Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy in Manchester & Online

What to expect, how I work, and how to get started.

Therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you're navigating access needs, uncertainty, or difficult past experiences with therapy.

This page is here to answer some of the most common questions I’m asked, from how sessions work to what you can expect in terms of pacing, payment, or practicalities.

I’ve written these answers in plain, thoughtful language to help you feel informed and at ease. You can use the buttons below to jump to the section you’re most curious about.

About therapy
Fees & policies
Sessions & scheduling

Who I work with & my approach

  • I work with adults across the UK, both online and in-person in Manchester city centre.

    Many of my clients are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, chronically ill, or navigating trauma, burnout, identity shifts, or relationship struggles.

    However, you don’t need a label or diagnosis to work with me. I welcome anyone looking for meaningful, affirming support.

  • As an integrative psychotherapist, I draw from person-centred, relational, somatic, and compassion-focused approaches, alongside IFS-informed parts work. When working with trauma, I follow a three-phase model: first we build safety and trust, then gently process past experiences, and finally focus on integration and reconnecting with life beyond trauma. Throughout, we go at your pace.

  • Absolutely. I offer a free 15–20 minute consultation so we can explore what’s bringing you here, give you a sense of how I work, and see if this space feels right for you. This is not a therapy session, but a chance to ask questions and get a feel for whether we’re a good fit. You don’t need to have it all figured out - many people start unsure or curious, and we can begin from there.

  • Yes. Many of my clients are autistic or ADHD (diagnosed or self-identified) and are navigating burnout, shutdown, emotional dysregulation, or the aftermath of trauma. I bring both lived experience and specialist training, and work in ways that honour sensory life, identity, access needs, and relational safety.

Sessions & scheduling

  • Sessions are usually held over Zoom, offering connection and support wherever you are. Many clients find online therapy more flexible and accessible, particularly if you're neurodivergent, living with chronic illness, balancing work or caring responsibilities, or travelling regularly.

    You'll receive the same Zoom link for every session, so there's no need to keep track of new meeting invitations each week.

    Most clients choose to keep their camera on, as being able to see one another can support connection and communication. However, there may be times when you'd prefer to switch your camera off, and we can discuss what feels most comfortable and supportive for you. I also offer telephone sessions where appropriate.

    The main requirements are a stable internet connection, a private space where you won't be interrupted, and a way for us to communicate clearly and confidentially.

  • Sessions are 60 minutes. Most clients start weekly, but you're welcome to come fortnightly or monthly (for long-term clients), and we can reassess over time if you need extra support.

  • My working days are Monday to Wednesday, between 10am-5pm.

  • Yes. Monthly check-ins or slower rhythms may suit people who are post-crisis, low on capacity, or tapering after more regular work. Monthly sessions are usually only available once we’ve worked together for a while, as we need to build a strong enough relationship first. We can talk about what’s possible during the consultation, and explore what would feel supportive.

  • For new clients, therapy begins with a regular weekly or fortnightly appointment. Consistency helps create safety, build the therapeutic relationship, and provide the continuity needed for meaningful therapeutic work.

    After we've worked together for a while, some clients choose to move to a more flexible arrangement. In these cases, ad hoc sessions may be available through cancellations or open appointments, but they cannot be guaranteed. There may be periods where no suitable appointments are available for several weeks.

    Because of this, flexible booking is usually only appropriate for clients who are no longer in crisis, are not working through more intensive therapeutic material, and feel comfortable with less regular support.

    If you ever need some additional support between scheduled sessions, you're welcome to email me to check my availability.

  • You’re welcome to arrive up to 15 minutes late or leave early if needed. The session will still end at the scheduled time, and there’s no need to apologise. Please note, sessions can never start early. If you're attending in person, there's a waiting area available if you arrive before your slot.

  • Overwhelm, going non-verbal, dissociation, panic, or shutdown are all welcome here. We can slow down, pause, or just sit together. There’s no need to explain or push through - we’ll work at a pace that feels safe for you.

