FAQ's
General & Practical Questions
What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
Counseling generally focuses on specific, current issues or short-term challenges you are facing (like a recent stressful event or a specific decision). Psychotherapy tends to go a bit deeper, exploring long-standing patterns, past experiences and how they shape your present life and relationships. We can discuss which approach feels right for you during our initial sessions.
How long does a session last and how often will we meet?
Standard sessions last 50 minutes (often called the "therapeutic hour"). We usually meet once a week at a recurring, agreed-upon time to maintain consistency and momentum in your therapeutic journey.
Session Types & Locations
How do online and phone sessions work?
Remote sessions offer flexibility and comfort from your own space. For online therapy, I will send you a secure video link before our session, all you need is a private space and a reliable internet connection. For phone therapy, I will call you directly at our scheduled time.
What is "Walk and Talk" therapy, and where does it take place?
Walk and talk therapy combines traditional psychotherapy with the gentle movement of walking outdoors. It takes place in the beautiful, calming grounds of Kew Gardens. Many clients find that being in nature helps them process difficult emotions more freely than sitting in a traditional therapy room.
Do I need to pay for my entry ticket to Kew Gardens for a walk and talk session?
No, you do not need to pay for entry. The cost of admission into Kew Gardens is completely covered within your standard session fee. There are no hidden or extra charges required from you at the gate.
Finding the Right Fit & Process
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
The therapeutic relationship is incredibly important. In our first session, you’ll get a sense of my style, how I listen and whether you feel safe and heard. There is no obligation to commit; it is entirely okay to take some time to decide if we are a good match.
How many sessions will I need?
Because everyone’s situation is unique, there is no set number. Some clients find that a few months of short-term counseling helps them navigate a specific transition, while others prefer open-ended, longer-term psychotherapy to work through deeper patterns. We will regularly review our progress together so you always know where you stand.
I’ve never been to therapy before. What do I actually need to do?
You don’t need to prepare anything or have a grand plan. My role is to guide the conversation and create a space where you can share at your own pace. All you need to do is show up as you are.
Practicalities
Can we mix and match session types (e.g., do online some weeks and Kew Gardens other weeks?
Yes, we can be flexible depending on your schedule, the weather or how you are feeling. Many clients prefer to stick to one format for consistency, but we can absolutely discuss a blended approach that works best for your lifestyle.
What happens if the weather is terrible on the day of our Walk and Talk session?
If the weather makes a walk in Kew Gardens impractical or uncomfortable (such as heavy rain or high winds) we won't cancel the session. Instead, we can easily pivot to an online video call or a phone session at our scheduled time so you don't miss your appointment.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality is the foundation of safe, effective therapy. Everything we discuss is strictly private. The only time I would ever break confidentiality is if I became seriously concerned that you were at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, or if required to do so by a court of law. Even then I would always aim to discuss this with you first.
How do you protect my privacy during remote (online/phone) sessions?
I conduct all remote sessions from a completely private, secure room where I cannot be overheard. I use end-to-end encrypted video platforms to ensure our digital connection is secure. To protect your own privacy I highly recommend finding a quiet space where you won't be interrupted and using headphones if possible.
How is my privacy protected during a Walk and Talk session at Kew Gardens?
While we are in a public space we will intentionally choose quieter, less crowded paths to ensure our conversation remains private. If we happen to pass someone, we can simply pause talking or shift our focus to the natural surroundings until they pass. Your emotional safety and privacy are always my top priorities, even outdoors.
Getting Started
What should I expect from our first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. You can share a bit about what brings you to therapy right now and what you hope to gain from it. It is also a chance for you to see how I work and decide if I feel like the right fit for you. There is no pressure to share everything right away.