Common therapy questions have been grouped into three sections below. If you have further questions, please get in touch.
Access to Therapy
What are your fees and session details?
- Sessions are online or in-person, last one hour, and cost £130 (no VAT)
- A free 15-minute consultation (via telephone or video call) is available to discuss your needs
- For booking and inquiries, visit the Contact page
Can my therapy sessions be covered by private medical insurance?
Yes, I am registered with several private medical insurance providers. If you have private health insurance your sessions may be covered, depending on your policy and provider.
Please get in touch to confirm whether your insurance plan includes therapy sessions with me.
Yes, I am registered with several private medical insurance providers. If you have private health insurance your sessions may be covered, depending on your policy and provider.
Please get in touch to confirm whether your insurance plan includes therapy sessions with me.
Can I get support for mental health difficulties (including perinatal issues) through the NHS?
Yes. The NHS provides mental health support, although waiting times vary by geographical location. For mild to moderate difficulties, you can self-refer to local talking therapy services or request a referral from your GP (or midwife or health visitor for perinatal difficulties).
Yes. The NHS provides mental health support, although waiting times vary by geographical location. For mild to moderate difficulties, you can self-refer to local talking therapy services or request a referral from your GP (or midwife or health visitor for perinatal difficulties).
What should I do if I am in crisis?
I cannot provide a crisis service.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs urgent mental health help, you can:
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger to themselves:
I cannot provide a crisis service.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs urgent mental health help, you can:
- Call NHS 111 and request urgent help for mental health
- Call Samaritans on 116 123
- Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger to themselves:
- Go to your nearest A&E department
- Call emergency services (999 in the UK)
What Type of Support Do I Need?
What type of therapy do I need? What does therapy feel like?
This isn’t something you have to work out by yourself. A mental health professional can carry out an assessment, and together, you can determine what kind of support would be most beneficial. Therapy can vary significantly based on your specific needs, the therapist’s approach, and your personal communication style.
The experience of therapy is different for everyone and may depend on:
Therapy can be highly structured for those who work well with a clear framework, or more exploratory for those who benefit from open discussion and reflection. Some mental health difficulties, such as trauma-related issues, require specific therapeutic approaches (e.g., trauma-focused therapy) for effective treatment. For more details, visit the Therapies Page.
This isn’t something you have to work out by yourself. A mental health professional can carry out an assessment, and together, you can determine what kind of support would be most beneficial. Therapy can vary significantly based on your specific needs, the therapist’s approach, and your personal communication style.
The experience of therapy is different for everyone and may depend on:
- What’s happening in your life at this time
- Your comfort level in discussing emotions and past experiences
- Whether you have had therapy before and what worked or didn’t work for you
- The relationship you develop with your therapist, which is an essential factor in the effectiveness of therapy
- The qualifications and training of the therapist, including what specific therapeutic approaches they are trained to deliver, and whether they hold accreditation with a recognised regulatory body
Therapy can be highly structured for those who work well with a clear framework, or more exploratory for those who benefit from open discussion and reflection. Some mental health difficulties, such as trauma-related issues, require specific therapeutic approaches (e.g., trauma-focused therapy) for effective treatment. For more details, visit the Therapies Page.
What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Coach?
Mental health professionals use different titles, and it’s important to understand what they mean when seeking support.
Protected Titles and Regulation:
The titles "Clinical Psychologist" and "Psychiatrist" are legally protected in the UK. This means only those who have completed accredited, rigorous training can use them. They must also follow strict professional standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Other titles, such as (no pre-fix) psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, or coach, are not legally protected, meaning that qualifications and training can vary widely.
The Key Differences:
Clinical Psychologist – Highly trained experts in mental health and therapy:
Psychiatrist – Medical doctors who focus on diagnosis and medication
Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Counsellor, and Coach – Varied training and approaches
Choosing the Right Professional
If you are seeking private therapy, it’s important to check a professional’s qualifications and accreditation. "Clinical Psychologists" have the most extensive training in therapy and mental health, ensuring a high standard of care. However, the right fit is also personal, take your time to find a professional who feels right for you.
Mental health professionals use different titles, and it’s important to understand what they mean when seeking support.
Protected Titles and Regulation:
The titles "Clinical Psychologist" and "Psychiatrist" are legally protected in the UK. This means only those who have completed accredited, rigorous training can use them. They must also follow strict professional standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Other titles, such as (no pre-fix) psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, or coach, are not legally protected, meaning that qualifications and training can vary widely.
The Key Differences:
Clinical Psychologist – Highly trained experts in mental health and therapy:
- Hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology (the highest level of training in psychological therapy).
- Experts in assessing, understanding, and treating mental health difficulties across the lifespan.
- Trained in multiple therapy approaches, including CBT, ACT, CFT, and EMDR, allowing them to tailor therapy to individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.
- Skilled in working with both common and complex mental health difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and long-standing emotional challenges.
