Beginning therapy often brings questions. Below, I share thoughtful responses to some of the most common enquiries I receive. My intention is to provide clarity and reassurance, while inviting you to take in only what feels helpful at a pace that is safe for you.
Addiction occurs when an individual continues to engage in a behaviour despite harmful consequences, finding it difficult to stop or moderate. It is characterised by compulsive patterns driven by the brain’s reward system, which craves stimulation to induce pleasure.
A cornerstone of addiction is persistence despite setbacks such as career challenges, relationship breakdowns, financial struggles, health concerns, or even legal issues.
In some cases, a supervised medical detox overseen by a psychiatrist may be required. Where appropriate, I can provide a referral to trusted colleagues for this essential first step.
Learn more on the Addiction Therapy page.
Medical detox focuses on managing physical withdrawal safely, particularly where there is a risk of medical complications. Psychotherapy, including addiction therapy, works at a psychological and emotional level and does not replace medical detox where this is clinically required.
If there are concerns about physical dependence, withdrawal risk, or safety, I will discuss this with you openly and, where appropriate, recommend a medical assessment or detox prior to therapy. Many clients return to therapy after detox for ongoing psychological support, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery work.
I do not provide medical detox directly, but I am experienced in supporting clients before and after detox and can help you think through the safest and most appropriate pathway.
There is no single cause of addiction. Vulnerability often arises from a combination of environmental and genetic influences:
Anyone can develop an addiction. It is not a moral failing but a complex interplay of survival strategies, brain chemistry, and lived experience.
Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD) is formally recognised in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), published by the World Health Organization. Though not included as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, it is widely understood clinically as a form of behavioural addiction.
Sexual addiction, also described as sexual dependency or compulsivity, is marked by repetitive, compulsive behaviours that dominate a person’s life. Its impact can extend to both mental and physical health, often bringing secrecy, shame, and distress.
Learn more on the Sex Addiction Therapy page.
Art Psychotherapy combines creative expression with therapeutic depth. Through image-making, whether painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, or digital media, individuals are invited to explore thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to access through words alone.
This process not only provides a channel for self-expression, but also supports:
It is not about artistic ability. It is about using image and symbol to communicate what is often unspeakable allowing healing to unfold in a different, often profound way.
Explore this further on the Art Psychotherapy page.
It is natural to feel apprehensive when beginning therapy. The relationship we build together is the foundation of the work.
I offer a safe, nurturing, and non-judgemental environment where you can explore your story at your own pace. Together, we unlock self-awareness, develop practical tools, and identify ways forward that reflect both your circumstances and your goals.
Yes. I regularly work with individuals who are autistic, have ADHD, or identify as neurodivergent, including those who are diagnosed later in life.
Neurodiversity can influence how addiction develops, how stress is managed, and how therapy is experienced. I adapt my approach accordingly, paying close attention to communication style, sensory sensitivity, emotional regulation, and executive functioning.
Where relevant, therapy may also explore the relationship between masking, burnout, trauma, and addictive behaviours, always at a pace that feels manageable and respectful.
For further information, please visit the Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity and Addiction page.
Yes. Sessions are available both in person and online via a secure video platform.
Online therapy can be particularly helpful for clients who travel frequently, live internationally, have demanding schedules, or prefer the privacy and flexibility of remote sessions. In-person sessions are available from discreet consulting rooms in London.
We can discuss together which format best suits your needs, and some clients choose to combine both.
Yes. I use secure, non-recordable software designed specifically for clinical practice. This ensures our sessions are fully compliant with the strictest GDPR standards and cannot be accessed, saved, or shared. All personal data and clinical records are stored in encrypted systems that are accessible only to me. Your confidentiality is absolute, whether you meet with me in Harley Street Medical Quarter, the City, or online.
Yes. Addiction often affects partners, family members, and close relationships, and their experience is important.
I work with partners and family members in their own right, offering a confidential space to explore impact, boundaries, trust, and emotional wellbeing. This may be alongside, or separate from, the addicted individual’s therapy.
Where appropriate, therapy can also support partners in understanding addiction dynamics without placing responsibility on them to manage or fix the situation.
For further information, please visit the Partner and Family Guidance page.
Relapse is not uncommon in addiction recovery and does not mean therapy has failed.
