Common Questions

You'll find me at The Affinity Centre Cheadle...

My offices are The Affinity Centre in Cheadle, near to Stockport, Didsbury, Cheadle Hulme, Altrincham, Handforth and Bramhall.

I work on Tuesday - Friday from 9am to 2.30pm (last appointment). You can book online here.

How much does therapy cost?

Individual appointments cost £85 for a 50 minutes session (often called a 'therapy hour') and £110 for a 60 minute session.

Couples appointments cost £110 for the initial 60 minute consultation. We would then meet for 90 minutes either weekly or fortnightly at a cost of £165. I recommend 1.5hrs appointments for couples to get the full benefit from the dialogue process.

Where are you based?

My offices are The Affinity Centre, 7A High Street, Cheadle, SK8 1AX. 

I offer online appointments too. 

How often should I come?

Ideally, weekly. I suggest weekly for at least the first 6-12 weeks. Weekly appointments provide you with consistency and continuity. If weekly doesn't work for you because of scheduling or finances then fortnightly is ok too.

Couples often prefer to come for a longer appointment fortnightly if juggling work and childcare.

It's worth noting though, for the therapy to be most effective I only offer weekly or fortnightly appointments.

What's the first session like?

For some, the thought of coming to therapy can be daunting and nerve racking. You will be welcomed with warmth, honesty, and humanness. I do my very best not to sound too much like a therapist! 

The relationship between client and therapist is central to the learning and healing process. Before beginning therapy it's important that you are comfortable talking with me. I'll be open and honest about how I believe I can work with you.

Our first session at my offices in Cheadle gives you the opportunity to meet me. You get to ask any questions you want, to check out if you can imagine us working together and how you feel about sharing your personal thoughts and feelings with me.

It's also my opportunity to meet you and find out more about why you have come to see me.  I'll discuss with you if and how I think I can help you. From here we can decide together the next steps you wish to take.

It's really important that you know up front, I do not offer advice and I do not have strategies that can help you "fix" your issues. Psychotherapy is a 'private conversation' that facilitates a space for curiousness and reflection. You will be as active in your therapy as I am and it's good to know what you want from each session. This is after all, your time and money that you're investing. 

My role is to support you in gaining awareness and understanding of whatever you brought to therapy. With insight and awareness you can make the necessary changes you wish to.

If for any reason I believe I am not able to work with you, I will share my understanding with you.

How long will therapy last?

In short, as long as you want it to. Therapy is personal to everyone.

It will depend on what you are coming for and how easily you find it to talk about your problems. I'll be as clear and up-front as possible about how I believe we can work together. I'll discuss the benefits of both short-term and longer term therapy depending on what you want to get from coming.

You may want to talk about a problem you are experiencing in the here-and-now in a safe and confidential way, to give yourself space to untangle your thoughts and feelings.

Working longer term gives you the opportunity to look at what underpins your particular problem. Working over a longer period offers you the space to work out how you want your life to be different.

'Short-term' would usually be around 6-18 sessions and 'longer-term' 6 months - 3 years+. It's usual for people to use therapy as ongoing support and personal development.

Change takes time. It is important that you are engaged and committed so that you get the most out of your therapy.

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

Choosing the right type of therapy and therapist is an important decision. You are investing time and money and it's important to get the right person for you.

I'll share with you how I believe I, and the style of therapy I practice, will be of use to you so that you have all the information you need to make a decision.

I'm a fully qualified psychotherapist, experienced in working with individuals and couples. Check out the About Me page for my qualifications. 

Some other things you may want to ask yourself...

Is Cheadle a good location for you and can I accommodate your appointments at a time that works for you?

Is my gender important to you? Is my cultural identity important to you? Knowing what you know about me (from a recommendation, website, or phone call), do you feel comfortable talking with me? Am I experienced in dealing with your issues?