We will begin with an initial free telephone consultation to explore briefly what is bringing you to counselling.  We would then arrange to meet for an assessment at the central Derby premises. This Assessment is an opportunity to explore what has brought you to therapy and to decide whether to start attending regular weekly sessions.

Your initial assessment session will last for 50 minutes. This is an opportunity to explore what has brought you to therapy and to decide whether to start coming to weekly 50-minute sessions. During the initial assessment, I will assess the nature of your difficulties and answer any questions you may have, before discussing how therapy can help you move forward.

You can make appointments during the daytime and evening, from Monday to Friday. The earliest appointment is 9am, the latest is at 7pm.

The fee is shown on the ‘Services and Fees page, so you will be sure of what you’re paying.  We will also discuss your preferred method of payment during the assessment if you wish to continue with weekly sessions.

I offer affordable therapy at a lower fee for students or those with financial hardship, however there is limited availability for these slots. Please visit the ‘Services and Fees page for further details.

Sessions are for 50 minutes, starting on the hour, and are usually at a frequency of once a week. You can discuss the number of sessions with your therapist during the initial assessment. Starting regular sessions is a commitment to prioritising the session time, as consistent attendance is important for the process to be most beneficial to you.

I am a private service based in central Derby, which you can access directly whenever you feel the need. You do not need a referral from a doctor.  My practice is open to everyone – individuals or couples, regardless of gender, age, sexuality or nationality.

The premises do have disabled access and also a downstairs room for use when needed.

Counselling usually focuses on specific and current issues, to find ways of resolving problems. Psychotherapy involves more in-depth work and may take longer. Psychotherapists are required to take a longer training than counsellors.

Yes, counselling sessions are confidential. The exception would be if you were to pose a danger to yourself or others, in which case the relevant parties would be notified.

I will only be available to you at your scheduled appointment time. In the case of an emergency you will need to seek other resources. Contact your GP, the Samaritans (call 116 123, www.samaritans.org), or, if necessary, emergency services.

I commit to regular weekly appointments with my clients, because of the importance of regularity and continuity of sessions.  I hold diary time for clients on a regular and committed basis. So missed appointments or cancelled sessions are chargeable, unless you discuss any absence with me in advance, to explore if discretion can be applied depending on the circumstances. Ordinarily, any planned absence must be agreed in advance with me.

If you are unable to keep your regular appointment, please contact me, and I may be able to offer you an alternative session that week, subject to availability.