How we can work together
I want you to feel comfortable talking to me and able to be yourself. We can take time to get to know each other, understand what is troubling you and work out what might help. You don’t need to have all the answers before we begin.
An approach that suits you
Integrative counselling means I draw on different approaches to suit your individual needs. We might make sense of an old pattern, explore a difficult feeling or try something practical that helps you in everyday life. We can talk about what feels useful and adapt the work as we go.
Read about integrative therapy and the different approaches →
Understand
Explore feelings, thoughts, body responses and relationship patterns to make sense of what is happening.
Explore
Consider the experiences and meanings that may be connected to present difficulties.
Change
Try responses that support greater choice in daily life and relationships.
A confidential, non-judgemental space
You can speak openly, ask questions and tell me when something does not feel useful. We will discuss confidentiality and its limits before beginning, and review the work as it develops.
What to expect
You may never have spoken to a counsellor before. Here is a little about what happens, from our first conversation to finding a way of working that feels right for you.
A conversation before we begin
I offer a free 15-minute consultation. You can tell me a little about what brings you to counselling, ask questions and get a sense of how it feels to talk to me. We can discuss availability, fees and whether you would prefer to meet online or in North London. There is no obligation to book a session.
Our first session
We start by getting to know each other. I will ask what has been happening, how it is affecting your life and what you hope might be different. You can begin wherever feels easiest; you do not need to tell your whole story at once.
We will also talk through confidentiality and its limits, how sessions work and the practical arrangements. You are welcome to ask questions throughout.
What happens in later sessions
You can bring something that happened that week, a feeling you cannot quite explain or a difficulty that keeps returning. I will listen, ask questions and sometimes reflect back what I am hearing. We might explore how you respond in certain situations, what you need, or how earlier experiences affect you now.
There is room to think and be quiet too. You do not have to fill every silence or arrive with a prepared topic.
Trying something practical
Talking and understanding can be helpful in themselves. Where it would be useful, we can also try an exercise: grounding when you feel overwhelmed, noticing thoughts that increase anxiety, or finding a different way to respond to an urge or a difficult conversation.
I will explain what I am suggesting and why. We can try it together, and you can decide whether you want to use it between sessions.
When something feels difficult
You choose what to share and when. If a subject feels too much, we can slow down, pause or return to it another time. You can tell me if you feel misunderstood or if something I suggest does not help. Those conversations are part of getting to know how best to work together.
Checking how things are going
We will make time to talk about whether the sessions are helping and what you would like to focus on next. We can adjust our approach as your needs become clearer. You may want a shorter period of counselling or longer-term support; we can discuss this and plan an ending together when the time feels right.
Sessions last 50 minutes, giving us time to talk and bring the session to a close.
A little more about working together
You do not need to know exactly what to expect before starting. Choose a question below to find out more.
Beginning therapy
What do we talk about in a counselling session?
We begin with what brings you to counselling and what you would like to be different. After that, you can bring whatever feels important. There is no script to follow, and quiet moments can be just as useful as talking.
What does therapy feel like?
Speaking to someone new can feel daunting, especially at first. It can also feel relieving to be heard without judgement. Everyone’s experience is different, and we can talk about how the sessions feel for you.
Do I have to tell you everything?
No. You choose what to share and when. Being open can help me understand you, but you do not need to disclose anything before you feel ready. Trust often grows gradually.
How do I share something difficult?
You can start by saying that something feels hard to talk about. We can approach it gently, a little at a time, without judgement or pressure to find the perfect words.
Does therapy have to be painful?
Difficult feelings may arise, but therapy does not need to be overwhelming. We can slow down, pause or return to something later. You do not have to describe every detail of an experience to begin exploring how it affects you now.
Understanding change
How does therapy help?
Therapy gives you time to reflect and understand your feelings, experiences and patterns. Alongside this, we can explore practical ways to manage stress, support daily routines and respond differently to difficulties.
What are the benefits of therapy?
You may develop a clearer understanding of yourself, more manageable ways of coping, better communication and more satisfying relationships. Therapy can also support you through challenging events and help you feel more able to make your own choices.
How long does therapy take?
There is no fixed timetable. Some people find a shorter period helpful; others need longer to explore established patterns or difficult experiences. We will discuss your needs and review the pace and direction together.
What is the goal of therapy?
We agree goals that matter to you, whether that means coping better, understanding a pattern or making a change. These goals can develop as you learn more about yourself.
How successful is therapy?
There is no single success rate that predicts what therapy will do for you. Outcomes depend on your needs, the approach and the relationship we build. We will review whether our work feels useful and adjust it where needed.
How do I know if therapy is working?
You might notice that you understand yourself more clearly, cope differently or move towards the goals we agreed. Feeling able to trust me and speak honestly also matters. If you feel stuck, we can discuss that openly.
Will therapy change me?
Therapy can support change and personal development. The direction comes from what matters to you: understanding yourself, having more choice and finding ways of living and relating that feel right for you.
The practical details
Will you give me advice?
I will help you explore your options and make your own decisions. I can share information and practical techniques, such as breathing or mindfulness exercises, when they seem useful. We decide together what fits your circumstances.
Are sessions confidential?
What you share is confidential, with exceptions that we discuss before starting. These include your consent, serious concerns about harm, or a legal requirement to disclose information. Where possible, I will discuss any action with you first. I also use professional supervision, taking care to protect your identity.
What boundaries can I expect?
Our relationship is professional. We both aim to attend on time, and sessions should take place without being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Contact between sessions is generally by email or text for arrangements; we do not connect through personal social media.
How much are sessions, and when do I pay?
Sessions last 50 minutes. Online counselling is £60, and in-person counselling is £70, including room hire. Fees are payable one day in advance. You can find further details on the Fees & Sessions page.
Have a different question? You are welcome to ask me.
Would you like to talk?
Send me a short message about what is bringing you to counselling. It is fine if you are not sure how to explain it yet.
Contact Richard