Frequently Asked Questions

I offer online individual therapy, for a variety of wellbeing and mental health concerns, including controlling emotions and stress, social anxiety, depression, trauma, and diminished performance.

My clients are people who come to me with a variety of concerns and lives. People with demanding careers and family dynamics that find themselves coping on their own with unspeakable burdens. 

What they seem to notice is how their concerns are stopping them from keeping up - anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, self-criticism, relationship problems, anger/shutdown, confidence, life transitions, and pattern-repeating behaviours can take over and usual coping strategies are not efficient anymore.

They seek a space to unburden themselves, to feel seen without judgement, and to cultivate a way forward.

If, after an initial consultation, it looks like another service or specialist would fit your needs better, I will say so — and we will discuss options.

Sessions are 50 minutes (a standard “therapeutic hour”). Occasionally, we may agree a slightly different length to fit your needs or circumstances — but any changes are discussed in advance.

For most people, weekly is ideal at the start. It keeps momentum, allows you to notice patterns in real time, and gives enough space to practice changes between sessions. After that, some people move to fortnightly once things stabilise or if therapy becomes more maintenance-focused.

Duration varies — some goals take a focused block of sessions, others benefit from longer-term work. We will review progress and adjust as we go.

After an initial consultation and a mutual decision to work together, the first full session is usually about:

• Building a shared understanding of what is happening (patterns, triggers, context, strengths).
• Clarifying what you want from therapy (what “better” actually looks like).
• Agreeing a plan for the work: a mix of insight + practical tools + real-world practice.
• Setting an initial focus for the next few sessions.

Yes — I have experience supporting people who have been through single-incident trauma and complex, repeated experiences.

I take a trauma-informed, paced approach. In the consultation we will explore what has happened and what you need now, and we will decide together whether I am the right fit — and whether therapy should be stabilisation first, deeper processing later, or another pathway entirely.

Standard sessions: £120 per session (50 minutes).

Sliding scale: If cost is a barrier, I reserve a limited number of appointments at a reduced rate; please feel free to enquire further.

Payment: Payment is made by electronic bank transfer at the end of each session.

Late cancellations or missed appointments: I ask for 48 hours’ notice. I understand life happens — if something unavoidable comes up, we can discuss rescheduling, but late cancellations may still be charged.

A clear, detailed therapy agreement is shared in advance and agreed before we start working together.

What you share is confidential. I may discuss your work in clinical supervision to maintain quality and safety — this is standard practice and done respectfully, usually in a way that minimises identifying detail.

Confidentiality may need to be broken only in specific situations, including:

• If there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else.
• Safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult.
• If I am legally required to disclose information (for example, a court order).
  

Wherever possible, I would aim to discuss this with you first — unless doing so would increase risk.

The aim is to obtain a better grasp of how one relates to their inner world and how one shows up in their outer one.

In therapy, we make the pattern visible — the triggers, the reflexes, the stories you tell yourself, the parts of you that push through, shut down, control, avoid, or people-please. Once it is more clear, it becomes workable. Over time you develop more choice: you can notice what is happening sooner, regulate more effectively, communicate more directly, and respond in ways that match your values rather than your stress response.

Usually, my clients experience changes in a few areas:

• Clarity: a shared understanding of what has been driving the problem and why it keeps repeating.
• Capacity and agency: stronger emotional range and regulation.
• Behaviour: practical shifts in habits, boundaries, and decision-making.
• Relationships: more honest communication, less reactivity, fewer unspoken rules.
• Self-respect: less self-criticism, more compassion, more agency.
   

We keep it grounded. We review progress regularly, adjust the plan when needed, and make sure therapy translates into real life — not just insight in the room.

In-person therapy and online therapy can both be highly effective, and the research overall suggests that online therapy delivers comparable symptom improvement to face-to-face therapy across multiple studied mental wellbeing concerns and difficulties, with high satisfaction reported in trials and reviews.

One reason people choose online therapy is the practical edge: easier scheduling, no commute, continuity when life gets busy (or if you travel), and better access if you have mobility limits, fatigue, caring responsibilities, or simply want a therapist who is not local. There is evidence that also suggests a solid therapeutic relationship can be built online, without undermining outcomes. For trauma-informed, identity-aware work specifically, online sessions can also increase choice and control over the setting (your space, your pacing, your boundaries), which can support safety and agency - principles I also kept in view in my doctoral work on digital approaches to difficult, identity-linked distress.

I can offer therapy, and where appropriate I can also provide:

• Brief summary letters confirming attendance (with your consent).
• Structured psychological formulations, which we discussed in therapy.
• Screening measures to inform therapy and track progress.
   

More formal reports/assessments (for employers, insurers, solicitors, immigration, court) are a separate service with different requirements, time, and fees — and I will be clear up front about scope and whether it is clinically appropriate.

I do not write letters that state things I cannot evidence.

I am not affiliated with insurers and do not directly bill insurance companies.

I can provide an itemised invoice/receipt which you can submit to your provider if they offer reimbursement.

Please note: any reimbursement is at your insurer’s discretion, and you’re responsible for any fees not covered.

If you are in immediate danger, or feel you might act on thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call 999 (or 112) or go to your nearest A&E.

If you need urgent support but it is not an emergency:

• Call NHS 111 (option for mental health support is available in many areas)
• You can also contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7)

Online therapy is not designed to replace crisis services.

If you have a concern, I want to hear it and I will respond respectfully and promptly. Email info@cerebra.ul  with a brief description of the issue and what you’d like as an outcome.

I aim to acknowledge within 2 working days and provide a response within 10–20 working days depending on complexity.

If your concern relates to personal data, it will be handled as a data protection complaint and acknowledged within 30 days at the latest, with investigation and outcome provided without undue delay.