Question 1

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is slightly different as we'll cover some paperwork, explore what brings you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and start developing a plan for our work together.
We'll also talk about your background, current challenges, and what you'd like to get from therapy. There's no pressure to share anything you're not comfortable with, and we'll go at your pace.

Question 2

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to book a free 15-minute consultation call. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy and answer any questions you might have.

Question 3

What if I don't know what to talk about?

Accepted Answer

That's completely fine! Many people worry about this. I can help guide the conversation, especially in the beginning. Sometimes not knowing what to say is actually valuable information about what's happening for you.
Many clients find it helpful to jot down notes between sessions if something comes up they want to discuss, but it's also okay to come in without an agenda.

Question 4

What if I need urgent help between sessions?

Accepted Answer

I'll provide you with resources for crisis support. While I'm not available 24/7, I do check messages during business hours and will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your GP, call NHS 111, go to A&E, or contact the Samaritans (116 123).

Question 5

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Each session lasts 50 minutes, which is standard for therapy (the remaining 10 minutes allows me to prepare for my next client).

Question 6

How often will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Most clients start with weekly sessions to build momentum. As you progress, we might shift to fortnightly sessions. We'll discuss what rhythm works best for you.

Question 7

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This varies greatly depending on your goals and circumstances. Some clients benefit from 8-12 sessions for specific issues, while others prefer longer-term support. We'll regularly review your progress together every 6 sessions.
For deep-rooted patterns like people-pleasing or self-worth issues that have been present since childhood, longer-term work (6+ months) is often more effective, but we'll go at your pace and adjust as needed.

Question 8

Is everything I say confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a few standard exceptions: if I believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm, or if I'm legally required to share information. I'll always discuss these limitations with you in our first session.

Question 9

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I require 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Sessions cancelled with less notice will be charged at the full rate, except in emergencies.

Question 10

How do I pay for sessions?

Accepted Answer

I accept bank transfers before sessions or cash at the beginning of in-person sessions. I also offer a discount for blocks of 6 sessions paid in advance.

Question 11

Do you have evening appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I understand most people work during standard hours, so I offer some evening slots.

Question 12

What's your therapy style like?

Accepted Answer

I'm the kind of therapist who will make you a proper brew and have a straight-talking chat. Therapy with me isn't stuffy, boring, or clinical—we can have a laugh because I don't want this to be intimidating.
I won't just sit there nodding and asking "how does that make you feel?" every five minutes. I'll be engaged, direct, and genuinely interested in helping you unpack what's going on. Different approaches work for different people, so I tailor my methods to what works best for you.

Question 13

How is your northern approach different from traditional therapy?

Accepted Answer

My northern approach means I'm straight-talking but warm. I won't dance around issues or use vague therapeutic jargon that leaves you wondering what on earth I'm talking about.
I bring a refreshing directness that gets to the heart of the matter without being harsh. My clients often tell me it's a relief to work with someone who "just says it like it is" while still being compassionate.

Question 14

What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?

Accepted Answer

That's completely normal! Many of my clients felt anxious before their first session. Some worried they'd "do therapy wrong" or that they'd be judged for their struggles.
Remember, you're in control—you decide what to share and when. We'll go at your pace, and there's no pressure to dive into the deep end right away. And honestly? Most people find it's nowhere near as scary as they thought once they actually start.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

That's what the free consultation call is for! It gives us both a chance to see if we're a good fit. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy, so it's important that you feel comfortable with me.
During this call, trust your gut feeling. Do you feel understood? Do you feel like I "get" what you're going through? Can you imagine opening up to me? These are good indicators we might work well together.

Question 16

I've tried therapy before and it didn't help. Why would this be different?

Accepted Answer

Different therapists work in different ways, and finding the right fit is crucial. My pluralistic approach means I can adapt to what works for you, rather than expecting you to fit a particular therapeutic model.
If previous therapy felt too clinical, too vague, or like the therapist wasn't really "getting" you, my straight-talking, practical approach might be what you need. We can also discuss what didn't work in previous therapy so we don't repeat those patterns.

Question 17

Do you only work with women?

Accepted Answer

While I specialise in working with millennial women, I welcome clients of all genders who resonate with my approach, particularly those who struggle with people-pleasing, boundaries, and self-worth issues.

Question 18

I'm not from Blackpool/Lancashire. Can I still work with you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I offer online therapy to clients throughout the UK and internationally. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide therapy to clients based in the USA. Many clients appreciate my northern approach even if they're not from the area themselves.

Question 19

How do you help women who struggle with people-pleasing?

Accepted Answer

First, we explore where your people-pleasing patterns came from—often they're rooted in childhood experiences where your worth was tied to being "good" or useful to others.
I then help you recognise people-pleasing as it's happening and develop practical strategies for setting boundaries. We work on managing the anxiety and guilt that comes up when you start saying "no," and gradually build your confidence in expressing your needs.

Question 20

How long does it take to overcome people-pleasing patterns?

Accepted Answer

There's no one-size-fits-all timeline, as it depends on how deeply ingrained these patterns are. Some clients notice significant shifts within 8-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work.
The good news is that many clients report small but meaningful changes early in therapy—like being able to say "no" to minor requests without spiralling into guilt, or recognising their people-pleasing patterns as they happen.

Question 21

I'm worried I'll lose relationships if I stop people-pleasing. Is that true?

Accepted Answer

This is a common and understandable fear. The reality is that healthy relationships will adapt and often improve when you start setting boundaries, while relationships that were built solely on you people-pleasing might be challenged.
Part of our work together will include navigating this transition and managing the anxiety it brings up. Many clients find that their genuine relationships actually deepen when they show up more authentically, while relationships that don't survive boundaries often weren't serving them well to begin with.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions