Starting therapy often brings up a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the things people commonly wonder about before getting in touch.
Beginning therapy often brings both practical and personal questions. Here are answers to some of the things people commonly ask about working with a Christian therapist and exploring attachment wounds, self-worth, and faith in therapy.
The first session usually starts with some practicalities like going over the Counselling Agreement – I would have sent this to you ahead of time, but we will look at it together in case you have any questions. Then we will fill in a quick mental health overview questionnaire, which will give me a bit of a snapshot of where you are now and often opens up a natural way to start some of these difficult conversations. After that, I generally hand over to you and you can share exactly as much or as little as feels comfortable. Some clients can’t wait to get started and feel there is a lot to share; others, struggle to know where to start. Both is totally fine. If you struggle, don’t worry, I will help with some questions to get you going.
It’s completely normal to have doubts. That’s why I offer discovery calls — so you can ask questions and get a feel for whether working together might be a good fit. There’s no obligation, and it’s okay to take your time deciding and also meeting with more than one therapist to see who is the best fit. Also remember, it’s ok to share these feelings with me and we can agree to an initial small number of sessions and then review if you’d like to continue or not.
Yes. I offer both in-person sessions in Stratford and Barkingside, as well as online therapy across the UK and internationally. Many clients find online sessions just as effective and appreciate the flexibility it offers.
Yes. I work with women from various Christian traditions and denominations. I respect the diversity within Christianity and create a welcoming space regardless of where you are in your faith journey — whether you feel deeply rooted, questioning, or somewhere in between.
I’m happy to integrate prayer, scripture, or spiritual practices into sessions if that feels meaningful to you. However, I never impose these. Your therapy is shaped around what feels supportive and safe for you, and we can explore your faith in whatever way best supports your healing.
I’m a qualified psychotherapist registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have obtained a MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. I also engage in ongoing supervision and professional development to ensure I provide safe, ethical, and effective care. I’m always happy to talk more about my training and approach if that would be helpful
Not at all. Prayer and therapy can work hand in hand. I believe God often brings healing through safe, compassionate relationships — including therapy. You don’t have to choose between faith and support; both can be part of your healing journey.
Yes. It’s safe to bring your questions, doubts, or even anger with God into therapy; actually it is the perfect space for it! Wrestling with faith doesn’t make you less spiritual, it simply means you’re being honest. Together we can explore these feelings without judgement.
You’re not a bad Christian for struggling — you’re human. Many women carry shame because of messages they received growing up or within church settings. But God’s love is not withdrawn when you’re hurting. Therapy can be a space to gently separate shame from faith so you can reconnect with God in a freer, more compassionate way.
That painful belief is something many women quietly carry. In therapy we can explore where that “never enough” voice comes from and begin loosening its hold. Over time, many clients begin to experience a deeper sense of worth that isn’t based on constantly proving themselves.
You’re not alone. Many women carry heavy burdens from purity culture or spiritual teaching that left them feeling “never enough.” Therapy can offer space to gently process those experiences and separate shame from God’s heart for you. Together we can explore what it might look like to honour God in your life and your body without taking on toxic messages of shame and condemnation. Read more in a blog.
So many women struggle here, even if they’ve never said it out loud. It’s completely okay to bring this into therapy. Together we can explore how shame shows up in your body, relationships, and faith, and begin building a kinder, more connected relationship with yourself.
That’s something I hear often. Shame can become so familiar that it feels like it is you — but it’s not. In therapy we gently work with those deep-rooted voices so they no longer define your sense of worth. I wrote a bit more about this in a blog post.
You don’t need to share everything all at once — or ever, if you don’t want to. You set the pace. My role is to create a safe, steady space where you can bring as much or as little as feels right for you. I wrote a bit more about this in a blog.
Sometimes bringing hidden feelings into the open can feel tender at first. But you won’t face that alone. We’ll move at a pace that feels manageable, and my role is to support you through each step so it feels safe rather than overwhelming. I will also teach you some practical ways that can help settle your nervous system between sessions.
