Do I need coaching or therapy?
Psychotherapy and coaching are distinct forms of work, although both can support greater awareness and meaningful change.
Psychotherapy usually provides space to explore emotional difficulties, relational patterns, past experiences and aspects of life that may require understanding or healing. Coaching is generally more explicitly focused on a goal, decision, transition or area of personal or professional development.
Sometimes the direction of work becomes clearer after we begin. If this raises a question about whether psychotherapy or coaching would be the more suitable approach, we will consider it together. Any change would be made only with your agreement, taking account of whether the priority is to understand and work through emotional or relational difficulties, or to pursue a defined goal, decision or area of development.
I have booked a psychotherapy session – what happens next?
The first session is an initial assessment and an opportunity for us both to consider whether working together feels appropriate. I will ask about what brings you to psychotherapy, your current circumstances, any relevant background and what you hope to gain from the process. This will help me consider whether my experience and approach are suitable for your needs, while giving you an opportunity to ask questions and decide whether I am the right therapist for you.
It is common to experience some uncertainty or anxiety before a first session. You do not need to prepare anything in particular or know exactly where to begin; we can establish a starting point together.
During the first session, we will also agree on the practical and ethical basis of our work. This working agreement covers confidentiality and its limits, the frequency of sessions, cancellation arrangements and fees. My practice is guided by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
Appointments may be cancelled or rearranged without charge by giving at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled or rearranged with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged in full. The current fee for new psychotherapy clients is £115 per 50-minute session.
How long does psychotherapy last?
There is no standard duration for psychotherapy. Each person brings different experiences, concerns and aims, and the length of the work will reflect these differences.
Longer-standing difficulties or patterns that have developed over many years may benefit from open-ended weekly psychotherapy. These might include difficulties establishing boundaries, a tendency to prioritise other people’s needs, persistent self-criticism or recurring relational patterns.
Where there is a clearly defined area of focus, shorter-term work may also be appropriate. We will review the work at agreed intervals – can be every two to three months – to consider what has changed, what remains important and whether the current approach continues to be useful.
The ending of psychotherapy is also an important part of the process. When the time feels appropriate, we will discuss and plan the endings together, allowing sufficient space to reflect on the work and the changes that have taken place.
I have booked a coaching session – what should I expect?
Coaching is usually focused on a particular goal, decision, transition or area of development. Early sessions will therefore include a careful exploration of what you wish to achieve and how progress will be recognised.
Our work will be supported by a written coaching agreement. This helps to clarify the focus of the work, establish our respective responsibilities and provide a structure for reviewing progress or making necessary adjustments.
Coaching is normally organised as a ten-session agreement extending over approximately three to four months. The current fee for self-funded individual coaching is £150 per session.
How does the work develop?
Both psychotherapy and coaching depend upon the quality of the working relationship. Trust is not assumed at the outset; it develops through consistency, openness and honest dialogue.
As the work progresses, we will periodically review what has been useful, what may need to change and whether the work continues to meet your needs. Every therapeutic or coaching relationship has a beginning, a period of development and an ending. Each stage offers an opportunity for reflection and learning.
If you would like to begin, you can view my current availability and book a session. If you have any questions before booking, you are welcome to contact me.
