Frequently Asked Questions

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(Almost) everything you ever wanted to know about therapy with me…

How long are sessions and how often will I need to come?

Sessions last 50 minutes. Most clients start with weekly sessions, but we’ll find a rhythm that works for you. Therapy is your space – we go at a pace that feels manageable.

Do you offer online sessions as well as in-person?

Yes. I work both online and in-person from my practice in Ramsbottom , greater Manchester) Some people prefer the safety of their own home, others find it helpful to have a separate space to come to – both are equally valid.

How much do sessions cost and how do I pay?

Sessions are £65 each. Payment is usually made by card or bank transfer the day before the session. If you’d like to discuss affordability, please reach out.

What happens in the first session – do I need to prepare anything?

No preparation is needed. The first session is a gentle space to talk about what’s brought you here, what you’re hoping for, and for us to get to know each other. You don’t need to share everything at once – it’s completely OK to start slowly.

What if I get emotional or don’t know what to say?

That’s very common. Some people cry, some go blank, some sit in silence. All of it is welcome in therapy. It’s part of the process, and I’ll support you in whatever comes up.

and a few more questions that might feel harder to ask…

I’ve tried to hold everything together for so long – what if I finally let go and it’s overwhelming?

It can feel frightening to drop the mask and allow emotions through. Therapy provides a safe, contained space to let go bit by bit, so it doesn’t feel like “too much all at once.”

I feel broken and not good enough – will therapy really help someone like me?

You are not broken, even if it feels that way. Trauma and anxiety can leave deep marks, but therapy helps to rebuild trust in yourself, in life, and in others. Many people who felt “beyond help” have found new clarity and confidence here.

I don’t want to re-live all my past experiences – do I have to talk about everything that happened?

No. You’re in charge of what you share. We don’t have to go into graphic detail for healing to happen. Sometimes focusing on how the past still affects you today is more powerful than re-telling every memory.

What if I’ve lost sight of who I really am – can therapy help me find myself again?

Yes. Many clients come feeling they’ve been defined by trauma, anxiety or other people’s expectations. Therapy can be a journey back to yourself – reconnecting with your values, your voice, and the parts of you that have been hidden or silenced.

I’m exhausted from putting everyone else first – is it selfish to focus on me?

Not at all. Prioritising your healing is an act of strength, not selfishness. Therapy is often the first space where you are allowed to put yourself first – and it can ripple into every part of your life.

and now let me address some Trauma-specific worries you might have (I know I did…)

What if memories or feelings come up in therapy that I’ve tried to bury for years – how will I cope?

You won’t face them alone. I’ll help you ground yourself and find ways to feel safe, so old memories don’t overwhelm you. Healing happens in manageable steps.

I struggle to trust people because of what I’ve been through – how can I open up to a therapist?

That’s completely understandable. Building trust takes time, and therapy can move at your pace. It’s not about rushing to tell everything, but about slowly building safety together.

Sometimes I feel numb or disconnected from my body – is that something therapy can help with?

Yes. Trauma can cause dissociation or numbness. Therapy can gently reconnect you with your body and emotions, so you feel more present and alive.

I’m scared that if I start talking about the past, I won’t be able to stop crying – is that normal?

Yes. Many people worry about “falling apart.” But in therapy, tears are held safely. We work together so emotions can flow in a contained way, and you’ll always be supported to come back to calm.

What if I realise my trauma still affects me more than I thought – does that mean I’m weak?

Not at all. It means you’re human. Trauma often shows up in hidden ways – in relationships, in self-doubt, in the body. Recognising it is the first step toward healing, and that’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

A Personal Note:

I know how hard it is to even get to this page – to be considering therapy and wondering if it’s really for you. There was a time when I held everything in, convinced I had to cope alone. I remember lying awake with a racing mind, feeling like I was failing at life and terrified that if I let go, I’d fall apart.

Therapy was the place where I learned I didn’t have to carry it all by myself. That’s why I know what it’s like to sit where you are now – uncertain, hopeful, and scared all at once. And it’s why I believe change is possible, because I’ve lived it as well as seen it in the people I work with every day.

Still have questions? Want to speak to me and find out what it might feel like to work together?