT, it is best practice for sessions to be either Video (via Microsoft Teams) and/or in person.

 

2. What do I need to access video sessions?

You will need to download Microsoft Teams, which can be found in any apple/android app store. Please install and create and an account. When you do so, when I create a meeting for you, it should then appear in your Teams diary.

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Please treat these sessions with the same integrity as though we were having the sessions face to face, meaning:
-Having minimal distractions around you (i.e. organising childcare where possible, not cooking or cleaning during session, not driving/or in public, be in a safe confidential space with the use of headphones and are far from prying ears, and allow yourself enough time to enter session and enough time to wind down prior).

-Have a notepad to keep all of your notes from therapy in one safe space (strongly recommend as this will help you feel more confident to navigate your moods/triggers, when it comes time to discharge you).

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3. What happens if I miss a session?

As per the client agreement, your session will still be charged at the agreed session price if I am not given within 48 hours notice.

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4. What if I cannot draw?

Perfect! My TISFA model works well for those who have and/or have not been exposed to art. The process is not about skill, but introspection. Sometimes the most meaningful drawings can come from those which look quite childlike (like some of the stick men we would draw as children), and this can also be true for drawings that wish to be more detailed. Like everything else we discuss in therapy, your apprehensions towards drawing will be explored as part of the session.

 

Please see library of client drawings here.

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5. What if my culture does not agree with me talking to strangers outside the family?

It is natural that some of us come from cultural/religious backgrounds that may discourage us from acknowledging challenges we face, let alone to voice that to someone we do not know. This can be just as true for someone brought up in a White British Catholic context with working class parents (for example), to a first-generation Nigerian British person (for example).

 

However, when I have come to work with people who have this narrative, I make space to discuss this potential barrier first (which may take us a couple of sessions). This is to ensure that when you engage in the process of therapy, you are not left feeling like you overdisclosed/shared information that you did not want me to know/feel ready to share, but instead you leave feeling you disclosed enough for me to help.

 

Sharing our stories can feel scary and uncomfortable, so know that you have the right to let me know if at any given point answering certain question(s) makes you feel uncomfortable, and we can explore that together before moving on (should you wish to do so).

 

6. I don’t trust people easily, what will you do with what I share with you?

As aforementioned, opening up to people/stranger/therapist can be difficult. Please remember that your information is stored by the guidance of GDPR regulations. Your case may be discussed with my supervisor, and when this happens you will be anonymised. Only I have direct access to the notes/information shared about you.

 

7. I do not believe in God or have a spiritual faith, can I still work with you?

Absolutely, my approach to therapy is not that we must all see life the same and/or have the same belief systems, I have worked with many atheists/agnostics and we have been able to achieve beautiful work together and witnessed them make life changing progress.

 

8. I routinely self-harm and have strong wishes to end my life, can you help me?

It can be really hard when we go through such painful difficulties that makes us succumb to suicidal/self-harm ideation and/or actions. Unfortunately, my service is not equipped to support such needs, and it would be best that you seek support from your GP and/or local mental health service. If this is reported in our time together (as per client agreement that is sent out) you would be expected to seek support from the appropriate services.

 

In the meantime, if you or someone you know is struggling, please look at this NHS page.

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9. Will my GP be informed of my treatment?
No unless there is indication of risk and if so please see above.

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10. I feel I need help but I am under 18 how do I access your service?

A conversation will need to be had with your parent, to understand what support it is you need and if this would be the most appropriate space for you, which can be done in the consultation call.

 

11. How many sessions will I need?

This is purely on a needs basis and is person centred, meaning some people may only need 8, some may need 12, some may need more. It depends on your need and whether it is clinically justifiable. These decisions will be agreed on together in session, and where needed I will seek advice via supervision.

 

12. Do you offer discretionary rates?

If you are NHS staff or on benefits I can offer £15 off the original price.

If you are on Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment I can offer you £30 off the original price.

Evidence of NHS employment and/or benefits will need to be presented in order to access discretionary rate.

 

13. Can I use my insurance to pay for my session(s)?

Currently I am not yet accepting payments via insurance.

 

14. I want to buy sessions for someone I know because I think they need help. Is this possible?

Yes, however please keep the following in mind. Although it is always nice to see when people value therapy and want those around them to benefit from it, if you are considering buying therapy sessions for someone always remember to gain consent from the person who you are wanting to support. Therapy should never be forced, but the idea should be explored, at a pace which feels manageable to the person you want to support.

 

Forced advice seldom results in change compared to when a person believes that idea came from themselves (I know - I’ve been there myself, witnessed it in others and often hear it in conversations). Think about how it feels for you when someone forces you into something that you do not want compared to when an idea feels like your own, which one inspired you to access change?

 

Therefore, CBT requires that the client should want to be in therapy (regardless if they initially feel like the process may be daunting, scary, or even if there is some ambivalence). Why? The treatment method is more than just “talking” - we do things to actively change behavioural patterns, which is a collaborative process, and as we discovered above, no one wants to be forced to do something that they feel unsure of. So, be mindful if your curiosity to support feels forceful to the person you want to help. Ensure that they have an awareness of what why they think therapy could help them with and that they have a wish/interest to help themselves (even if they are not sure how).