This page answers some of the most common questions about therapy, addiction, compulsive behaviours, relationship difficulties and the therapeutic process.
If you have a question that is not answered here, you are welcome to get in touch for a confidential enquiry.
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General Therapy | Sex Addiction | Alcohol & Drugs | Relationship & Couples | Anxiety & Wellbeing | Practical Information | Next Steps
General Therapy Questions
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Many people seek therapy when they feel emotionally overwhelmed, stuck in repetitive patterns, or unable to manage certain thoughts, behaviours or relationship difficulties on their own.
You do not need to be in crisis to start therapy. Many clients simply want greater clarity, understanding or support during a difficult period.
What happens in the first therapy session?
The first session is an opportunity to discuss your situation, concerns and your hopes for therapy.
We will begin by exploring the patterns or difficulties you are experiencing and considering how therapy may help. There is no pressure to discuss everything immediately, and sessions proceed at a pace that feels manageable.
How long does therapy last?
The length of therapy varies depending on the individual and the nature of the issues under exploration.
Some clients attend for short-term, focused work, while others opt for longer-term therapy to understand deeper emotional or behavioural patterns.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Therapy is confidential, and your privacy is handled with professionalism and respect.
Any limitations on confidentiality will be clearly discussed at the outset of therapy.
What type of therapy do you offer?
I work using an integrative approach that combines psychodynamic understanding with cognitive and behavioural strategies.
Sex Addiction & Compulsive Sexual Behaviour FAQs
How do I know if I have a sex addiction?
People often seek help when sexual behaviours become repetitive, secretive, emotionally distressing or difficult to control.
This may include:
Compulsive sexual behaviour, pornography addiction, repeated sexual acting out, failed attempts to stop, and relationship difficulties stemming from this behaviour.
Therapy can help you understand whether these patterns have become problematic and what may be driving them.
What is compulsive sexual behaviour?
Compulsive sexual behaviour refers to repetitive sexual thoughts or behaviours that are difficult to control, despite negative emotional, relational or personal consequences.
These behaviours are often linked to stress, anxiety, loneliness, shame or other emotional distress.
Can therapy help with porn addiction?
Yes. Pornography addiction therapy focuses on understanding the emotional and behavioural patterns underlying compulsive pornography use.
Therapy may involve:
Identifying triggers, developing healthier coping strategies, reducing shame and secrecy, improving emotional regulation, and, where appropriate, rebuilding trust in relationships.
Do I need to stop the behaviour before starting therapy?
No. Many individuals begin therapy while still struggling with behaviours they want to change.
Therapy provides a confidential and non-judgemental space to begin to understand the pattern and work towards change.
Alcohol & Drug Addiction FAQs
Can therapy help with alcohol addiction?
Yes. Therapy can help individuals understand patterns of alcohol dependency, emotional triggers and compulsive behaviours associated with drinking.
Support may include:
Relapse prevention, emotional regulation, behavioural strategies and recovery-focused therapy.
How do I know if I have a drinking problem?
Some signs may include:
Difficulty controlling alcohol consumption, drinking to cope emotionally, failed attempts to cut down, feelings of guilt or secrecy, and relationship or work difficulties linked to alcohol use.
If alcohol use feels increasingly difficult to manage, therapy may help you understand the underlying pattern.
Can therapy help with drug dependency?
Yes. Therapy can help individuals understand addictive patterns, identify triggers, and develop healthier coping strategies.
The focus is not only on the behaviour itself but also on the emotional and psychological factors that underpin it.
Relationship & Couples Therapy FAQs
Can couples recover after infidelity?
In some cases, yes. Recovery often depends on openness, willingness to engage in the process, and the ability to rebuild communication and trust over time.
Therapy can provide a structured space to explore the impact of infidelity and to consider how both individuals wish to move forward.
What is therapeutic disclosure?
Therapeutic disclosure is a structured process used in therapy to help couples discuss infidelity or compulsive sexual behaviour in a safe, controlled setting.
The aim is to reduce uncertainty, enhance honesty and support emotional processing.
Do you work with individuals as well as couples?
Yes. I work with both individuals and couples.
Some people seek individual therapy to better understand their behaviour, emotional responses or relationship patterns.
Anxiety & Emotional Wellbeing FAQs
Can therapy help with anxiety and stress?
Yes. Therapy can help individuals understand the underlying patterns that contribute to anxiety, stress and overthinking.
This may involve:
Identifying triggers, understanding emotional responses, developing healthier coping strategies, and improving emotional regulation.
What are common signs of anxiety?
Common symptoms of anxiety may include:
Overthinking, racing thoughts, difficulty relaxing, restlessness, sleep difficulties, physical tension, and feeling constantly โon edgeโ.
Can therapy help with low self-esteem and confidence?
Yes. Therapy can help individuals explore the underlying causes of low self-esteem and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Practical Information
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. I offer online therapy sessions via secure video platforms, as well as in-person sessions on Harley Street in London.
How often are sessions?
Sessions are typically held weekly, though this may vary depending on individual circumstances and therapeutic needs.
Where are you based?
I work from Harley Street and Gosfield Street in Central London and also offer online therapy.
How do I get started?
You are welcome to get in touch to arrange a confidential initial consultation.
This offers an opportunity to discuss your situation and to consider whether therapy is appropriate for you.
Taking the First Step
Seeking therapy can sometimes feel difficult, particularly when issues involve shame, uncertainty, relationship difficulties, or behaviours that feel hard to control.
You do not need to fully understand everything before you get in touch.
If you are considering therapy, you are welcome to contact me for a confidential enquiry.
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