Questions
What people ask before they start
If your question is not here, ask it on the free call. There is no such thing as a silly one.
About therapy
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. The only exceptions are a serious risk to your life or someone else’s, or a court order, and we would always try to talk to you first. Your therapist discusses work anonymously with a supervisor, which is standard good practice.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can contact us directly. If you are seeing your GP about the same thing, it can help to let them know, but that is your choice.
Can I claim on health insurance?
Some policies cover our therapists. Ask your insurer for an authorisation code before the first session and we will invoice them directly.
What if my therapist is not the right fit?
Tell us, or tell them. It is common and nobody takes offence. We will offer another therapist at no extra cost, or suggest someone outside the practice.
Do you offer emergency support?
No. We are not a crisis service and cannot always reply the same day. If you are in crisis, call [local emergency number] or [crisis line].
How do I pay?
By card or bank transfer after each session. Couples and sliding-scale fees are paid the same way.
Individual therapy
How many sessions will I need?
Most people come for 8 to 20 sessions. We review together every six weeks, and you can stop at any point.
Can I come fortnightly?
Yes, once we have met a few times. Weekly is usually better at the start, while things are most raw.
What if I miss a session?
Cancel 48 hours ahead and there is no charge. Later than that, the full fee applies, because the hour was held for you.
Couples therapy
Does my partner have to come to the first session?
Ideally, yes. If they are unsure, one of you can take the free call first and ask the questions for both.
Will you take sides?
No. The relationship is the client. If either of you feels it tipping, say so in the room and we will look at it.
Sliding-scale place
Do I need to prove my income?
No. We ask you to choose the fee you can honestly manage and trust you to tell us if it changes.
Is there a waiting list?
Sometimes, for two to four weeks. We will tell you on the free call and offer a standard place if you would rather not wait.
Is it the same therapy?
Exactly the same sessions, rooms and therapists. Nobody else knows which fee you pay.
Practical things
Where are you?
Second floor, 18 Marlow Yard, Brighton BN1 4GH. Eight minutes on foot from Brighton station. Step-free entrance and a lift to the second floor.
When are you open?
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 – 20:30. Friday: 8:00 – 17:00. Saturday: 9:00 – 13:00 (online and walk-and-talk).
How quickly will you reply?
A therapist replies within one working day. We do not answer the phone during sessions, so email or the form is usually quicker.
Is online therapy secure?
We use an end-to-end encrypted video service and send a fresh link for each session. You need a private room, headphones and a steady connection.
Still wondering?
Fifteen minutes with a therapist usually answers more than a page of questions.