Frequently Asked Questions
About Therapy
How does counselling work?
At its core counselling works by creating a safe confidential space and relationship with another to share and explore your inner thoughts, judgements and explore the emotions that may be weighing you down.
We take time to understand what has happened and how it has affected you, and I'll often explain why your reactions make sense, so patterns that once felt confusing or shameful begin to make sense. I work integratively, drawing on trauma-informed approaches, attachment, grief and nervous system understanding, and EMDR where it's right for you.
Do you work with trauma?
Yes, it's a main focus of my practice. I work with talking therapy, and with EMDR when it feels right
What if what happened was a long time ago, or wasn't "bad enough"?
Many people ask me this. If something is still affecting you, then it matters, however long ago it was and however it compares with other people's experiences. You don't need to have a "big" story to deserve support.
Do you work with grief that isn't a bereavement?
Yes. Grief can follow involuntary childlessness, fertility treatment, the end of a relationship, a hoped-for future or a change in identity. These losses are often not recognised by other people, which can make them lonelier to carry.
What is couples counselling and how does it work?
Couples counselling focuses on what's happening between you. We look at communication, intimacy, trust, distance, and how you handle conflict. Unlike individual counselling, which explores your internal world, couples work looks at both of you as individuals and what happens between you — how your feelings, histories, and patterns shape the relationship.
People often come when they're feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or stuck. I work with couples of all genders and orientations from an LGBTQ+ affirming perspective.
I also work with neurodivergent and suspected neurodivergent couples, looking for a neuroaffirming approach.
Read more about areas I work with what to expect from couples counselling
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Many people wonder about the difference between counselling, therapy, and psychotherapy. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they all describe the process of working with a qualified mental health professional to talk through challenges, explore emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Counselling usually focuses on specific issues and is often short-term or medium-term. A counsellor is professionally trained in counselling theories and practical skills, with experience in face-to-face sessions to support clients through life challenges, stress, or relationship concerns.
Psychotherapy, on the other hand, generally involves longer-term work at greater depth. Psychotherapists are also trained in counselling approaches, but they often explore underlying patterns, unconscious processes, and more complex emotional difficulties. This means psychotherapy is more suited to medium- to long-term personal growth and healing.
In short, counselling is often focused on present concerns and practical support, while psychotherapy tends to work more deeply and over a longer period of time.
EMDR
Is EMDR hypnosis?
No. Y ou stay awake, aware and in control throughout, and we can stop at any point.
How is EMDR different from talking therapy?
Talking therapy often focuses on understanding and putting words to what happened. EMDR helps the brain process the memory directly, so it doesn't depend on describing every detail.
I've tried therapy before and it didn't help. Could EMDR be different?
It might be. There are a number of reasons why therapy doesn't work and this can be relational fit with the therapist or style. Some people enjoy and prefer an open dialogue to explored there concerns whilst others prefer the more structured approach of EMDR.
Understanding why you feel the way you do can but doesn't always change how it feels in your body, and EMDR can work on that part.
Do I need a diagnosis of PTSD?
No. Y ou don't need a diagnosis or a referral.
Who developed EMDR?
The psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro, in the late 1980s, after she noticed that moving her eyes (bilateral stimulation) while thinking about something upsetting made it feel less disturbing. It has since been researched extensively.
What if EMDR doesn't feel right?
We will talk through the set up and how EMDR works during our initial session to see if it feels right for you and you can slow down or pause at any point during the processing stage.
Read more on my EMDR therapy page, including how sessions work, session lengths and whether it could be right for you.
Practical questions
How do you provide counselling?
I work face to face from my therapy room in Hove and online, with clients in the UK and internationally (excluding the USA and Canada). Sessions take place at the same time each week. For talking therapy and couples therapy, fortnightly sessions are available if that suits you better. EMDR sessions are offered weekly only.
What are your working hours?
My private practice days are:
Mon - 10am - 1pm
Tue - 2pm- 7pm
Wed - 10am - 8pm
Fri - 10am - 2pm
What are your fees?
Individual talking therapy: £65 for 50 minutes
Couples Counselling: £90 for 50mins
EMDR therapy: £80 for 50 minutes
I offer a free 15-minute call before we start, to see if we'd be a good fit and answer
any questions.
Do you work with health insurance?
Yes — I work with clients using AXA Health, Vitality, and Aviva. If your policy includes mental health cover, your sessions may be fully or partially funded by your insurer.
The process is usually simpler than people expect. Contact your insurer to check your cover and get an authorisation code, then reach out to me as you normally would. If anything feels unclear, I'm happy to talk this through on our initial call.
If you're not sure whether your policy covers counselling, it's worth a quick call to your provider to check, as some EAP's or other smaller providers include a set number of sessions with private therapists.
EMDR session rates vary between insurers, so check your insurer's rates before booking.
Are you a member of any accredited bodies?
Yes. I am an Accredited member of theBritish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and adhere to their Code of Ethics (BACP Number 400326). I have trained with EMDR Europe accredited training provider EMDR Nexus.
How many sessions do I need?
Talking therapy: there isn't a fixed number. It's an open-ended process, and we'll go at a pace that feels right. Some people find what they need in a few sessions, while others continue for longer.
EMDR: a single distressing event often takes around 6 to 12 weekly sessions, several experiences around 6 months, and long-term or complex trauma a year or more. See my EMDR page for more detail.