How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You don't need to be in crisis or have a formal diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek support because they feel overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Others find that past experiences continue to affect their confidence, relationships or day-to-day life.

Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to better understand your difficulties, develop practical coping strategies and work towards meaningful, lasting change.

 

What happens during the first appointment?

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and explore what has brought you to therapy.

We'll discuss your current difficulties, relevant background, what you would like to achieve, and any questions or concerns you may have. Together, we'll begin to develop an understanding of what may be contributing to your difficulties and agree on the most appropriate treatment approach.

There is no expectation to share everything in the first session—we work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Read more on what to expect:

https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/what-to-expect-when-starting-therapy

 

Do I need CBT or EMDR?

This is a question many people ask, and it's something we can decide together during your assessment.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is recommended for many common mental health difficulties, including anxiety disorders, OCD and depression. It focuses on understanding the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours, helping you develop practical skills to make lasting changes.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is particularly effective when distressing or traumatic experiences continue to affect your life. It helps the brain process difficult memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming.

Many clients benefit from integrating both approaches, allowing us to tailor therapy to your individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.

Read more about CBT:

https://babcp.com/What-is-CBT

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What is EMDR and how does it work?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people recover from distressing or traumatic experiences. It is particularly effective for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related difficulties, but it can also help when past experiences continue to affect anxiety, self-esteem, relationships or emotional wellbeing.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping or alternating sounds, alongside a structured therapeutic approach. This helps the brain process distressing memories so they become less emotionally intense and no longer feel as though they belong in the present.

Before any trauma processing begins, we spend time developing coping strategies and ensuring you feel safe and prepared. Therapy always progresses at a pace that feels manageable and collaborative.

More information here:

https://emdrassociation.org.uk/discover-emdr/the-basics/

https://youtu.be/hKrfH43srg8?si=Yo41AHXBM3DMtdh-

 

What kinds of difficulties do you work with?

I work with adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

• Trauma and PTSD

• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

• Anxiety disorders

• Generalised anxiety and excessive worry

• Panic attacks and panic disorder

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Health anxiety

• Social anxiety

• Specific phobias

• Depression and low mood

• Stress and burnout

• Low self-esteem

• Perfectionism

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Difficulties related to childhood experiences or relationships

If you're unsure whether I can help with your particular concerns, please feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs.

 

Do I need to have experienced trauma to benefit from therapy?

No. While trauma is one of my specialist areas, many people come to therapy for anxiety, depression, OCD, stress or difficulties with confidence and self-esteem.

Equally, not everyone recognises that what they have experienced may have been traumatic. Trauma isn't always the result of one major event. It can develop through childhood experiences, bullying, emotionally difficult relationships, medical experiences, loss or prolonged periods of stress.

During our assessment, we'll explore your experiences together and decide on the most appropriate therapeutic approach.

 

Is online therapy effective?

Yes. Research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy for many common mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression.

Many clients appreciate the flexibility of attending sessions from the comfort of their own home, without the need to travel.

I primarily offer online therapy to adults across the UK, alongside a limited number of face-to-face appointments for those who would prefer to meet in person.

 

Do you offer face-to-face appointments?

Yes. Although the majority of my work is delivered online, I also offer a limited number of face-to-face appointments held at Miller's Yard, off Gillygate, York.

If you have a preference for in-person therapy, please get in touch to discuss current availability.

 

How many sessions will I need?

There is no set number of sessions, as therapy is tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Some people benefit from shorter-term therapy focused on a specific difficulty, while others choose longer-term work, particularly when addressing complex or longstanding experiences.

We'll regularly review your progress together to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.

 

What qualifications and experience do you have?

I am a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with 20 years' experience working across NHS and private mental health services.

Alongside CBT, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) (Level 1, 2 & 3 training with EMDR Association UK in 2018). I am also trained in  Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression (IPT). 

I have a particular interest in working with trauma and supporting people to overcome the lasting impact of difficult life experiences, while also helping adults experiencing anxiety, depression and related emotional difficulties.

 

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Everything discussed in therapy is confidential and treated with respect and sensitivity.

There are a small number of legal and professional exceptions, for example, if there is a significant risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else. If this were ever necessary, wherever possible I would discuss with you first.

Confidentiality will be explained fully during your first appointment, and you'll have the opportunity to ask any questions.

 

What are your fees?

An initial 90 minute assessment is £100

Each 50 minute follow up is £85

 

How do I get started?

The first step is simply to get in touch.

You can contact me via the enquiry form, email or telephone to arrange an initial consultation. This gives us the opportunity to discuss what has brought you to therapy, explore your goals and decide together on the most appropriate approach for your needs.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but you don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression or simply feel that something isn't quite right, I'm here to support you in taking that first step towards positive change.

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Still have a question?
If you haven't found the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you decide whether therapy with ThriveWell is the right fit for you. Whether you're considering CBT, EMDR or simply aren't sure where to start, you're welcome to contact me for an initial conversation.