​

Starting Therapy

​

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

Feeling comfortable with your therapist is important. I offer a free 15‑minute consultation so you can get a sense of me, ask questions and think about whether working together feels right.

​

How do I get started?

You can contact me to arrange your free consultation. It is a brief conversation to talk about what has brought you to therapy and what support you might need.

​

How should I prepare for my first session?

​There is nothing specific you need to prepare. It can help to think about what feels most present or difficult right now but many people simply arrive as they are. The first session is a gentle introduction to working together.

​

About Therapy

​

What can I bring to therapy?

Anything that feels important. This might include anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, stress, loss or a sense that something in your life is not sitting well. You do not need to have a clear goal from the start.

​

What happens in a typical session?

We begin with whatever feels most alive for you on the day. We might look at current challenges, explore patterns in your relationships or reflect on how past experiences shape the present. I will support you to make sense of what is happening at a pace that feels manageable.

​

How often do we meet, and for how long?

Most people come weekly, as therapy tends to be most helpful with regularity. Individual sessions are 50 minutes and couples sessions are 60 minutes. Together we will find a rhythm that feels realistic and supportive.

​

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. What you share stays between us. There are a few legal and ethical exceptions, which I will explain clearly at the start. As a trainee psychotherapist, I have regular clinical supervision where I may discuss themes from our work without identifying details.

​

Therapeutic Approach

 

What is Transactional Analysis?

Transactional Analysis ('TA') is a relational and psychological approach that helps us understand how we think, feel and behave. It uses clear, accessible models to make sense of patterns in our lives and relationships. Many people find it helpful because it can support practical shifts as well as deeper exploration.

​

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling often focuses on specific issues or shorter‑term support. Psychotherapy usually involves deeper, longer‑term exploration of the patterns that shape you. The words are sometimes used interchangeably because the two approaches overlap. My training is in psychotherapy, and I offer both short‑ and long‑term work depending on your needs.

​

What languages do you work in?

I work in English and Russian. For bilingual clients, different languages can open different parts of experience. We can explore this in whichever way feels natural for you.

​

Couples Therapy

 

Do you work with couples in crisis or after an affair?

Yes. Couples often come during or after a crisis, including the impact of an affair. I help you slow things down, understand what has happened and explore what each of you needs. Some couples hope to repair the relationship; others are unsure whether staying together is right for them. I offer a steady and balanced space where both partners can consider what comes next with care and respect.

​

Practicalities

​

Who do you work with?

I work with adults aged 18 and over.

I am not able to offer sessions to anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the appointment.

​

Do you offer reduced or special rates?

I sometimes have reduced‑fee spaces. Please enquire if this is something you would like to discuss.

​

What if I am in crisis or feel unsafe?

Therapy is not an emergency service.

If you are in immediate danger or unable to keep yourself safe, please contact:

​

Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)

NHS 111 for urgent mental health support

999 in an emergency

Or go directly to your nearest A&E