Most people refer themselves for therapy, but I am very happy to accept referrals from GPs, psychiatrists, midwives, health visitors, and other healthcare professionals, as well as from health insurance companies.

What happens at the first appointment

We always begin with a thorough assessment consultation, which is primarily an information-gathering and a getting-to-know-each-other session. I will ask you to tell me about what has brought you to see me, how you make sense of it, and how you would like things to be different. It's often helpful for me to hear about other things you may have already tried, and whether you have any particular thoughts or hopes about therapy. Once we have a good shared understanding of what it is that you are seeking support with, we will think together about how psychological therapy may be beneficial for you, and whether it feels like the right time for you to be embarking on this process.

This first meeting is especially important because it is also an opportunity for you to begin to get to know me and to get a sense for what it might be like to work with me in therapy. The goodness of fit between us is a really important part of the effectiveness of the therapeutic work. This 'fit' is not only about whether I have the right skills and experiences to help you with what you are experiencing: crucially, it is also about the relationship between us (sometimes called the 'therapeutic alliance'), which is known to have a significant influence on the outcome of therapy. 

There is no obligation to commit to any further sessions at this stage. After the initial assessment consultation, I will usually suggest that we both take time to consider whether or not it would likely be helpful for us to proceed with working together. 

Subsequent therapy appointments

Therapy works best when there is a commitment to attending regular sessions. If you decide you would like to go ahead with treatment, we will talk about how often it makes sense to meet (weekly or fortnightly) and we'll book in a block of up to ten sessions at a time. This structure provides built-in opportunities to review progress and to check that you are finding therapy helpful and that we are still on the right track. Of course, there is no obligation to use all the sessions in a booked block if you feel that you have reached your goals and no longer require the additional sessions, and you can cancel any future appointments without charge so long as you give at least 48 working hours' notice.

How to make an appointment

I offer both in-person and online appointments. Face-to-face appointments are available on Monday mornings between 9.00am and 13.30pm (OX10 8BA). Online appointments are available from Tuesday to Friday between 9.00am and 3.00pm. I am currently unable to offer evening or weekend appointments. 

The best way to get in touch with me is by email, or you can use the 'Contact Me' button on the website. 

Email        This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web        You can use the form on the ‘Contact Me’ page of the website