Question 1

What is Gestalt therapy and how do you work with clients?

Accepted Answer

Gestalt therapy is a relational and experiential form of psychotherapy. It focuses on the here and now - what’s happening in the present moment between us. Rather than applying techniques to you, I work collaboratively, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily experiences, while also noticing my own responses. This helps us recognise patterns in how you relate to yourself and others, opening space for new choices and possibilities for change.

In practice, this might mean tuning into your body to notice how emotions or trauma show up physically, using gentle creative methods such as visualisation or exploring an image or phrase, or simply engaging in honest, two-way conversation to help you reconnect to your voice.

This way of working is especially supportive if you’ve tried more traditional talk therapy but want something deeper - something that engages your whole self.

Question 2

What  is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Counselling and psychotherapy both offer support, but they differ in depth, training, and what they can address.

Counselling often focuses on specific challenges or life events such as bereavement or relationship stress. Training usually takes around two years part-time and is often at diploma or degree level.

Psychotherapy, in contrast, delves deeper into long-standing emotional patterns shaping your life. UKCP-aligned psychotherapy training typically spans three to seven years, involves at least 450 training contact hours, around 450 supervised client practice hours, and a minimum of 120 hours of personal therapy with a qualified psychotherapist.

In the UK, BACP membership reflects training at degree or diploma level, while UKCP registration indicates postgraduate-level psychotherapy (including personal therapy and extensive client work). My own training is at a post-graduate psychotherapy level, aligned with UKCP standards

Question 3

What issues can therapy help with?

Accepted Answer

I support people with a wide range of issues, including:

Anxiety, panic attacks, phobias

Depression, sadness, low mood

Bereavement, grief, loss

Trauma, PTSD, dissociation

Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)

Addiction (pornography, gambling, internet)

Relationship and family issues

Low self-esteem and self-confidence

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Work-related stress, burnout, redundancy

Gender identity, sexuality

Spiritual or religious questions

Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

If your concern isn’t listed, please contact me to discuss your needs.

Question 4

How long are therapy sessions and how often do I need to come?

Accepted Answer

Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually held weekly at the same time. This regularity helps build safety and trust.  Less regular appointments are also possible, depending on your needs

Some clients come for a short-term arrangement (6–12 sessions), while others choose open-ended therapy. We can agree on the best approach together and will regularly review our progress.

Question 5

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sessions are confidential. The only exceptions are if:

you or someone else is at risk of serious harm, or

a serious criminal offence is disclosed.

I also attend regular clinical supervision to ensure safe and ethical practice. These discussions are also confidential.

Question 6

How much does therapy cost and how can I pay?

Accepted Answer

Sessions cost £65.  I also keep a small number of concessionary spaces for people who need some financial flexibility. If finances are a concern, please feel free to mention this when you contact me.  If these spaces are currently full, I’m happy to add you to my waiting list or recommend other options for affordable counselling.  Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer (BACS).

​I also work with selected health insurers. Insurance-funded sessions are billed according to the insurer’s authorised rate

Question 7

Do you offer a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer a free 30 minute initial video or phone call so we can talk about your situation and whether we feel a good fit before starting therapy.

Question 8

Where are you based? Do you offer online therapy?

Accepted Answer

I provide therapy:

In person in Glossop, Derbyshire

In Fallowfield, near Manchester city centre

Online via video call, for clients across the UK or further afield

Question 9

Is your practice LGBTQ+ affirming?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and welcome people of all backgrounds.

Question 10

What if it isn't for me?

Accepted Answer

You might find that once you’ve started, therapy doesn’t feel right for you. That’s completely okay, and you’re free to stop at any time. It can be helpful for us to talk about your decision together, so we can reflect on what you’ve gained from the process and consider any next steps that might support you.

Question 11

Do you work with insurers?

Accepted Answer

I work with selected health insurers including WPA Health, Aviva, Axa Health, Healix Health Services, and Vitality Health. Insurance-funded sessions are billed according to the insurer’s authorised rate (currently £85 for WPA Health and Axa Health and £100 for Aviva)

Frequently Asked Questions