FAQs & Working Together

What are your qualifications, professional memberships, & affiliations?

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Integrative Counselling & Coaching, awarded with Distinction by UEL.

I also hold a BSc (Hons) and a J.D. (Juris Doctor).

I am a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and the Association of Integrated Coach Therapist Professionals (AICTP). I adhere to the BACP Code of Ethical Conduct. I undertake regular professional training in line with BACP requirements, am fully insured, and DBS-checked. I also offer my services on a charitable basis.

What services does NorthPlace Therapy provide?

I offer psychotherapy, coaching, and counselling, delivered both face-to-face and online. I refer to the combination of these disciplines as Personal Consultancy.

Who do you work with?

I primarily work with adults, including individuals and couples, though I occasionally work with minors on a case-by-case basis. I work with people from all walks of life.

Contacting me

The quickest way to reach me is usually by email. I aim to respond within two to three days.

Why I Don't Offer Introductory Calls

• Limited time for meaningful conversation: A short call rarely allows a potential client to explain complex issues, or for a therapist to understand whether they can provide helpful support.
• Emotional intensity: Initial calls often bring up highly personal or distressing material. A brief call may require interrupting someone mid-story or risk leaving them emotionally unsettled. A full consultation allows sufficient time to address difficult topics safely.
• Practical considerations: Even a short call requires scheduling, a private space, and diary management. Quick calls can disrupt sessions, administrative work, and personal time, especially when the practice is near capacity.
• Efficiency: Almost always, the outcome of an initial call is to arrange a full consultation anyway. Offering the consultation directly provides a clearer, more effective, and less stressful process for everyone involved.

My Approach

Instead of a phone callback, I offer a full consultation (currently £50). This allows:

• A proper discussion about what's going on in your life.
• An opportunity to explore whether therapy with me feels comfortable and appropriate.
• A structured and professional environment where complex topics can be addressed safely and effectively.

Even if you decide not to continue with therapy, many people find the consultation itself valuable and insightful.

Contact NorthPlace today to arrange a consultation.

Where do you practice?

My practice is in Marlow & Bisham at 5 Bisham Court, SL7 1SD. Directions to Marlow

Is access easy in Marlow & Bisham?

Yes. Satnav/GPS: SL7 1SD. There is some free on-street parking at Bisham Court, but there is ample parking across the street at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, and free parking even closer at The Bull Inn (restaurant), just a two-minute walk away. Access to the office is via the side entrance of 5 Bisham Court. My therapy room is large, comfortable, and private. Please email if you have any questions.

I've contacted you but haven't heard back!

I respond to all enquiries, usually within two to three days. If you haven't heard from me, please check your email's Junk or Spam folder, as messages may be misrouted. If you've provided a phone number, I may also send a text in addition to emailing. Occasionally (rarely) correspondence may be missed — this can happen as I handle all aspects of NorthPlace Therapy personally, in line with strict confidentiality requirements. If you haven't heard from me, please do email or text again.

How do I find the right therapist?

This is key. Research shows that having a good relationship with your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of a positive outcome. You might start with an online search (Google, Ask, Yahoo), or use directories such as the Counselling Directory. Other reputable places to look include BACP, AICTP, or UKCP.

You may already have an idea of the type of therapy you'd like (e.g., CBT, Integrative, Person-Centred), and many directories allow you to search by modality. It can also be helpful to arrange a couple of consultation sessions to see which therapist feels like the best fit — it's what I would do.

In addition to checking professional memberships, you might also consider a therapist's life experiences. Do they have a background that feels relevant or helpful to you? Take your time and trust your gut feeling.

Do I need therapy?

Some people know exactly what they want from therapy, while others may not have a clear sense — and that's completely normal. Therapy can still be effective, and clarity often emerges as the work unfolds. It can be a life-affirming experience that enhances personal insight and brings a greater sense of purpose and meaning. Some common issues are listed in the "Issues" dropdown menu above.

What happens in consultations?

In a consultation, we discuss what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. It's an opportunity for you to see if I'm the right fit, and for us to talk about the process of therapy or coaching. I will answer any questions you have.

If we decide to work together, I will provide a short, written contract (covering some of the points in this FAQ) or send it electronically afterward. Consultations usually last 40–50 minutes, giving us plenty of time to talk. My consultation session fee is £50 (as of 2025; subject to change).

Please note consultations with minors (under 18) and couples incur the full sessional fee, as this work differs in important ways and begins immediately.

What happens in therapy sessions?

Therapy is unique for each person. I work in an Integrative way as a trained Personal Consultant. Your sessions are your time, and you are the expert on you. I encourage you to think of therapy simply as a space to talk freely.

For those who find it helpful to know what to expect, I've created a generic overview of the process of therapy, which you can read here.

What is Personal Consultancy?

Personal Consultancy integrates psychotherapy, counselling, and coaching. It combines the reparative aspects of psychotherapy and counselling with the generative tools of coaching, creating a versatile and effective approach. This allows us to work in deep and transformative ways, while also using coaching techniques when appropriate. We can discuss this further in our sessions. A write-up is available here for those interested.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Sessions are confidential. The only exceptions are where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, in line with the BACP Code of Ethical Practice.

Duration of therapy

The duration of therapy depends on your goals. Some issues can be addressed in a set number of sessions, while deeper changes may require a longer commitment. Often, it's best to start openly and review progress regularly. We will discuss and agree together what makes sense for you.

Fees

As of 2025:

• Individual Therapy: £85
• Couples Therapy: £115