- Work within a scientific, evidence-based framework, ensuring therapy is effective and research-backed.
- Often have specialist expertise in particular areas, such as trauma therapy, perinatal mental health, or neurodiversity.
Psychiatrist – Medical doctors who focus on diagnosis and medication
- Specialise in diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medication.
- Have minimal training in therapy, meaning most psychiatrists focus on medical treatment rather than psychological therapy.
- Often work alongside therapists or psychologists for a combined approach.
Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Counsellor, and Coach – Varied training and approaches
- The title "psychologist" is not legally protected in the UK, meaning anyone can use it regardless of their training or qualifications. This can be misleading, so it’s important to check whether someone is registered with a recognised body such as the HCPC.
- Psychotherapists and counsellors provide talk therapy, but their training and approaches vary widely. Some undergo rigorous training, while others may have fewer formal qualifications.
- Coaches focus on personal development and future goals rather than mental health treatment.
Choosing the Right Professional
If you are seeking private therapy, it’s important to check a professional’s qualifications and accreditation. "Clinical Psychologists" have the most extensive training in therapy and mental health, ensuring a high standard of care. However, the right fit is also personal, take your time to find a professional who feels right for you.
Matrescence Support and Perinatal Mental Health
What is matrescence?
Matrescence describes the profound physical, psychological, and emotional transformation that occurs when a person becomes a parent. This concept is closely linked to maternal mental health and the emotional changes in motherhood, yet it remains under-recognised in mainstream discussions. It is often compared to adolescence because of its intense hormonal, neurological, and identity shifts. While adolescence is widely acknowledged, matrescence has historically been overlooked.
Matrescence describes the profound physical, psychological, and emotional transformation that occurs when a person becomes a parent. This concept is closely linked to maternal mental health and the emotional changes in motherhood, yet it remains under-recognised in mainstream discussions. It is often compared to adolescence because of its intense hormonal, neurological, and identity shifts. While adolescence is widely acknowledged, matrescence has historically been overlooked.
Why haven’t I heard of this term before?
Matrescence is still an emerging concept in psychology and healthcare, despite its deep impact on identity and well-being. Societal and historical factors have contributed to the lack of attention given to the maternal experience beyond birth and childcare. Women’s health, particularly beyond reproductive function, has long been underfunded and under-researched compared to men’s, and this disparity is only beginning to be addressed. For further reading, the book Matrescence by Lucy Jones, journalist and science writer, explores these themes in depth.
Matrescence is still an emerging concept in psychology and healthcare, despite its deep impact on identity and well-being. Societal and historical factors have contributed to the lack of attention given to the maternal experience beyond birth and childcare. Women’s health, particularly beyond reproductive function, has long been underfunded and under-researched compared to men’s, and this disparity is only beginning to be addressed. For further reading, the book Matrescence by Lucy Jones, journalist and science writer, explores these themes in depth.
How long does matrescence last?
There is no fixed timeframe; matrescence begins with pregnancy or the arrival of a child and continues evolving throughout life. Many parents experience the most intense shifts during the perinatal period (pregnancy through the first two years postpartum), but identity and emotional changes can continue for years.
There is no fixed timeframe; matrescence begins with pregnancy or the arrival of a child and continues evolving throughout life. Many parents experience the most intense shifts during the perinatal period (pregnancy through the first two years postpartum), but identity and emotional changes can continue for years.
What is the perinatal period?
The perinatal period refers to pregnancy and up to two years after birth. It is a time when both the parent and baby are undergoing immense physical, emotional, and relational changes. In UK healthcare, this period is given distinct attention due to the increased vulnerability of maternal mental health.
The perinatal period refers to pregnancy and up to two years after birth. It is a time when both the parent and baby are undergoing immense physical, emotional, and relational changes. In UK healthcare, this period is given distinct attention due to the increased vulnerability of maternal mental health.
Do you only work with first-time mothers?
I work with anyone who identifies as a parent or prospective parent needing support. While first-time parents often experience the most significant identity shifts, challenges can arise at any stage, whether with a first, second, or later child. Each experience of parenthood is unique, and I support parents navigating the emotional complexities of any transition through parenthood.
I work with anyone who identifies as a parent or prospective parent needing support. While first-time parents often experience the most significant identity shifts, challenges can arise at any stage, whether with a first, second, or later child. Each experience of parenthood is unique, and I support parents navigating the emotional complexities of any transition through parenthood.
What about dads, partners, and other caregivers: do they experience mental health difficulties too?
Yes. I provide support to all caregivers, including dads, partners, and non-birthing parents and carers, as they navigate their own emotional transitions in parenthood. Major life changes, especially those accompanied by sleep deprivation, can bring about adjustment challenges.
Yes. I provide support to all caregivers, including dads, partners, and non-birthing parents and carers, as they navigate their own emotional transitions in parenthood. Major life changes, especially those accompanied by sleep deprivation, can bring about adjustment challenges.