FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Psychotherapy
How do I know a therapist is "good"?
Whatever a client discovers—and any changes they decide to make—comes from the conversation between them and their therapist, so it is essential they quickly build a trusting and confidential relationship. That relationship is so important that I always encourage them to meet with several therapists and to listen to their gut feelings about a person before making their decision.
Even with that established, being able to bring open, deep feelings, issues and dialogue and to reveal and exchange confidential information can bring “creative discomfort”.
All this—and any guilt or shame attached to what is brought—is both challenged and held by the therapist.
How can I be assured of your professionalism?
I abide by the ethics of the UK Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP), of which I have been a member since 2007. (You can read the code here)
How do we start? What happens at the first session?
The initial conversation takes the time it needs to take, in person or on the phone, on a convenient day and at a convenient time. I do not charge for this.
My first question is likely to be: “What brings you here?” The client can explain at least some of the initial reasons they may have that are at the forefront of their mind.
There’s then an opportunity for the person to ask as many questions as they like about me.
Finally, I suggest they go away and think about our conversation and, if they would like to work with me, to give me a call.
We can then organise the practicalities, which may include how and when we meet and the fee structure. There is no commitment at this stage.
How long does each session last?
I usually work to a 50-minute therapy hour, though some clients prefer a 90-minute session.
How often do we meet?
I can be flexible. Sessions generally take place weekly, though they can be bi-weekly and not necessarily on the same day at the same time.
Location
I am based in London, either in EC1 or WC1, or we can speak on Zoom if that is more convenient.
Fees
I charge a fix fee per session which is reviewed each January. My cancellation policy is that clients will be charged in full unless they have given 24 hours’ notice. I charge £50 for students.
How long will it take?
I provide open-ended therapy. We look at where we are after the initial four sessions.
All my clients are welcome to return after a break for as long as they need to.
Coaching
How do I know a coach is “good”?
I bring my personal experience that includes decades spent performing under sustained pressure to achieve goals and my understanding of the environmental and commercial demands of today’s workplace.
I start always by creating a calm, open space of trust and respect.
Cutting through corporate speak to a more personal dialogue and revealing meaning and impact for the individual brings clarity to what it takes to become unstuck or move forward.
It's a deep dive and may provoke feelings of “creative discomfort". But the emotional impact of this process provides a vital and effective route to the root causes of the difficulties and issues being faced. Examples might be absorbing and including peer feedback, tough messages and fully comprehending leadership challenges.
How can I be sure of your professionalism?
I am an associate member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. (EMCC) and abide by their Global Code of Ethics.
How do we start?
The first questions I ask my clients are what has brought them to coaching, what they see as the purpose of our work and what do they want to get out of it?
If the work is formally sponsored by an organisation, the sponsoring manager and/or HR person would be involved in the conversation so there is an agreed agenda and timetable to the coaching programme.
Similar clarity is sought when it’s individually initiated as to why coaching is wanted and the desired outcome.
Is there a typical coaching programme?
A coaching programme is divided into three sections. The duration of the programme is six to nine months.
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Data collection, where a client sends relevant information—appraisals, 360 feedback and past work history—and pertinent information helps determine agreed coaching goals. Coaching outcomes are reviewed in light of this data and amended if necessary.
Discussions include the success criteria of the goals and programme, for example the differences between what the client and stakeholder might see and experience.
These sessions are run closely together over, say, a month to build and develop trust and the relationship.
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Most of the work will subsequently take place over several separate sessions which are, themselves, separated into three sections.
The first part is a catch-up and a look at what’s been happening in a client’s role and business.
The second part might involve focussing on a particular topic: for example, describing a meeting that has taken place and what went and didn’t go well.
In the third part, the client might also role-play planned meetings or strategic moments in which they try out different approaches, expressing various ideas and scenarios. These sessions would usually be held every 4-6 weeks or scheduled to tie into specific events.
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Finally, there is a review of progress and learning and a discussion on building on an individual’s internal feedback mechanism.
How long do the sessions last?
They generally last for 90 minutes.
Location
I am based in London, either in EC1 or W1, or if more convenient, we can speak over a Zoom call.
Fees
Fees can be estimated as a complete programme or by session, at £240-£340 per session.