Information

It is  understandable  that starting psychotherapy can bring many questions. Here, I aim to answer some of the most common ones to help you feel more comfortable and informed about the process. My goal is to create a welcoming and understanding space for your journey towards wellbeing.

Frequently asked questions

It's natural to have questions before embarking on a therapeutic journey. I've compiled some of the most common queries to provide clarity and ease any concerns you might have. My practice is rooted in providing a safe, confidential, and supportive environment for everyone.

What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that helps individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and life experiences in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment. It is based on the understanding that past experiences, including trauma and unmet emotional needs, can have a lasting impact on our wellbeing and relationships. Rather than focusing on what is “wrong” with a person, psychotherapy seeks to understand what has happened to them and how these experiences may continue to influence their lives. Working with a trained psychotherapist can help people gain deeper insight into emotional and behavioural patterns, process difficult experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping with challenges. Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to express feelings openly, improve self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and enhance overall mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. It can be a powerful and life-changing experience.

What is Core Process Psychotherapy?
Core Process Psychotherapy is a gentle and holistic approach that combines Western psychology with Buddhist understanding. Developed by Maura and Franklyn Sills at the Karuna Institute, it works with the whole person—body, mind, and emotions—to support healing, self-awareness, and personal growth. At its heart is the belief that beneath our difficulties lies an inner source of wisdom, openness, and wellbeing. Through mindful awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment, we can begin to recognise patterns that contribute to suffering and learn new ways of responding to life's challenges. This approach helps people reconnect with qualities such as compassion, peace, and resilience, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences while supporting lasting emotional wellbeing and positive change.

What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?

I offer both counselling and psychotherapy, providing a safe and supportive space to explore whatever challenges you may be facing. Counselling is often helpful when you are dealing with a specific issue and are looking for practical support over a shorter period of time. It can help you develop strategies to manage difficulties and move forward with greater confidence. Psychotherapy offers a deeper exploration of longer-standing concerns, including patterns, beliefs, or experiences from the past that may still be affecting your life today. This work tends to be more open-ended and reflective, allowing time to build understanding, and support meaningful and lasting change.

How confidential are our sessions?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice. All information shared during your sessions is held in strict confidence, adhering to professional ethical guidelines of ICP, IAHIP and ACPP. 

What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to meet, discuss what brings you to therapy, and for you to ask any questions you may have. It's a chance to see if we feel like a good fit and to explore how we can work together. There's no obligation to continue after this initial meeting.