If a relapse occurs, it becomes something we work with openly and without judgement. Therapy focuses on understanding what happened, identifying triggers or vulnerabilities, and strengthening support and coping strategies moving forward.
Where risk increases, we may also review additional supports, aftercare options, or medical input if needed. The emphasis remains on safety, learning, and continuity rather than blame or shame.
My role includes ongoing clinical assessment throughout therapy. From our initial discussions and as work progresses, I pay close attention to physical risk, mental health stability, safeguarding concerns, and overall wellbeing.
If at any point I believe medical input, psychiatric assessment, or specialist support would be beneficial or necessary, this will be discussed openly and collaboratively. Where appropriate, therapy may pause or run alongside other interventions to ensure safety and appropriate care.
The aim is always to support you through the most suitable pathway, rather than continuing therapy where it would not be clinically responsible.
Risk and safeguarding are taken seriously and approached with care, discretion, and professionalism.
Therapy includes ongoing attention to safety, including risk related to substance use, mental health, relationships, and wellbeing. Where concerns arise, these are addressed transparently and proportionately, without unnecessary alarm.
Safeguarding decisions are guided by professional standards, ethical frameworks, and a commitment to protecting both clients and others, while maintaining respect, autonomy, and confidentiality wherever possible.
Yes. Addiction and complex psychological work often benefit from collaboration.
Where appropriate, I work alongside private GPs, psychiatrists, medical providers, detox services, and other professionals involved in a client’s care, with your consent. This ensures joined-up support and clear communication across different areas of treatment.
Collaboration is always guided by clinical need, confidentiality, and your wishes, and is used to strengthen rather than complicate your therapeutic care.
Therapy is an individual journey. While some clients benefit from shorter-term work, many find that addressing addiction and trauma requires a longer process. Typically, sessions take place weekly at the same time and day, allowing consistency and containment.
In addition to standard ongoing therapy, I offer an exclusive bespoke aftercare service tailored for clients navigating the first six months after treatment or rehab. Many clients specifically request this in early recovery, when stability and reassurance are most needed. The service includes highly personalised treatment plans and rapid response appointment availability, providing an elevated level of care that goes beyond standard therapy. Fees for this enhanced service are set apart from my standard sessions and are confirmed after a full initial consultation. Learn more on the Bespoke aftercare service page.
My fees reflect the highly personalised and specialist level of care I provide.
Payment is usually made via bank transfer prior to each session, or monthly in arrears by invoice. I also accept:
Full details can be found on the Consultations, Availability & Fees page.
Yes. In addition to self-referrals, I regularly work with referrals from:
For insurance-based referrals, please contact your provider directly to confirm funding arrangements prior to commencing therapy.
Full details can be found on the Consultations, Availability & Fees page.
Yes. I work with clients based in the UK and internationally, ensuring that every arrangement complies with professional insurance requirements and is legally and ethically valid within the relevant jurisdiction. Sessions are scheduled with sensitivity to time zones, and rigorous checks are always completed before therapy begins. For example, clients enquiring from locations such as Los Angeles or the Middle East can be accommodated thoughtfully and securely. This allows you to access specialist therapy with confidence, wherever you are in the world.
If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please let me or my practice secretary know at least 24 hours in advance. Sessions cancelled with less notice, or unattended sessions, are charged at the full fee.
See the Consultations, Availability & Fees page for further details.
Before therapy begins, you will receive a clear therapy contract sent digitally and securely. This sets out the framework for our work together, including confidentiality, session structure, and professional standards. Should you decide to continue beyond your initial assessment, there is usually a commitment to a minimum of six sessions, providing the consistency and continuity necessary for meaningful therapeutic progress.
I work exclusively with adults, with a particular focus on addiction, trauma, and complex emotional presentations. This list is offered to provide clarity and reassurance. If you are facing difficulties not included here, please feel welcome to reach out. If your needs fall outside my scope of practice, I will connect you with trusted colleagues or services better suited to your situation.
The following list is not exhaustive, but reflects the breadth of issues I support:
Every person who arrives at my practice has a unique story, and there are no “small” or “unworthy” reasons to seek therapy. If you are considering this step, I encourage you to do so at a pace that feels safe. You may wish to read through this page gradually or begin with a short conversation.
A complimentary 15-minute consultation is available to all new enquiries, an opportunity to ask questions and explore how therapy may support you.
Book a complimentary consultation or a private therapy session.