Frequently asked questions
What is a Perinatal Psychologist?
These are clinical psychologists who have undertaken additional perinatal mental health training. We bring a unique and advanced skill set to understanding and treating mental health in the perinatal period. We integrate knowledge of maternal mental health, infant mental health, developmental psychology and systemic issues to assess and treat a wide-range of mental health and emotional needs for women (and men) during pregnancy and after birth. We routinely support the parent-baby relationship.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 50-60 minutes
How much do sessions cost?
An initial 15-minute consultation is free and then sessions are £120.
What should I expect after getting in touch?
Initial consultation
After getting in touch, you will first be offered a free 15 minute, no obligation consultation. This is an opportunity for us to determine what type of treatment would be appropriate for you, and a chance to see if I am the right therapist for you. If after this initial consultation you feel this is the right time, and we are a good fit we will book an initial assessment appointment. At this point you will be sent and asked to sign a client/therapist agreement which you will need to sign before the next session. If you decide not to work together, the Perinatal Psychologist may be able to signpost you to alternative supports.
Initial assessment appointment
This appointment is 60 minutes. This is all about getting to know you in more detail. I will want to understand what has brought you to therapy, what your life looks like day to day including the impacts of your current difficulties, and what you hope to gain from the process. We will talk about your life experiences so far (I will ask you some questions about your home life, school experiences, family make up, friendships and other relationships and work).
Ongoing therapy sessions
Typically sessions are scheduled to take place weekly. I would anticipate planning for a minimum of 6-10 sessions depending on the nature of your difficulties and treatment plan.
How many sessions will I need?
It is hard to predict how many sessions will be needed. Following a detailed assessment appointment, I will recommend how many sessions might be helpful for your presenting difficulties.
Do you accept insurance?
I currently accept Bupa insurance. Please check with your insurance about what they are willing to cover.
Do you offer face to face sessions?
All sessions are online, using Zoom. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy and people often prefer the convenience and comfort of having sessions in their own home.
What if I need to cancel?
In order to get the full benefits of therapy, it is really important to attend regularly. Of course, sometimes sessions will need to be cancelled or rearranged. If you are able to give 48 hours’ notice, there is no cancellation fee. Sessions cancelled between 24-48 hours’ notice will be 50% of the session fee, and sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours note will be charged at full rate.