FAQs

Yes, absolutely. I see a lot of people on their own, sometimes because their partner won’t attend. Sorting out a relationship problem is easier, though, if both people are there in the room.

It might be that your relationship has recently ended, or perhaps you’ve been through a series of failed relationships. I can help you address what is happening there.

Having a talk with your partner is the first step towards getting help, but it can be very hard. You might feel that suggesting counselling is almost like asking for a separation. But this isn’t the case. Couples counselling can strengthen and deepen even a good, healthy relationship. If you’re at all anxious about broaching the subject with your partner, I can see you on your own so that we can find the best way of opening up the conversation.

Opening up can feel like a threatening prospect so that’s why many couples suffer in silence for years, unable to find the right words to begin to describe their feelings. Once embarked on, couples counselling usually comes as a massive relief.

Who and when you tell others is often wisely thought out, the answer ideally takes into account your circumstances and also others personalities and personal situations. You might feel a range of emotions, ashamed, guilt, anger, anxiety… but to do so, in a planned, calm way is often a positive step to managing the difficult emotions you are already suffering on a daily basis.

Because I understand that it can be tricky asking for time off work, I can offer you lunchtime sessions in my Harley Street rooms or in Olney or Milton Keynes. Do contact me to sort out the most convenient time and location for you.

Everybody is individual in themselves and their relationship, so it’s difficult to predict what your particular needs will be. Some people need just a few sessions; others come for up to 6 months. And sometimes people come in once or twice of year to top up their sessions. Whatever the case, I guarantee that you will not be in therapy one session longer than is necessary.

What’s important is that most of my clients find that it comes as a huge relief to finally be able to talk over their problems constructively, honestly, in a safe environment, and without feeling judged.

No, not necessarily. I specialise in treating couples where one person has a psychological condition (anxiety, OCD, BPD, PTSD, postnatal depression etc – see full list of conditions I treat here, so we will work on that in the context of your couples therapy.

Not initially. Our first session includes a highly skilled general assessment to find out as much as possible about you and your partner. If you’re having sexual problems, I’ll try to establish if those problems are creating or created by your relationship difficulties. It’s important to try to untangle this dynamic.

Yes, absolutely. I work regularly with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples.

After your initial consultation, and once we have established that CBT couples therapy is right for you, you’ll be offered a regular weekly appointment ideally on the same day every week. These will continue for as long as you and I agree that it’s necessary.

Yes, completely. I adhere to the professional code of ethical standards, which includes the principle of confidentiality.

The only time confidentiality will ever be broken is if someone is at risk of serious harm. And then, if possible, I will talk to you about it first and encourage you to disclose information and seek help yourself, rather than me doing so.

If you come with your partner, I would normally expect that you’re happy to share information between you, but please contact me beforehand to discuss any reservations or questions you might have.