Frequently Asked Questions

If you are experiencing distress — whether that is anxiety, low mood, difficulties at work, relationship problems, or something you are struggling to put into words — and it is affecting your quality of life or ability to function, it is worth getting in touch.

You do not need to be in crisis. Many people find it most useful to seek support before things reach a critical point. An initial consultation is an opportunity to understand what is happening and whether working together makes sense.

No. You can contact me directly without a referral from a GP or any other professional. Self-referral is straightforward — simply get in touch via the contact form.

Assessment typically takes place over one to three sessions. The goal is not to reach a definitive conclusion immediately — it is to begin building a shared understanding of what is bringing you here, and for you to get a feel for the process and whether it feels right.

I will ask about your current difficulties, their history, and relevant background. You will not be asked to do anything you are not ready for. Understanding tends to develop and deepen over the course of these early sessions and beyond — the initial assessment is a starting point, not a one-off event.

Yes. I offer sessions via secure video platform as well as in person at my practice in Aberdeen. Both formats are effective for the presentations I work with.

Many clients — particularly those who travel for work, live outside Aberdeen, or prefer the convenience of online sessions — find remote working fits their lives better. This is a genuine clinical option, not a compromise.

Sessions are 50 minutes. Frequency is usually weekly in the earlier stages of work — consistency tends to support progress. As the work develops, sessions often move to fortnightly and, towards the end, less frequent still — spacing that allows time to consolidate what has been covered and to build confidence in managing independently.

This varies considerably depending on the nature and complexity of the presentation. Some focused difficulties respond well to a relatively short course of work — perhaps eight to twelve sessions. Others, particularly more complex or longstanding presentations, take longer.

I will give you a realistic estimate after assessment. The work is not open-ended by default — there is always a clear direction and rationale, and progress is reviewed throughout. How things are going is always a live conversation, not something assessed only at the end.

I draw primarily on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and psychological parts-based approaches. For trauma, the primary approaches are Trauma-Focused CBT and, where appropriate, phased treatment for complex presentations.

The approach used is guided by a thorough assessment — what will be most effective for you specifically — rather than a single method applied to everyone. In practice, elements from more than one approach are often combined.

It depends on what is most useful for your particular presentation. For some difficulties — particularly anxiety and panic — the work is largely focused on present maintaining factors and does not require extended exploration of the past.

For other presentations — including trauma, complex presentations, and longstanding patterns rooted in early experience — some understanding of relevant history is an important part of formulation and the work that follows. This is always paced carefully and at your direction. Nothing is explored before you are ready, and the purpose of any historical exploration is always clear and therapeutic.

This is a common concern, and a valid one to raise. Previous therapy that has not been effective does not mean therapy cannot help — it may mean the approach was not the right fit, the formulation was inaccurate, or the timing was not right.

An important part of assessment is understanding what has been tried before and what its effects were. This informs the formulation and helps identify what might be done differently. In some cases, re-examining the problem from a different angle opens a more effective approach.

Sessions are £120. This applies to standard 50-minute sessions, whether in person or online.

If you are using private health insurance, fees are typically agreed directly with your insurer. Please contact your insurer to confirm coverage and then get in touch to arrange an appointment.

I am recognised by BUPA, Aviva, Healix, WPA, and a range of other major private health insurers. If your insurer is not listed, please get in touch — it is likely I can still work with them.

The process typically involves: (1) contacting your insurer to confirm your mental health benefit and obtain an authorisation number; (2) getting in touch with me to arrange an appointment; (3) providing the authorisation number so that fees can be billed directly to your insurer.

Payment is by bank transfer, typically requested in advance of or on the day of each session. Full details are provided when an appointment is confirmed.

I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged at the full rate. I understand that unexpected circumstances arise, and I try to be reasonable — please just get in touch as soon as possible if you need to cancel.

Yes. Everything discussed in sessions is held in the strictest confidence. I am bound by the ethical codes of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), both of which place confidentiality at the centre of professional practice.

There are narrow, well-defined exceptions — primarily where there is serious risk of harm to you or others, or where disclosure is required by law. These exceptions are explained at the outset, and if they were ever to arise, I would discuss this with you wherever possible before taking any action.

If you are using insurance, your insurer may request a summary report. The content of that report would be discussed and agreed with you first.

I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) and am a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (CPsychol). I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), whose register is publicly searchable at hcpc-uk.org — you can verify my registration there.

The title ‘Clinical Psychologist’ is protected by law. Using it without HCPC registration is illegal. This provides an important level of assurance about qualifications, continuing professional development, and professional accountability.

In-person sessions take place at my private practice in Aberdeen. The space is comfortable, private, and designed with discretion in mind. Full address and parking details are provided on booking.

Online sessions take place via a secure, GDPR-compliant video platform. A link is provided ahead of each session.

If you are in crisis or feel unsafe between sessions, please contact your GP, call NHS 24 on 111, or contact the Samaritans on 116 123. In an emergency, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

I am not able to provide crisis support between sessions, and I do not operate an out-of-hours service. This is something I make clear at the outset, and we can discuss appropriate crisis resources as part of early sessions.