FAQs

We can normally get you booked in for your first therapy session in a matter of days. Depending on availability we can often get you booked in the next day should you feel the need to see someone that quickly. The first thing to do is have a free phone consultation with a therapist.

You can book a free consultation here. Your free consultation is carried out over the phone with a qualified therapist. There is no cost involved and you are under no obligation to go ahead with any face to face therapy. During the consultation the therapist will carry out an assessment of your circumstances and needs as well as explaining to you how therapy can help you. You may be asked personal questions. You will be encouraged to ask any questions you may have. You should disclose the goals that you want to achieve from the therapy. At the end of your free consultation, if you feel you would like to proceed with therapy just let the therapist know and they will go through the on-boarding process with you.

We offer appointments from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and on a weekend subject to availability. You should be aware that peak times are from 4pm onwards and are in higher demand and book up quickly.

You do not need a referral from your Doctor. We provide a private therapy service so all you need to do to get booked in for therapy sessions is fill in a free consultation form or call us directly on 0800 030 9227.

If you are concerned that someone close to you needs to see a therapist then you are welcome to get in touch for information on the service. However, to proceed to therapy we will need to speak to them in person, in the first instance with a free phone consultation. If you do make enquiries on behalf of someone else please ask for their consent to do so.

You may be anxious about your first session of therapy but there is nothing to worry about. At the beginning of your session the therapist will put you at ease and explain to you how the sessions work and what you should expect. You will soon settle into the session and feel comfortable and relaxed. You should tell the therapist what you would like to achieve from your sessions as well as ask and questions you may have.

In readiness for your first session, please have a think about all areas of your life, from birth until the present day, so you can work on your life history with your therapist. There is no right or wrong way to do this. You can jot down as much information as you wish and bring it with you to the first session, on areas including the following: Childhood: Parents (what job they did), siblings, grandparents, any other relevant people, home life and your relationship with each and how you felt as a child in that family unit. Primary School: How school was for you, friends, academic ability, any bullying. Secondary School: How it was for you, friends, including any boyfriends, academic achievements, any bullying. Working Life: History of your employment, how you felt in each job, why you left etc. Relationships: With others, close friends, how you feel in friendships or colleagues. Love Relationships: A history of your relationships, how you felt with each, how they ended, up to your current relationship. Hobbies/Interests: What do you like to do to relax and have fun? Hopes & Dreams: What would you like to get out of life, and how would you like to see what we work through together having a positive impact on your future. Current Situation: Please go into more detail about the problems you are currently experiencing. What changes you would like to see happen in your life and what impact this would have on you in the present and for the future.

During the session your therapist will help you talk about how you are feeling and about your specific problem or issues and how this is affecting your life. Please don't worry if you are not a natural talker or not sure where to start. Your therapist will help you say what is on your mind by asking you a few general questions first, this will help you feel more at ease and get you started. You won't feel rushed or pushed into talking about anything you don't want to. Each session will be held at your pace and you will be able to talk about what you want to. You will be listened to and you won't be judged, we are here to help and support you. Don't worry if you feel your are talking too much or going off at a tangent. It really is okay. This may be the first time you have felt free and comfortable enough to talk about how you feel, for it to all come tumbling out is normal and healthy. in fact it's a great start. You will soon begin to focus on a particular problem that you are facing.

Everything you say in the sessions are kept confidential, with the following exceptions: If we become concerned about your personal safety, or the possibility of you injuring someone else, or concerned about you receiving proper psychiatric or medical care, we will do whatever we can within the limits of the law, to prevent you from injuring yourself or others and to ensure that you receive the proper care. For this purpose, we may contact the police or hospital. These include but are not limited to: - Suspected or known child abuse/neglect - Suspected or known elder abuse, neglect, exploitation or isolation - Risk of imminent serious harm to another - Risk of imminent serious harm to yourself There are also some situations where we are required to disclose information without either your consent or authorisation. These include but are not limited to: - Court order for information about your therapy if you are involved in litigation - If a client files a complaint or lawsuit against us/therapist, we/they may disclose information about that client in order to defend themselves - Small claims court for breach of contract if the client does not pay his or her bill - If the client is a minor the parents have the right to information and the clinical record More information can be found in the terms and conditions.

