Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

Many people think CBT is simply about changing negative thoughts. In my experience, it's much more than that.

Before we focus on change, we'll make sense of why certain patterns developed in the first place. Once we have that understanding, CBT offers practical ways to test old beliefs, respond differently to difficult situations and build confidence through new experiences.

The goal isn't to change who you are.

It's to help you develop a different relationship with yourself and the challenges you're facing.

What can I expect when I get in touch?

The first step is a free 15-minute consultation. This is an opportunity for us to briefly discuss what's bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you have and see whether working together feels like the right fit. There's no obligation to book further sessions.

If you decide to go ahead, we'll arrange your first therapy session. This is where we'll explore your experiences in more depth, talk about what's been happening and what you'd like to get from therapy.

You don't need to prepare anything or have the right words. I'll guide the conversation, ask thoughtful questions and help us begin making sense of your experiences together.

I've never had therapy before - what if I don't know what to say?

You don't need to arrive with a perfectly organised story or know exactly where to begin.

Many people worry they'll say the wrong thing, miss something important or simply not know how to explain what they're feeling. That's completely normal.

Therapy isn't a test, and there are no right or wrong answers. If you're not sure where to start, that's okay. I'll help guide the conversation with gentle questions, and together we'll gradually make sense of what's been happening.

Often, the most helpful conversations begin with, "I'm not really sure where to start...".

What if I don't know why I feel this way?

One of the most common things I hear is, "I don't know why I'm like this."

Rather than assuming there's something wrong with you, we'll explore the experiences that may have shaped the way you think, feel and respond today. As the pieces begin to come together, many people find they develop a different understanding of themselves—one that replaces self-criticism with greater compassion.

You don't need to make sense of it on your own. That's what therapy is for.