How I work and Fees
How I work
As an integrative/pluralistic therapist I adapt my way of working to your individual preferences in a collaborative and consent-led way. I believe you are the expert of yourself, and so, we will talk about what it is you would like to get out of counselling and look at ways we can do this; the approaches and methods used will be used to account for intersectionality, without pathologising you i.e. I work with YOU in a holistic way.
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My core way of working is co-creating a safe, compassionate, affirming, and non-judgemental space through person centred counselling and it's core conditions, which are to hold you with unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence. Safety is a big part of my work, and I will work with you to create a space you feel safe(r) in and allow stability in exploring what you need to. This might mean using fidget toys, writing notes in sessions, turning the camera off if low on spoons, having a drink readily available etc. and it might mean looking at how the sessions are structured, i.e. whether we have a more structured format of this is what we'll look at each session, whether it's more open for whatever is on your mind that day, or maybe a mix!
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What approaches do you use?
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Gestalt - using metaphors, looking at the 'here & now' work, and somatic exploration/body work. e.g. this can help understand what's going on in your body with chronic illnesses and help with the mind/body connection that often becomes disconnected.
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Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)/ Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) - using mindfulness techniques to explore our ways of thinking, looking at how this can be different, how this can then impact our behaviour/emotions, and how we can change our behaviour/ways of thinking to move forward. e.g. this is useful when looking at the grief process of chronic illness
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Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - looking at our internal narrative, how we can be more compassionate and accepting to ourselves. e.g. useful when navigating the world as a queer, trans and/or ND individual.
**Note that I do not use every approach with every client. It will depend on what works for you and your preferences.
Depending on what it is you're wanting to explore, how long we work together, and your preferences, will depend on the techniques used in our sessions. If you are considering short term work with myself then we will look at the most pressing issue you would like to focus on, whereas longer term work will allow more breadth of work.
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Check out my about me and qualifications if you'd like to know more on my experience.
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​How do we start?​​
In whichever scenario we will have a 45 minute session at a discounted price for an introductory consultation; this allows us to talk more about what you're looking to get from therapy sessions & how we might work together, to go through the counselling contract, for you to ask any questions you may have to check I'm the right therapist for you, and to assess if you would like to continue with myself going forward.
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All of my sessions are on a one-to-one basis, for residents of the UK only, and currently I am only offering remote sessions via Google Meet, Phone Call or Email.
For more info on contracting, what to expect, the consultation process, and AI use, check out my FAQs and my blog
How much are sessions?
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The initial consultation will be £30 for up to 45 minutes
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My guide fee for ongoing 50 minute sessions is £70 unless otherwise agreed*.
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*If you feel you are unable to afford this we can discuss low cost options in our consultation.
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How does low cost work?
I work on a "pay what you can afford" basis where we will have an open and honest conversation about what is affordable for you and I will take your lead. This is agreed upon in good faith and without needing "evidence". If you don't feel able to commit to the same fee every week we can explore other options too.
How do I know if email or video/phone is more suitable?
Below are some questions which may help you assess whether email therapy is suitable for you.
Therapy Element | Choose Email Therapy | Choose Video/Phone Therapy |
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Communication Style | Prefer text based communication with time to reflect | Prefer immediate verbal communication |
Pacing & Spoons | Need flexibility without committing to a specific hour of the week and are comfortable waiting on a response | Prefer having a set time/day to be present and immediate in sessions |
Environment | Not able to be somewhere where you can speak out loud and might have intermittent internet connection | Have a secure space to be able to talk openly without being overheard with a stable internet connection |
Style | Prefer direct, solution focused work. You might have a specific thing you want to explore. | Might be more sitting with the emotions and physiological symptoms that arise as your exploring topics. |
Safety | No suicidal ideation or active risk of harming yourself | Able to be held with feelings of harm and get immediate support |
If you're still unsure please do get in touch with me and we can talk through the options. I am open to starting off on one form of therapy with the potential to change to an alternative as the work progresses so you are not stuck in Email, Video, or Phone call from the off.
