How I work in my therapy practice.
There are a few practical things that can be helpful to know before beginning therapy together.
Over the years I have been practising, I’ve developed a rhythm that seems to work well for both my clients and me. I’m always happy to talk this through with new clients, and there can be some flexibility depending on your needs and circumstances.
I’ve set out the main details below, and we can also talk about any questions you have during an introductory call.
Sessions
How long are sessions?
I usually offer 50-minute sessions for individual therapy and 80-minute sessions for relationship therapy.
How often will we meet?
For individual therapy, I usually suggest meeting weekly to begin with. This helps us build a steady therapeutic relationship and gives the work a clear rhythm
After the first few months, some clients continue weekly and others move to fortnightly sessions, depending on what feels useful and sustainable.
For relationship therapy, I usually meet clients fortnightly for 80-minute sessions, although we can discuss what works best depending on your needs and availability.
How long will therapy last?
This depends on you, what you’re bringing, and how the work develops between us. I work with people both short-term and long-term, depending on their needs.
At the beginning, we’ll talk about what you’re looking for from therapy, and we’ll continue to check in together about how the work is going.
When it feels like the right time to end, I usually recommend having at least one ending session. This gives us space to reflect on the work we’ve done together and support the transition out of therapy.
Therapy blocks and breaks
How do therapy blocks and breaks work?
I’ve learnt that, as a therapist, taking regular breaks is important for both me and my clients. I currently work in blocks of around 7–9 weeks, with breaks of 1–3 weeks between blocks.
This rhythm gives our work a clear structure, while also allowing time for reflection, integration, rest and planning. I’ll let you know my planned breaks in advance, and we can talk together about how they may affect our work.
Planned therapy blocks
These are my planned working blocks and breaks. Dates may occasionally change, but I’ll always give as much notice as possible.
2026 therapy blocks
Block 1: Monday 31 August – Thursday 29 October
Autumn break: Friday 30 October – Friday 6 November
Block 2: Monday 9 November – Wednesday 23 December
Winter break: Thursday 24 December – Friday 8 January 2027
2027 therapy blocks
Block 1: Monday 11 January – Friday 12 March
Spring break: Monday 15 March – Monday 29 March
Block 2: Tuesday 30 March – Friday 28 May
Early summer break: Monday 31 May – Friday 4 June
Block 3: Monday 7 June – Friday 30 July
Summer break: Monday 2 August – Friday 20 August
Block 4: Monday 23 August – Friday 22 October
Autumn break: Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October
Block 5: Monday 1 November – Friday 17 December
Winter break: Monday 20 December – Friday 7 January 2028
Practical arrangements
What if I need urgent or crisis support?
I don’t provide a crisis or emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
If you need urgent support, you may also wish to contact one of the following services:
Samaritans — Call 116 123 free, 24/7, or email jo@samaritans.org — https://www.samaritans.org
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline — Call 0300 330 0630 10am–10pm, or email chris@switchboard.lgbt — https://switchboard.lgbt
LGBT Health and Wellbeing Scotland Helpline — Opening hours: Tuesday–Thursday 12–9pm, Sunday 1–6pm
Call 0800 464 7000 free in the UK,
email helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Live chat is available through their website when open. — https://lgbthealth.org.uk/service/helpline/
Do you offer sessions online or in person?
I usually offer sessions online via Zoom. There may be the option for occasional face-to-face sessions in Glasgow, which we can discuss individually.
What if I need to cancel or rearrange a session?
I understand that holidays, illness and unexpected things can come up. If you need to cancel or rearrange a session, I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice. If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, the full session fee is usually payable.
We can also talk together about how to plan around holidays or other known commitments.
How quickly do you reply to emails?
I aim to reply to emails within 48 hours, unless my out-of-office is on. If I’m on a break, I will usually reply within 48 hours of my return. When I’m taking a planned break, I often try to disconnect digitally and may not have access to email during that time. Email is best used for practical arrangements rather than therapeutic support between sessions.
Training and professional registration
What are your qualifications?
International Diploma in Processwork (UK) — Psychotherapy qualification to work with individuals, relationships and groups. Awarding body: RSPOPUK. Qualified: 2026
UK Council for Psychotherapy - UKCP - Full Clinical Psychotherapist registration number 2011184301
What training and CPD have you done?
CPD is an important part of my practice. Below is a selection of training courses I’ve undertaken:
Rainbow Therapy conference, 2023, 2024, 2025
Gendered Intelligence — Working Alongside Trans, Gender Diverse and Questioning People, 2025
Rainbow Therapy — Anti-fat Bias in Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2025
Rainbow Therapy — Developing Therapeutic Understanding of Kink Sexualities, 2024
Rainbow Therapy in Scotland — Understanding Conversion Practices, 2022
