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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek counselling because they feel stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or simply want to understand themselves better. Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore your experiences, develop healthier ways of coping, and work towards meaningful, lasting change. If something in your life doesn't feel quite right, therapy may be a valuable place to begin.

2. I'm nervous about starting therapy. Is that normal?

Absolutely. It's completely normal to feel nervous before your first appointment. Many people worry about what they'll say, whether they'll become emotional, or if they'll be judged. My role is to create a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can move at a pace that feels comfortable. There is no pressure to share more than you're ready to.

3. What happens during the first session?

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll discuss what has brought you to therapy, your goals, and any questions or concerns you may have. I'll explain how I work, and together we'll decide on the most appropriate approach for your needs. There is no expectation for you to tell your entire life story in the first session.

4. What if I don't know what to say?

Many clients begin therapy feeling the same way. You don't need to prepare or have everything worked out beforehand. Part of my role is to help guide the conversation and gently explore what's been happening. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we'll find a starting point together.

5. What makes your approach different?

My practice is grounded in the belief that healing involves more than simply talking about problems. As a Trauma & Addiction Specialist, I integrate evidence-based approaches including Somatic Trauma Therapy, EMDR, and Brainspotting alongside traditional psychotherapy. My focus is on helping you understand how trauma, life experiences, and the nervous system influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, allowing us to work towards meaningful and lasting change.

6. What is Somatic Trauma Therapy?

Somatic Trauma Therapy recognises that trauma is experienced not only in the mind but also within the body and nervous system. When we experience overwhelming events, our nervous system can remain stuck in patterns of survival, even long after the danger has passed. Somatic approaches help regulate the nervous system, allowing traumatic experiences to be processed more safely and effectively while helping you reconnect with a greater sense of calm and control.

7. What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a well-established, evidence-based therapy designed to help people process distressing memories and traumatic experiences. By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps the brain reprocess experiences that may have become "stuck," reducing the emotional intensity associated with them. It is widely recommended for trauma and PTSD, but can also be effective for a range of other difficulties.

8. What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that helps access and process trauma and emotional experiences that may be difficult to reach through talking alone. It uses eye position to access deeper areas of the brain involved in emotional processing. Many clients find Brainspotting particularly helpful when words alone don't fully capture their experiences.

9. Can trauma really be healed?

Yes. While we cannot change the past, we can change the way it affects us in the present. Healing doesn't mean forgetting what happened—it means reducing the emotional and physiological impact of those experiences so they no longer control your life. With the right support, many people experience significant improvements in their well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.

10. What's the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD?

PTSD often develops following a single traumatic event, whereas Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is more commonly associated with repeated or prolonged trauma, particularly during childhood or within relationships. Alongside the symptoms of PTSD, people with C-PTSD may also experience difficulties with emotional regulation, self-esteem, trust, relationships, and a persistent sense of shame or emptiness.

11. Can trauma affect the body?

Yes. Trauma can influence the nervous system, leaving the body in a prolonged state of alertness or shutdown. This may contribute to symptoms such as muscle tension, digestive difficulties, fatigue, sleep problems, chronic pain, panic attacks, or feeling emotionally numb. This is one reason why body-based approaches such as Somatic Trauma Therapy can be so beneficial.

12. Can trauma lead to addiction?

For many people, yes. Alcohol, drugs, or other compulsive behaviours can become ways of coping with overwhelming emotions, painful memories, or chronic stress. Rather than viewing addiction as simply a lack of willpower, I believe it's important to understand the underlying experiences that may have contributed to it. Addressing those root causes is often an important part of long-term recovery.

13. How many sessions will I need?

There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people benefit from short-term therapy focused on a specific issue, while others choose longer-term work to address more complex experiences. We will regularly review your progress together and tailor therapy to your individual needs and goals.

14. How long does each session last?

Individual counselling sessions usually last 50 minutes. This provides enough time to explore important issues while maintaining a consistent therapeutic structure.

15. Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. I offer both face-to-face and secure online counselling sessions. Online therapy can be a flexible and effective option for many clients, allowing you to access support from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

16. Will everything I say remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the foundations of effective therapy. Everything discussed during counselling is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality. There are, however, rare exceptions where I may have a legal or ethical duty to share information, such as where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, safeguarding concerns, or where disclosure is required by law. Wherever possible, this would be discussed with you first.

17. Is it normal to feel emotional after therapy?

Yes. Therapy can bring up thoughts and feelings that you've been carrying for a long time. It's not unusual to feel emotionally tired, reflective, or even temporarily unsettled after a session. This is often part of the therapeutic process. We will always work at a pace that feels safe and manageable, and we'll discuss ways to support you between sessions if needed.

18. How will I know if therapy is working?

Progress in therapy is rarely about one dramatic breakthrough. More often, it's noticed in everyday life. You may find yourself feeling calmer, responding differently to situations, setting healthier boundaries, sleeping better, experiencing fewer intrusive thoughts, or feeling more connected to yourself and others. We'll regularly review your progress together to ensure therapy remains focused on your goals.

19. What if I've tried counselling before and it didn't help?

Not every therapeutic relationship or approach is the right fit, and that's okay. Previous experiences don't mean therapy won't work for you. Different therapists use different approaches, and the relationship you build with your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes. My approach integrates talking therapy with evidence-based trauma therapies, recognising that sometimes healing requires more than conversation alone.

20. How do I book an appointment?

Booking an appointment is simple. You can contact me using the enquiry form on this website, by email, or by telephone. I'll respond as soon as possible to discuss your needs, answer any questions you may have, and arrange an initial consultation at a convenient time.