Frequently Asked Questions About Art Psychotherapy & IFS Therapy

These terms can be confusing because they often get used interchangeably, but there are key differences:

• Therapy A general term that covers any kind of talking-based support, including both counselling and psychotherapy.

• Counselling Usually short-term and focused on a specific issue (like a breakup, work stress, or grief). It helps you explore your feelings and find ways to cope.

• Psychotherapy Usually deeper and longer-term, helping you explore patterns, past experiences, and deeper emotional struggles like trauma, addiction, or long-standing anxiety.

• Art Therapy A specialist form of psychotherapy that uses art, images, and creative tools to help explore emotions that might be hard to put into words. You don’t have to be "good at art" – it’s just another way of expressing yourself.

Unlike counsellors or general therapists, Art Psychotherapists are regulated and licensed to work in the NHS, meaning we meet strict professional standards.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – because every client is different, so every session is different.

At its core, therapy is a conversation – a space where you can talk openly, without judgment, about what’s on your mind. Some sessions might be focused on understanding your emotions, processing past experiences, or finding new ways to cope. Others might involve exploring thoughts and feelings through art, imagery, or creative exercises – but only if that feels right for you.

You don’t have to come in knowing what to say or what to do. My job is to guide the process, ask the right questions, and help you make sense of things in a way that works for you.

That’s completely normal! You don’t need to have it all figured out before you walk through the door. My job is to help guide the conversation so we can uncover what’s going on together. Some sessions are full of talking, others involve quiet reflection or creative work – there’s no right or wrong way to do therapy.

Yes! I offer a free 30-minute initial session (either on Zoom or in person) so you can get a sense of whether I’m the right therapist for you. You can ask questions, tell me what you're looking for, and see how it feels to talk with me – with no pressure to commit.

Yes, therapy is a confidential space. What you share stays between us, except in rare cases where I have a legal or ethical duty to break confidentiality – for example, if I believe you or someone else is at risk of harm. I’ll always explain this fully in our first session so you understand exactly how it works.

Not at all. Therapy is about what works for you – not about forcing you to do something that doesn’t feel right.

I use art therapy as one of many tools, but if you’d rather just talk, that’s absolutely fine. Some people like to mix things up, switching between talking and creative exploration depending on how they feel that day. Others never pick up a paintbrush at all.

I’m trained in multiple approaches, so my job isn’t to put you in a box – it’s to help you in a way that feels comfortable and effective for you.

I offer a free 30-minute session, either on Zoom or in person, to give you a chance to get a feel for me and for me to understand what brings you to therapy.

I’ll ask a few questions about you, your background, and what you're looking for, but there’s no pressure – you can share as much or as little as you like. It’s also a chance for you to ask me anything.

Therapy works best when you feel comfortable and connected with your therapist. That’s why this first session is free and with no obligation – you can take your time deciding if I’m the right fit for you.

If we decide to move forward, we’ll talk about what therapy might look like. If not, that’s okay too. Finding the right therapist is personal, and I want you to work with someone who feels right for you.

I work from my studio near Regent’s Park, a space designed to be comfortable, flexible, and creative. It has two distinct areas – a cosy talking therapy room and a larger art space where you can explore different materials like paint, clay, or collage (if that’s something you’re interested in).

I also offer walking-talking therapy in Regent’s Park, which can be a great alternative to sitting indoors. Some people find that moving while talking helps thoughts flow more easily and makes opening up feel more natural.

For those who can’t make it in person or live outside London, I also offer online sessions via Zoom, so you can access therapy wherever you are.

Most people come to therapy once a week, at the same time and place, as consistency helps the process.

However, life isn’t always predictable, and I try to be as flexible as my diary allows. If you work on a rota, travel for work, or have changing commitments, we can mix in-person and online sessions to make sure therapy still works for you.

Sometimes, if we’re working on something particularly deep or complex, I may suggest longer sessions (60 or 90 minutes) to give us more space to explore things properly. But we’ll always discuss this together so that it works for you.

When we start working together, we’ll agree on a therapy contract that sets out the terms and conditions for our sessions. This helps ensure clear expectations for both of us.

I understand that life happens, and sometimes you might need to reschedule. If you can’t make your session, please give me at least 72 hours’ notice. I’ll do my best to find another time, but I can’t always guarantee availability.

Cancellations with less than 72 hours’ notice will be charged at full price. This is because I hold that time for you and can’t always fill it at short notice.

If, for any reason, I need to cancel or reschedule, I’ll always give you as much notice as possible.

Life happens, and sometimes you might run late. If that’s the case, please let me know as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I can’t extend your session beyond the agreed time, as I’ll likely have another client booked after you.

Arriving on time is important – not just so we can make the most of your session, but also to give you space to settle in before we begin. I also ask that you don’t arrive too early, as I may be finishing with another client or preparing the space for your session.

There’s no set timeframe for therapy because everyone’s needs are different. I know that when people come to therapy, they’re looking for change, and it’s natural to want a sense of how long that might take. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Some people find that short-term therapy – just a few sessions – helps them gain clarity, shift perspective, or work through a specific issue. Others stay longer, using therapy as a space to explore deeper patterns, process past experiences, and create lasting change.

We’ll regularly review how things are going to make sure therapy is working for you. My intention is always to make myself redundant – to help you reach a point where you feel ready to move forward without therapy. Some clients take a break and return later when new challenges arise, and that’s completely normal too.

We’ll go at a pace that feels right for you, and you’ll always have the freedom to decide what you need along the way.

Good question! Therapy isn’t always about feeling instantly better – sometimes, it’s about feeling differently and gaining new insights. Over time, you might notice shifts in your thinking, the way you respond to situations, or how you feel in yourself. We’ll regularly check in on your progress, and if something isn’t working, we’ll adjust our approach to make sure therapy continues to support you.

You are always free to end therapy whenever you feel ready – this is your journey. That said, therapy works best when the ending is planned, rather than stopping suddenly.

I recommend we take some time to reflect on the work we’ve done together, what’s changed, and what you’re taking with you. The number of sessions we set aside for this depends on how long you’ve been in therapy and what feels right for you.

Endings can sometimes bring up unexpected emotions, especially if past endings in your life have been difficult. Therapy gives you the chance to end in a way that feels positive and complete, so you can move forward with a sense of closure and confidence.

I work with a limited number of clients and offer a high level of specialist support. While I’m no longer able to offer concessionary or lower-cost spaces, I welcome enquiries from individuals who are ready to invest in their therapeutic journey. If you feel we might be a good fit, I’d be happy to hear from you.

Sometimes, a particular issue might need longer or more frequent sessions, and I may suggest extended sessions or twice-weekly therapy for a short time. If this feels like the right approach, we’ll discuss it together, and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

I’m happy for you to pay as you go or at the end of each month – whatever works best for you. We’ll agree on a payment plan when we start working together.

If 1-2-1 therapy isn’t financially possible but you’d still like support, I also run small therapy groups, which can be a more affordable way to access therapy. If you’re interested, get in touch to see what groups are currently running or to put your name on the waiting list for the next one.

I work one-to-one, but I do offer group therapy and can help connect you with trusted couples or family therapists if that’s what you’re looking for. If you’re unsure what kind of support you need, feel free to reach out and we can talk it through.