Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is person-centred therapy?

In simple terms, the person-centred approach believes that you as a client have everything you need within you to reach your full potential. As a person-centred therapist, my role is to facilitate (rather than steer) your growth. I do not impose my views on you even when they’re different to yours and I may not be able to advise or tell you what to do. But I can help you explore your options as well as the barriers preventing you from moving forward and the facilitators that support you to make the right decisions for you. I can also provide you with tools and information on a given topic if that is helpful for you. In addition, I will:

• Listen to you with interest and curiosity.

• Accept you and cherish you as you are without judging you.

• Be me: warm and without masks or facades.  

Together, we can build a therapeutic relationship in which both of us feel safe enough to explore and promote change in you and your life.

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2. What happens exactly in a person-centred therapy session?

Generally, I would start by asking you about what you would like to bring to our session today. Some people prepare ahead of their session and others don’t. There is no right or wrong way to do it. However, I often found that people almost always forget their preparations when they surrender to the spontaneity of the present moment. You will often surprise yourself (in a positive way) with what comes up throughout the session. As I thoroughly listen to you, I would interject on various occasions to do one of the following: seek clarity if I felt confused by something you said to make sure I understand you fully and that we’re both on the same page, unpack the feelings behind what you’re saying, share any thoughts or observations I experience in the moment, further explore your world as you see it and experience it.

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3. What is the difference between therapy and counselling?

Both terms are often used interchangeably. Some people use the term therapy to refer to long-term work and counselling to short-term work. To me, short-term and long-term are very subjective and depend on each person’s needs at a given point in time. My work involves both short-term and long-term work.

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4. What areas of counselling do you deal with?

I deal with a broad range of issues including but not limited to: anxiety, stress, depression, abuse, bullying, bereavement, relationship problems, work-related stress, chronic health conditions, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, LGBTQA+ counselling, trauma, discrimination, racism, loneliness, low self-image, low self-esteem.

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5. What steps should I follow to book my first appointment?

1. You can send me a message or an email explaining a bit about your need and what you’re looking to get out of therapy. This may not always be clear so don’t worry if you don’t have a lot to say at this point.

2. I will schedule a 30-minute (free) phone or video call to get to know one another other, discuss what you need and whether I can help you with it, and answer any questions you may have.

3. You can take some time to think about our conversation and decide whether you want to work with me.

4. You can send me a confirmation email if you decide to start with me.

5. I will send you an agreement and ask you to fill in some details about you, sign it, and send it back to me.

6. I will book you for your first appointment.

7. You can make the payment at least 48 hours before your appointment or on the day if you're paying in cash. 

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6. How often should I have therapy sessions?

Typically, a weekly session on the same day at the same time is the most common. Some people opt for once every two weeks. This is something we can agree on before we sign our agreement.

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7. What if I can’t make it to my regular appointment on a given week?

You can either cancel your appointment (for free) at least 48 hours before or I could book you in for another slot depending on my availability in the week.

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8. How long does a session last?

One hour or 60 minutes for both online and in-person sessions.

 

9. How many sessions do I need?

It all depends on you and what you’re looking to achieve in your therapy journey. You will know when you’re ready to stop and we can talk about it in our sessions. Some people choose to stop after a few weeks, others a few months or even years. Some also choose to take a break and then resume therapy when they’re ready for it again.

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10. What if you’re not the right therapist for me?

This is a possibility of course. The initial 30-minute conversation will give you (and me) a sense of whether we can work together. I recognise 30 minutes may not be enough and you may realise that you prefer to change therapists at some point later in your journey. This is absolutely fine, and I will even encourage you to do that. My priority is YOU and I want you to make the best use of your money and time. Sometimes my approach may not even be suitable for your specific needs, and I may not be able to help you. This is when I will recommend you look for someone else.

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11. Can I stop my therapy at any time?

Yes. You are not obligated to continue even if you’ve done just one session. However, if and when you choose to stop, I would recommend we do one final session to wrap up and draw our work to a close. 

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12. How much do you charge per session?

I charge a flat rate of £50 an hour. Depending on where you’re based, you can also pay in Euros (€60) or in US Dollars ($70). Payments can be made by cash on the day of your appointment or via bank transfer at least 48 hours before your appointment.

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13. What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free until 48 hours before your appointment. If cancellation is done within the 48 hours period leading to your appointment, the fee will be charged in full. In the case of a no-show (more than 15 minute delay) or late arrival (less than 15 minute delay), the fee will also be charged in full.

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14. What languages can you use in therapy?

English, French, and Arabic.

 

15. Do I need to turn on my camera during online sessions?

There is no obligation to turn on your camera if you don’t want to. However, being able to see one another adds a human and personal touch to our interaction and makes it as real as possible.

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16. What happens to a Walk and Talk session when the weather is not suitable?

The session will be moved to online or face-to-face in my practice depending on your preference. 

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17. Is your practice accessible to wheelchair users?

Yes, the practice is located at ground level and is fully accessible to wheelchair users. The bathroom, however, is small and is not accessible to wheelchair users at the moment.

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18. Do I need to be based in the UK to access your counselling service?

Ideally yes but it's also possible to work together if you're based elsewhere. Although I am fully insured to work online, there are challenges for me as a therapist when I work with clients living abroad such as:

• Different therapy legislation across countries.

• My unfamiliarity with the support and referral systems outside the UK should and when you need any.

• Different data sharing and data protection regulations.

Having said this, ​I will need some time to assess the risks before we can enter into an agreement.