Fees, payment & policies

  • My standard fee is £85 for a 60-minute (1 hour) session.

    I offer a full 60 minutes instead of the traditional 50-minute session. This gives us more space to settle, regulate, and close without pressure – and supports clients who may find transitions or timekeeping tricky. As a neurodivergent therapist, it also helps me pace sessions in a way that feels grounded and sustainable. It’s one of the ways I build more space into the work.

  • At present, I don’t offer reduced rates or a sliding scale, and I understand this can limit accessibility for some. However, I aim to build accessibility into how I work by offering a full 60-minute hour (rather than the usual 50-minute session) and the option of fortnightly or monthly sessions, which can offer more breathing room both financially and emotionally.

    If your circumstances change while we’re working together, we can always explore how to adjust the frequency or pacing to support you.

  • I review my fees once a year and will always give at least three months’ notice of any changes. If a fee change might affect you, we can talk it through together – I know practical shifts can bring up emotional concerns, and there’s space to explore both.

  • Payment is made by bank transfer. I’ll share the details when we start working together.

    Your first session is confirmed once payment is received. After that, payment is due within a 48-hour window around each session - up to 24 hours before, or no later than 24 hours after.

    If payment isn’t received, I’ll send one reminder. If it's still unpaid 48 hours before your next session, the slot may be cancelled and offered to someone else - this also ensures you won’t be charged a cancellation fee for a session you haven’t paid for.

    If you need flexibility, just let me know. I’m happy to hold your slot provisionally if we’re in touch. If payments keep falling overdue without communication, I may need to pause sessions until we find a more workable arrangement.

  • I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Late cancellations or missed sessions are charged in full, as the time has been set aside for you.

    If you’re running late, you’re welcome to arrive up to 15 minutes late or leave early if needed – the session will still end at the scheduled time. And of course, I approach occasional emergencies like sudden illness, hospitalisation, or bereavement with care and flexibility.

  • Between sessions, I’m only available for practical matters like rescheduling or confirming appointments.

    I don’t respond to messages outside of business hours (9am–5pm) or over the weekend, so please allow up to 72 hours for a reply to non-urgent messages or new enquiries, and up to 24 hours if it’s urgent.

    You can reach me by email or WhatsApp message - please note that I don’t take unscheduled calls, including from ongoing clients.

    The therapeutic work itself happens in session, which means I’m not available during times of crisis or emergency. We’ll discuss this when we begin working together, and I’ll provide you with details of external support you can turn to if you need urgent help between sessions.

  • I don’t offer one-off sessions. Meaningful work takes time, and I believe it’s important we have space to build a sense of safety and connection before diving in.

  • I generally recommend starting with a minimum of 12 to 14 sessions. This gives us time to build trust, understand what’s going on beneath the surface, and begin making meaningful shifts.

    Some people work with me for a few months, others stay for a year or more. Some dip in and out over time, returning when new layers emerge - and I welcome all of it.

    Sometimes, people begin therapy and realise they’re not quite ready, or that it’s not the right time - that’s okay too. You’re never locked in, and we’ll check in regularly about how the work is feeling and what you need.

  • I can sometimes provide brief letters or reports with your written consent, if it’s clinically appropriate. These are charged separately based on time.

    I don’t offer diagnostic assessments, but I do support clients pre- and post-diagnosis (e.g. autism, ADHD). This may include a written summary for your own records, which you’re welcome to share with an assessor, although I can’t guarantee they will use it formally.

    For DWP or Access to Work, I may be able to write a support leter if the request is clear and within my scope. In my experience, the DWP often will recognise letters from registered BACP therapists. However, legal or court-related letters are more complex and would need a careful discussion first.

    All requests are considered case by case and I will need to discuss each request with my supervisor. I’ll always let you review anything before it’s sent, and will be honest if I don’t think I can offer what’s needed.