Frequently Asked Questions

Who do you typically see?
I work with adults over 18 experiencing mild to moderate mental health problems.  If I feel unable to help anyone seeking help from me, I will offer alternative sources of support.  You do not have to be referred to see me, you can book independently.

How long do the sessions last and how often will we have one?
Each session lasts up to one hour and no longer.  We will generally meet once a week.  Later on during therapy we may decide to meet at less frequent intervals.

What if I don't practise my skills outside of the sessions?
I would strongly advise you to practise what has been learned during the sessions in order to get the most out of the therapeutic process.  However, I am not in the business of telling people off if they don't complete their homework!! If you have found it difficult then we will discuss this in our next session together.

Will I do all the talking?
No, CBT is a collaborative therapy. Therapist and client engage with each other in conversation and discussion.

How many sessions will I have to attend?
This will very much depend on the number of sessions you will need.  Typically 6 sessions upward to 20 in some cases. An average number of sessions is typically between 8-12 but this varies from case to case.

Can I stop therapy at any time?
Absolutely.  You will be under no obligation whatsoever to continue if you don't want to.

How do I know you keep up to date with your skills?
As all CBT Therapists should, I have a supervisor who monitors my skills, ensuring I maintain a standard of therapy.  It is important you know that any conversation between supervisor and therapist is completely confidential.  Trust between client and therapist is essential.

Also, as part of my registration with the Health Professions Council and the British Psychological Society I have to carry out CPD annually to maintain my skills and practising certificate.

I work to the ethical code of conduct outlined by the BPS.

Is the Verulum Clinic easy to find and will I be able to park?
Yes! The Verulum Clinic is very close to St Albans Station and on one of the main artery roads out of St Albans.  There is limited parking behind the Clinic, some on-road parking and hourly parking in the Iceland car park within close walking distance.

What happens at the first session?
As well as working out if we are going to be happy working together, I carry out an in depth assessment to get as full an understanding as possible of the problems you are experiencing at the moment.  This then helps us to work out what we are going to be doing in future sessions.

What happens at each session?
At each session we work out an agenda for the hour and then work through it at your pace. 

How do I contact you?
You can contact me by telephone or email.  See the contacts page of this website for this information.