Frequently Asked Questions

The number of appointments needed is dependent on the individual child and family, your experiences, the strategies you have tried, and your overall wellbeing journey. Some families may find that simply understanding the difficulties during the assessment and formulation stage is enough to bring about positive changes. Other families may require more support to achieve their goals. During therapy, we will regularly review the progress made towards achieving your goals and assess how long we may need to continue working together. On average, most people will start seeing results within 8 to 12 sessions. However, depending on the level of distress your child may be experiencing it may take up to 20 sessions to see significant improvement.

It is important to understand that anything discussed in therapy is confidential unless there is a concern about significant harm either to oneself or others. In this eventuality, I would discuss my concerns with you in the first instance and then notify the relevant authorities, for example, your GP and, in some cases, Children’s Social Care. This also applies to individual sessions with children or young people, where confidentiality will be maintained unless there is a risk of harm. In this instance, I would alert you to any information shared. If I feel that you or your child are at imminent risk or that the risk may increase by alerting you, then I may contact the relevant organisation without informing you.

Notes will be taken after each session, stored electronically, and comply with GDPR guidelines (please refer to the privacy policy). As a Clinical Psychologist, I am required to receive regular confidential supervision, but I will ensure the anonymity of your family in any information shared with my supervisor.

Cancellation of appointments with at least 48 hours' notice will not incur a charge. If appointments are cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice, or if you do not attend your appointment, the full amount (£140) will be charged.

If I must cancel an appointment, I will inform you as soon as possible. You would not be charged for any appointments I cancel.

Unfortunately, I am not currently accepting referrals from insurance companies.

I do not offer an emergency service. If you or your child need help, please make an appointment with your GP or contact NHS 111 for further advice. 

If your situation is more urgent and you need immediate medical help then you can contact 999 or present to your local Accident & Emergency department.

Please see the following information below for other organisations that you may find useful:

• Anna Freud Centre  - A mental health charity for children and families
• Beat - A charity supporting those affected by eating disorders
• Childline -  A counselling service for children and young people 
• Eric - A charity supporting children with bowel and bladder concerns
• KOOTH - An anonymous online mental wellbeing community for children and young people
• MIND - A mental health charity
• NSPCC - A charity dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect
• OCDUK - A charity providing advice, information and support for children and adults experiencing OCD
• PAPYRUS - A charity committed to the prevention of suicide in young people
• Rethink - A charity which aims to improve the lives of those severely affected by mental illness
• Samaritans - A charity providing emotional support to individuals in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide 
• Young Minds- A mental health charity for children, young people and families
• Winstons Wish - A charity supporting bereaved children, young people and their families