At the end of the session your therapist may summarise for you what you have brought to the session. ​You should leave the session feeling happier and focused, having just shared your worries and feelings with someone who cares and understands what you are going through. If you have any sessions remaining then you will be asked to book in a time and date for your next session.

Your wellbeing is very important to us and we want you to work on this outside of the sessions and continue to grow your self-development. It will help if you continue to think about what you have talked about during your sessions and practice any coping techniques you have been taught. You may be encouraged to do a little 'homework'. This is never much but it will always be based on your problems and always related to yourself.

We understand that it can be a difficult time between sessions. We do not provide support between sessions. If you would like to book a session sooner than the one you are scheduled to attend please contact your therapist so see if that can be arranged. If you need to talk to someone please contact the Samaritans on 116123 (www.samaritans.org). In the case of an emergency such as suicide, please contact the emergency services on 999. Always tell your therapist at the next session that you have needed help since the last time you saw them.

The therapist will not judge you and you should not be worried about that. They are trained to be non-judgemental and to listen and respect you as an individual. If you are worried try not to let it stop you from being open and honest with the therapist. Over time you will build a rapport and level of trust.

Do not worry if you get upset or start crying. It is normal and it is a positive way of expressing your emotions.

If you are struggling with any issues, whether they are big or small, therapy can often help. Therapy can put things into perspective, help you understand how you are feeling and help you develop your coping mechanisms. Therapy can help all ages and all genders. You can have therapy as an individual, as a family or as a couple for relationship problems.

We provide an eclectic mix of in-depth integrative solution-focused therapy. The skills and techniques used by the Therapist, can help you increase your confidence, self esteem & empowerment to take control of the struggles you are currently trying to deal with & help you cope better for the future.

Attending regular sessions helps you build a rapport and trust with the therapist that can help your therapy be more effective. Knowing that you will be seeing your therapist soon will offer you comfort between sessions. At each session you may talk about what has happened since you last saw the therapist so regular sessions means there won't be too much to catch up on.

Most people take 10 sessions of therapy depending on their needs. At the end of the sessions you initially take, together with your therapist you can decide whether to continue with more sessions or not. Everyone is different and it really depends on your needs and how you feel.

Your therapist will be an experienced practitioner and registered with a Professional Body such as BACP or NCS. They adhere to the Service & Ethical Standards of their Professional Body.

If you feel your therapist isn't a good match for you simply get in touch with us and let us know straight away. We will do our best to resolve any issues you may have with them or find a new therapist for you.

You can have your sessions as often as you and your therapist see fit and agree to. If you have bought a package then once the number of sessions are used before the advertised number of weeks are reached then the support package has fulfilled its commitment. You are more than welcome to buy more sessions if you and your therapist think you will benefit.

If you would like to change your appointment please contact your therapist directly or contact us via the website, email or phone on 0800 030 9227 at least 24 hours before the time of your appointment. If you contact us less than 24 hours before your session you will be charged. You can read the cancellation policy here. It is advised, however, that you try to keep your appointment time where possible as it is not guaranteed that you will be able to have a new appointment that same week, especially if it is a peak time (after 4pm) appointment. It is important that appointments are as regular as possible to allow the continues flow of progress throughout the programme of sessions.

If you miss an appointment for any reason without prior notification 24 hours before your session then you will be charged in full for your session.

You should start feeling better from the first session just by knowing that you are not alone and that you have started on the path to a better place. Other ways in which you may see an improvement is by feeling more like yourself, less anxious, more calm, more in control. You may start to sleep better, eat better, be less emotional and feel stronger.

We always welcome any feedback about the service your therapist provides. If you would like to make a complaint please click here.

When you feel more settled, happy within yourself, feel confident, empowered and in control of your problems, then you will be ready to end therapy.

To see our Covid-19 safety information please click here.