Got more questions?
They might be answered below.
What’s the difference between psychology and psychotherapy?
The main difference I would say is the style and length of training.
Psychologists tend to study for anywhere between 3-8 years and tend to have either a masters or PhD, and a prior degree in psychology. Psychologists are also trained in a way where they are able to diagnose mental health conditions through assessment of presence of certain symptoms (e.g. an eating disorder). Psychology training also tends to include more emphasis on the science underlying how people think, feel, behave and learn (brain development), and often includes a heavy research component.
Psychotherapists and/or counsellors, may study for anywhere between 2-5 years, often to a Masters or Postgraduate Diploma level (though some may go on to complete PhDs too. They may be trained in a single approach to therapy (e.g. a pure CBT or psychoanalytic approach) or multiple (an integrative approach).
The work that a psychotherapist might do with a client could focus on what is happening for them now (and also how the past has influenced this), as well as helping the client explore any difficulties, relationship patterns, understand emotions and deal with any distress. This is all usually done in a way that does not involve the diagnosis of a disorder or condition. Working with a psychologist may also help with the above, but the approach or how that looks may be different.
There is no hierarchy as to who one should see and often the choice comes down to cost, accessibility and availability, public health system access and rebates, private insurance, and preferences around style and approach.
I have never tried therapy – what would working with you involve?
We would usually meet weekly, at the same time, over zoom, and sessions are 50 minutes long. The structure and focus of sessions are completely tailored to you and what you need (in general, and on the day), with options to explore more creative ways of expression too (art, moving the body, using objects and fidget toys) as well as talking. Sometimes you might also want to sit in silence for a bit too (also fine).
It is also important for online sessions to have access to a device with a decent internet connection and working camera, and that you also have somewhere to sit that feels comfy and safe enough to speak (i.e no one is going to walk in or overhear you).
How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
It can take a few sessions to work this out, and to feel more comfortable (especially if this is your first-time doing therapy). However, generally speaking when looking for a therapist it is important to find someone you feel you can speak openly with, and that you can ultimately build a supportive and trusting relationship with. Finding a therapist is a bit like dating or meeting new friends, though, it’s not always going to work out, so sometimes it does involve a bit of trial-and-error. You can find out more about me and my approach over on my About page and Therapy Services page.
Do I have to commit to a minimum number of sessions?
There is no minimum commitment and the first session is usually a good opportunity to get to know each other and work out if it is a good fit. Having said that, it does often take some time to settle into therapy and the first few sessions might feel especially hard or even a little awkward, so it’s also okay to take some time to settle into it. It’s really important to find the right therapist for YOU, though, so no hard feelings if that is not me.
Also, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous for the first couple of sessions, therapists often do too when meeting a new client.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is usually an assessment session. If you are seeing me for food and eating support, then I will get you to fill out an extensive questionnaire prior to our first session, so that we can hit the ground running. In the first session, we tend to discuss a bit about what’s brought you here, your aims/goals/intentions and what sort of support you are needing.
If you are seeing me for therapy, then I will collect some basic details from you at booking, and then the first session is dedicated to your story, getting to know you and why you have decided to start therapy. It is also a chance to make sure that you feel comfortable speaking to me, and an opportunity to ask any questions too.
I will also do a little bit of housekeeping at the start where we discuss how sessions might work and reiterate any information around confidentiality, scheduling sessions, payment, cancellation policy etc. (I do also send information out at the time of booking).
Do you offer face-to-face sessions?
At the moment sessions are all online, which means that I can work with people across the UK, but also elsewhere too. However, face-to-face sessions are likely to come in late 2025, and will likely take place in Edinburgh, Scotland. If you’re based there and want to join the waitlist, then do get in touch.
Do you accept private health insurance?
I am registered with WPA insurance for dietetics work, only, at this time. Please check that your policy covers out work together before booking.
How do you accept payment?
You will be invoiced for payment and have the option of paying by card or bank transfer. All sessions are charged in GBP. If you are based outside the UK and are worried about bank/card charges for international payments, then do get in touch and we can discuss various options.
More info about payment and cancellation policies is available upon enquiry, but generally all sessions are paid for in advance, and the first session, payable at the time of booking.
Can I see you for both therapy and food/eating support?
There is no easy answer to this question as it depends on a range of factors but in theory, yes, it is possible. Do get in touch to discuss suitability, and if it works then we would formulate an individual plan of both regular therapy sessions, with food/eating support sessions interspersed throughout treatment.
I would struggle to afford regular therapy at the moment, do you offer any lower-cost places?
There is at times, a limited number of reduced cost places for trainee/student therapists and neurodivergent folk that are on a low income/benefits/unable to work. Please do get in touch to ask about availability.
As the business grows, I do also hope to be able to offer a couple of fully funded/free places every year.
If you would like recommendations on other places to access lower cost therapy then please do get in touch.
Can you recommend any resources for mental health, therapy or food/body image?
Yes, you can find a selection of recommended book resources here on our Behind the Fringe Bookshop (powered by bookshop.org).
*Please note: we are a bookshop.org affiliate so for any sales made directly through the BTF bookshop, we do receive a 10% commission. There is never any obligation to buy.
For other resource recommendations – feel free to pop me an email.