You can contact me by using the contact form on this website or call/text 07754752654 or email me at paula@life-wize.co.uk. All emails are confidential as they are encrypted through ProtonMail.

If it helps you to feel more confident to take the first step you can call me before booking your first session to clarify what’s on your mind and ask any questions.

We’ll talk about what’s brought you to the point of deciding to come to counselling now and what you want to get out of our time together.

It’s difficult to say at the beginning. Usually we start with a weekly meeting which may move on to fortnightly and then monthly but this is not set in tables of stone. As we progress you may wish to explore other areas of your life so we will need more time together. It’s up to you. To help us we’ll review how it’s going on a regular basis so that we can stay on track and plan ahead.

You can come for as long as you wish. I offer short and long term therapy.

The first meeting is a chance for us to assess how we feel working together. It’s important you feel comfortable talking to me because it’s through the foundation of trust built up in our relationship that progress will be made. I openly welcome and encourage any discussion about our counselling relationship.

Generally, I’ll be able to see you within a timeframe of one to six weeks from you contacting me. If I am in a busy period and booked up ahead then I will offer you the choice of waiting for an appointment with me or I can refer you to another fully qualified, experienced therapist who will have more immediate availability. This will be someone I know and can recommend. I can arrange this for you.

If you feel you are in a crisis and I don’t have an appointment available you can contact Breathing Space on 0800 838587. Phone line is available Monday to Thursday between 6.00 pm to 2.00 am. At weekends they operate between Friday 6.00pm and Monday 6.00am. You can call the Samaritans 24 hours on 116 123 (free from any phone) or 0330 0945717.

A counselling session is generally 60 minutes long but we can arrange a 90 minute session if you prefer.

If you are late for a session, I will try to allow extra time to catch up at the end, however this may not be possible which means we would need to finish at the agreed time.

No it is better if you just come on time as it avoids you coming into contact with anyone else, which protects your confidentiality.

If you cancel a session within 48 hours you will be charged the full cost of the session unless it is an emergancy beyond your control.If you give me more than 48 hours notice to cancel your appointment then there is no charge.

No we can book the next meeting at the end of the session but if you want to ensure a specific time and date then it is best to book at least 2 sessions ahead. I can accommodate for shift working patterns and offer flexible times.

Yes, but I generally do not do counselling by email.

I ask you to pay in advance for each session by cash or bank transfer.

If something happens and you feel an immediate need to meet then contact me and I will try to fit you in. If I am fully booked up then we may be able to have a short telephone session.

If you have booked to see me individually then the time is for you only. I do understand it can be a bit scary to come along and talk about yourself for an hour but it’s important you have the space to say anything you want without worrying about upsetting or involving other people.

Yes I welcome you to come along personally. Given the current health situation I will ask you to complete a COVD19 track and trace document but I will not disclose the purpose of your visit. I work with all the current guidelines so you can feel safe if you come to see me.

Yes I do. I’ll email you an online agreement asking you to sign, scan and email this back to me. You can always put the agreement in the post to me if you prefer.

I make brief summary notes. These are stored as handwritten process notes for myself, which I keep in a locked and secure cabinet. I abide by data protection laws and am registered with ICO. My license number is ZA497853

No they don’t. I am in private practice and am not connected to the NHS. If you have a medical problem that may affect sex therapy, I may ask you to consult your GP.

Yes it is however there are some exceptions which are listed in the counselling agreement I ask you to read and sign prior to our first session.

I will not acknowledge you so that your confidentiality is protected. If you say hello to me I will of course answer but I will not identify you to anyone I’m with.