Frequently asked questions

The answer to this question is different for everyone. Perhaps you simply feel that you need to make changes to your life. Or perhaps you or someone you know has recently experienced a traumatic event or change of circumstances and it’s affected you or your child. Some people tell me they get in touch because a friend, family member or someone at work, has told them they should seek professional therapist support.

Counselling and psychotherapy are terms that are often used interchangeably but, while they’re similar, they’re not the same. Counselling tends to be shorter-term than psychotherapy. During counselling sessions, you’ll learn to identify the things you find difficult in your life using the life skills you already have.

With psychotherapy, your therapist will work with you to identify and find solutions for more deeply rooted problems that – if you are an adult – may have started in childhood.

I can help children, adolescents, parents or caregivers with a wide range of issues including:

• Addiction
• Anger
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Attachment-related difficulties
• Depression
• Emotional and social concerns
• Loss due to bereavement or family breakdown
• Low confidence or self-esteem
• Bullying
• School refusal
• Gender or sexual identity worries (LGBTQ+)
• Body image and dysmorphia
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Sexual or physical abuse

And specifically for mums:

• Postnatal depression (PND)
• Bonding with baby
• Baby feeding problems
• Sexual and romantic relationships
• Parenting, fostering, adoption and step-parenting

Each person and situation is unique, so a specific timeframe for how long to be in therapy varies. The issues that some people need support with are suitable for short-term therapy, which usually means about 12 weekly sessions. Other problems might require longer-term therapy. Don’t worry about knowing which is the best option for you before deciding to contact me. We can discuss which option will suit you or your child during your first session.

Our first meeting will be a little different from the therapy sessions that follow. During our first initial consultation, I’ll get to know you or your child and you will get to find out more about me.  I will ask you what brought you to therapy (or why you’ve brought your child to therapy) and about any difficult feelings, problems or issues. If you are a teenager or an adult, I may ask you about your childhood to see if there are any patterns that can help us find solutions to current problems.

The first meeting is also a great opportunity for you to ask me lots of questions! You might want to talk through any concerns about starting therapy, or ask more about my therapeutic approach. Therapy isn’t a quick fix but by approaching me for support is a great first step to making changes in your life and feeling happier and more fulfilled.

Each session lasts 50 minutes. Sessions take place at a set time and day each week, excluding pre-arranged holidays. However, each person and set of circumstances is unique, and so how often you or your child needs sessions will be based on your individual needs.

Yes, I offer you or your child a confidential, safe and non-judgemental space in which we can establish and find solutions to your problems.

I offer sessions in either English or Gujerati.

Yes, I’m fully accredited by and registered with the main professional therapist training organisations and bodies, including the UK Council of Psychotherapists (UKCP). Read more about my qualifications and training here.

Full payment is due no later than 48 hours prior to a therapy session and can be prepaid in cash or settled by bank transfer.

On occasion there are concessionary sessions available. Please contact me for availability.

For cancellations, I require a minimum of 48 hours notice or charges will apply in full.