Question 1

What is psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is a structured, confidential conversation with a trained clinician. Together we look at what you are experiencing, understand how it developed and what keeps it going, and build practical ways to change it. It is collaborative work, not advice-giving.

Question 2

How is a psychologist different from a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

A psychotherapist is trained in psychological assessment and talking therapies. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. The two roles often work alongside each other, and I am happy to liaise with your doctor with your consent.

Question 3

Do I need to be in crisis to start therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. Most people begin because something has been quietly difficult for a long time. You do not need to justify seeking support.

Question 4

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

Accepted Answer

An integrative, evidence based approach drawing on cognitive behavioural therapy, schema focused work, acceptance and commitment therapy, and trauma informed practice. The approach is chosen for what fits you, not for what fits a manual.

Question 5

Do you work with adolescents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work with clients aged 13 to 70. For under-18s, a parent or guardian is involved in the initial arrangements while the young person's confidentiality is carefully protected.

Question 6

Which languages do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are available in English and Arabic. You are welcome to move between them if that is how you think and feel.

Question 7

Can therapy really help?

Accepted Answer

For most people, yes, and the evidence is strong. What matters most is the fit between client and therapist, which is why the first session is as much your assessment of me as mine of the work ahead.

Question 8

Do you diagnose mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

I carry out psychological assessment and, where clinically useful, will share a clear formulation. Formal diagnosis is discussed openly and is never applied as a label without conversation.

Question 9

Do you prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

No. As a psychologist I do not prescribe. If medication seems worth considering, I will discuss it with you and, with your consent, coordinate with your physician or psychiatrist.

Question 10

How long is a session?

Accepted Answer

All individual and couples sessions are 50 minutes.

Question 11

How often will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Weekly at the start, which gives the work momentum. As things settle, many clients move to fortnightly and then to periodic review sessions.

Question 12

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Focused work often takes 8 to 16 sessions. Longer-standing or complex difficulties may take longer. We review progress openly so you always know where you stand.

Question 13

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

Mostly listening. I ask about what brought you here, your history, and what you would like to be different. By the end we agree whether and how to continue.

Question 14

How should I prepare for my first session?

Accepted Answer

You do not need notes or a rehearsed story. If it helps, jot down what you would like to change and any questions you have for me.

Question 15

Will I be given work between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Often, and always agreed together. These are usually small, specific practices rather than lengthy homework.

Question 16

How will we know therapy is working?

Accepted Answer

Through your own experience, and through brief structured measures where appropriate. If progress stalls, we say so and adjust.

Question 17

Can I bring a partner or family member?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when it serves the work. This is planned in advance rather than arranged on the day.

Question 18

What if I do not feel we are a good fit?

Accepted Answer

Say so. It is a professional conversation, not a personal rejection, and I will help you find a more suitable colleague.

Question 19

How does therapy end?

Accepted Answer

Deliberately. We plan the ending together, consolidate what you have learned, and put a relapse-prevention plan in place.

Question 20

How do online sessions work?

Accepted Answer

You receive a secure video link with your booking confirmation. Join a few minutes early from a private space with a stable connection.

Question 21

What technology do I need?

Accepted Answer

A laptop, tablet, or phone with a working camera and microphone, a reasonable internet connection, and headphones for privacy. No special software is required.

Question 22

Is online therapy effective?

Accepted Answer

For most common presentations, research shows strong outcomes for online therapy. Suitability is assessed honestly in the first session.

Question 23

What if my internet drops during a session?

Accepted Answer

We agree a backup before we begin, usually a phone call, so the session continues rather than ending.

Question 24

Where should I sit for an online session?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere you will not be overheard or interrupted for the full hour. Some clients use a parked car or a quiet room with headphones.

Question 25

Can I have online therapy from another country?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes. Because regulation differs between jurisdictions, we confirm at the outset that online work is appropriate where you live.

Question 26

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. What you share stays between us. The narrow legal exceptions include a serious risk to your life or someone else's, safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult, or a court order. These are explained fully before we begin.

Question 27

Are sessions recorded?

Accepted Answer

No. Sessions are never recorded, by me or by you, unless there is a specific clinical reason and you have given written consent.

Question 28

What notes do you keep?

Accepted Answer

Brief clinical notes, held securely and encrypted, retained in line with professional and legal requirements. You may request access to them.

Question 29

Will anyone know I am in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not from me. I do not contact your employer, family, or physician without your explicit written consent.

Question 30

Do you connect with clients on social media?

Accepted Answer

No. To protect your privacy and maintain clear professional boundaries, I do not accept client connection requests.

Question 31

How is my personal data protected?

Accepted Answer

Data is minimised, encrypted, and stored on reputable secure platforms. See the Privacy Policy for the full detail.

Question 32

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your session and it is moved without charge. Between 8 and 24 hours' notice, 20% of the fee is retained; if there is no show in the session, the session will be considered as took a place and it will not be refundable.

Question 33

What if I am late?

Accepted Answer

The session still ends at the scheduled time so the following client is not delayed. Arriving late is not a problem; we simply use the time that remains.

Question 34

Can I take a break from therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Planned breaks are normal. Let me know in advance and we will decide together whether to hold your regular slot.

Question 35

How quickly do you reply to messages?

Accepted Answer

Within one to two working days. Messages are for practical matters rather than clinical support between sessions.

Question 36

Do you offer online sessions only?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All individual and couples sessions are held online by secure video.

Question 37

What should I do in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

This practice is not an emergency service and messages are not monitored continuously. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number or go to your nearest emergency department now.

Question 38

What if I feel unsafe between sessions?

Accepted Answer

We create a personal safety plan early in our work, including who to contact and what to do. Local crisis lines and emergency services remain the right first call in an acute situation.

Question 39

Can I contact you between sessions?

Accepted Answer

You may send a brief practical message. For clinical support between sessions, we plan appropriate resources together rather than relying on messages.

Everything people ask before their first session

Therapy basics

Sessions and progress

Online sessions

Privacy and confidentiality

Cancellations and practicalities

Urgent support

Pages that answer more

Question still unanswered?