I understand that taking the first step to seek support can feel daunting. These frequently asked questions are designed to help you understand how I work and what you can expect from our individual online sessions together. With nearly 25 years’ experience as a GP, I offer a safe and confidential space where you can explore what’s troubling you at your own pace. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Stress means different things to different people. Issues that clients raise with me include: overwhelm, anxiety, too much going on, work taking over, issues at work, personal life issues, loss of confidence and self-esteem, grief, relationship issues, parenting struggles, generally not coping, health problems. When you are stressed, your brain is in survival mode which affects your thinking, your physical health and your emotional well-being. You may end up resorting to unhealthy ways of coping and end up spiralling. I help ground you so that your primitive brain switches off and you can start to think more clearly and objectively. I help you understand what is going on and what you can do to feel better. Amongst other things, I can help you feel calmer, more in control, and remind you who you are and how to enjoy life.
I send you the zoom link prior to each session. In the first session, I may ask if you’re happy to complete a couple of simple questionnaires around anxiety and depression, but they are not essential. I’ll then ask you to tell me what has been going on for you and what prompted you to seek help. Asking you some general questions will help me build up a bit of a picture of you as a person which helps me support you. Thereafter, we see where the session takes us and likewise for further sessions. I will listen, ask questions to encourage reflection, sometimes use psychological tools if appropriate, and provide self-care tools which I think will help you. I may also provide practical advice. Each session is tailored to your specific needs.
Just tell me and we won’t go there, unless you change your mind at a later date.
It is very common for people who are struggling with stress to feel they just don’t have time to get help. This is because the impact of stress on on our lives leads to a lot of time wastage. Also, because stress changes our perception of time and makes us feel overwhelmed. The best way to reclaim time in your life, when you are stressed/overwhelmed, is to tackle it head on and, if needed, to get help.
I recommend thinking about sessions one at a time, not as a block. Take things one step at a time.
When you are feeling calm, try blocking one hour out of your diary over the next couple of weeks. Would you cope? That could potentially be a first session. In that session you would learn tools which would help you reclaim time in your life, amongst other things. If you were wanting to book a second session we’d find a date to suit you. You would be in control.
I charge £75 for one off hour-long sessions. If you’re happy to book a block of four sessions and pay upfront, they work out at £70 per session (total £280). If you’re wanting to book a block of 6 sessions and pay upfront, they work out at £65 per session (total £390).
In my experience, most people find that a block of 4 sessions works well. They can top up with a one off hour-long session if needed. However, some clients have booked an additional block of 4 as they’ve discovered further issues they’ve wanted to explore. Sometimes, a block of 6 feels right if there is a lot going on. It allows frequent sessions initially and then a bit more space between them. I’ve also had clients with ongoing issues which can’t be resolved and they have continued to have a session once a month or so to help them cope. For some people it helps just to book an initial one-off session and then take it from there.
As long as you let me know before 5pm the day before, that is no problem. If you cancel after this time, I’m afraid you will still be charged or it will be included as one of your block.
Why not book a call with me and we can have a chat. Alternatively, complete an online submission or email me (please see my contact page). I’ll happily answer any other questions you may have.