FAQs
General Therapy Questions
If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in self doubt or struggling with body image or food, therapy can help.
The most important factor in therapy is being willing to look at what is going on and reflect on your experience. You do not have to feel completely ready or confident about starting, just open enough to begin the conversation. If something feels difficult and you would like support with it, that is enough reason to reach out.
Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We will talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you are hoping might change, and how we might work together. There is no pressure to share everything straight away though.
It is also completely normal to worry about not having enough to say or to feel awkward at first. You do not need to prepare anything or explain everything perfectly. I will gently guide the conversation and we will go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
This varies from person to person. Some clients come for a shorter block of sessions, while others choose longer term support.
We can discuss this in your consultation call or first session and we will review regularly to make sure therapy is meeting your needs, both emotionally and financially.
For Teenage Clients
In therapy, we have something called confidentiality between client and therapist. This means that what you share in sessions stays completely between us, unless I am concerned about your safety. If this is the case then I will always speak with you first if something needs to be shared with your parents.
That is completely normal, most people feel a little unsure in the first session. You do not need to prepare anything or have the right words. I often use the first session as a chance to get to know you and your world, rather than diving straight into the most uncomfortable parts. We might talk about school, friendships, interests etc and build from there. I will gently guide the conversation so you are not left feeling put on the spot.
Never, therapy is not about giving orders or lecturing you. It is about helping you understand yourself better so you can make choices that feel right for you.
Many young people worry that a therapist will think their problems are silly or dramatic, but I can promise you that I won’t. If something feels big to you, then it matters. Therapy with me is not about judgement or labelling you as “too sensitive.” It is about taking your thoughts and feelings seriously and helping you make sense of them in a way that feels safe.
For Parents
If you have noticed changes in her mood, confidence, eating habits, friendships or anxiety levels, and those changes are lasting or increasing, therapy can provide a supportive space to explore what is going on. You do not have to wait until things reach crisis point for support to be helpful. Equally, if things do feel urgent or overwhelming, having a consistent and safe space to talk can be extremely beneficial.
Therapy can support young people at many different stages, whether they are quietly struggling or feeling completely stuck.
It can be really common for teenagers to feel unsure about therapy at first. Its really important that young people consent and feel some control over getting support, which is why I offer a free consultation. It can give your young person a chance to meet me, ask any questions or just chat for 20 minutes and they can decide if they're willing to try a therapy session.
No, they don't have to attend, but are very welcome to if that feels helpful.
Some parents prefer to use the consultation as a chance to speak openly, explain their concerns and ask questions without their child present, and that is absolutely fine. It can be helpful to have space to talk things through first.
Other families choose to involve the young person so they can meet me, ask their own questions and decide whether they feel comfortable.
We can use the consultation in whatever way feels most supportive for you both.
Progress can look like improved confidence, more open about how they feel, coping better with anxiety, or a healthier relationship with food and body. Often the changes from therapy can be gradual, but very meaningful.
Have more questions?
If you have a question about working with me, fill in the form below and let me know how I can help!