Question 1

What is  psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy, also called counselling is a safe, confidential space where you can explore your emotions, patterns and experiences with a trained professional. It’s not about being “fixed” or told what to do - it’s about being truly met in your pain, your story and your growth.
In my practice, I work relationally and holistically. That means we don’t just focus on symptoms – we gently explore what’s underneath. Together, we uncover the roots of what you’re feeling, heal inner wounds and help you move forward with more clarity, connection and self-trust!

Question 2

What kind of psychotherapy do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I draw from a range of approaches including:
 • Attachment-based therapy
 • Inner child healing
 • Parts Work / IFS-inspired integration
 • Neuroscience-informed trauma therapy
 • Somatic awareness and nervous system regulation
 • Person-centred and relational models
I work relationally and intuitively. That means we work on what you bring, in your way, at your pace.
It’s not about surface-level solutions - it’s about lasting transformation.

Question 3

How can psychotherapy help me?

Accepted Answer

Therapy offers more than just “talking.” It can help you:
 • Understand and transform long-standing emotional patterns
 • Heal from childhood trauma, neglect or emotional wounding
 • Learn how to regulate your nervous system and soothe anxiety
 • Explore and shift unhelpful beliefs or survival strategies (like people-pleasing, perfectionism, avoidance, etc.)
 • Deepen your connection to yourself and others
 • Build self-worth, self-trust and emotional resilience
Ultimately, therapy helps you feel more whole – like you're finally coming home to yourself.

Question 4

What happens during psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Every session is unique - because you are. You might come in feeling anxious, overwhelmed or simply curious. We’ll begin with a check-in and then gently explore what’s present. Some sessions are more reflective; others may include inner child work, working with emotional triggers, parts work or regulation tools for your nervous system. You never have to perform, prepare or pretend – just show up as you are. I’ll meet you there.

Question 5

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some clients come for a few months and experience significant change. Others choose to work longer-term, especially when working with trauma, deep-rooted patterns or childhood wounds. There’s no pressure to commit upfront. We’ll work collaboratively and review as we go, making sure the work continues to feel aligned and supportive for you.
You're never locked in – this is your process and you're in charge of the pace.

Question 6

Do I have to talk about my trauma?

Accepted Answer

Only if and when you're ready.
In trauma-informed therapy, we don’t believe in re-traumatising or diving into painful memories too quickly. Your safety - emotional and nervous system safety - is always the priority. You never have to share anything you're not comfortable with. Sometimes, simply exploring how you feel now or working with sensations in the body, is more healing than revisiting the past.

Question 7

How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

Such a good question! Therapy is a deeply personal experience and the relationship matters more than any one method or tool. If you're someone who feels things deeply, has done some inner work but still feels stuck in old patterns and you're ready to meet yourself with honesty and compassion - chances are, we’ll be a good fit. I offer a free discovery call where we can explore your needs, your hopes and whether my approach feels right for you.

Question 8

Can we combine hypnotherapy with psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and often it’s deeply effective. Hypnotherapy allows us to go deeper into the subconscious, while talking therapy gives space for insight, reflection and integration. I’ll work with you to find the right blend for your journey.

Question 9

Is psychotherapy the same as coaching?

Accepted Answer

No - they are quite different.
Psychotherapy goes deeper. It’s about healing emotional wounds, processing trauma and creating change at a root level. It focuses on emotional safety, depth and long-term transformation.
Coaching is often more goal-driven and future-focused and not always equipped to safely hold trauma or deep emotional pain.

Question 10

Will I always feel better after a session?

Accepted Answer

Not always - and that’s okay. Sometimes therapy feels relieving and empowering. Other times, it can stir things up as we touch on deeper layers.
That doesn’t mean it’s not working - it means your inner system is adjusting, processing and integrating. I always make sure we close sessions in a grounded way and you’ll never be left holding something too heavy on your own.

Question 11

Are there any contraindications for psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is a powerful and supportive process, but it’s not the right fit for everyone at every stage.
Here are a few important things to know:
🔸 It is not a crisis service.
If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your GP, NHS 111, A&E or a local crisis team. Therapy can be helpful in the longer-term, but it’s not equipped to provide emergency support or crisis intervention.
🔸 It’s not suitable for those expecting instant results.
Therapy is not a quick fix - it’s a journey. Some sessions will feel insightful and empowering. Others may feel slow or uncomfortable. Healing takes time and a willingness to show up - even when it’s not easy.
🔸 It’s not about someone else doing the work for you.
As your therapist, I will walk alongside you with care, skill and deep presence, but I can’t change your life for you. True transformation happens when you engage with the process. That means honesty, curiosity and commitment, even in the moments that feel heavy or confronting.
🔸 Emotional readiness matters. 
You don’t need to have it all figured out, but it’s important that you feel ready to explore yourself more deeply or at least open to the idea. If you're unsure, that’s okay. There are gentler starting points like reading, journaling or joining my email list and following my content until therapy feels right for you.
If you have any questions or doubts about whether this is the right time or approach, I’m always happy to talk it through with you - no pressure or obligation.

Question 12

Which is better: hypnotherapy or psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer - both can be incredibly effective, depending on your needs, goals and where you are in your healing journey.
Psychotherapy (or counselling) helps you explore patterns, relationships and emotions consciously. It creates space for self-understanding, insight and connection.
Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, allows us to work with the subconscious mind, where many core beliefs, early wounds and protective parts are stored.
In my practice, I often combine both. We use talking therapy to bring awareness and build trust and hypnotherapy to go deeper - when you're ready - into the root causes.

Question 13

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

You can choose between:
 • 50-minute sessions – ideal for regular, consistent therapy
 • 75-minute sessions – ideal for deeper work, trauma processing or if you want more spaciousness
You’re welcome to shift between the two depending on what’s going on in your life and what feels most supportive.

Question 14

Do you offer both online and in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes – I offer sessions both in-person and online, depending on what works best for you.
🔹 In-person sessions take place in a calm, private space just 5 minutes from Leeds city centre. There’s free parking available and the environment is designed to feel welcoming, grounding and safe.
🔹 Online sessions are held via Google Meet. Many clients love the ease and comfort of attending therapy from their own home, especially when travelling or juggling busy schedules.
We can discuss which option feels right for you during your discovery call, and you’re welcome to switch between the two if your circumstances change.

Question 15

Do you offer any discounts or packages?

Accepted Answer

I don’t offer discounted rates, but I do offer a 6-session package where you pay for 5 sessions and receive the 6th session free. This option can help with continuity and commitment and is particularly helpful if you’re ready to go deeper over a longer period of time.

Question 16

Does psychotherapy really work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and there’s strong evidence for it. But beyond the studies, what I’ve seen in my own clients is that when we feel safe enough to be fully ourselves, incredible healing takes place!
People begin to reconnect with their truth, build self-trust and relate to themselves and others differently. The changes ripple out into every part of life – work, love, parenting, creativity, health. But therapy is not passive – it’s a commitment to showing up for yourself with support and care.

Question 17

What makes your approach different?

Accepted Answer

I’m a heart-led professional with lived experience of trauma, addiction and childhood emotional wounding. I know how painful it is to feel broken, disconnected or “too much.” I also know the power of healing relationships – and that’s what I offer.
My approach isn’t clinical or detached. I build a real, safe, respectful relationship with each of my clients. Together, we explore not just your current struggles, but your relationship with your past, so you can rebuild it with compassion, feel whole again and integrate the parts of you that were once left behind.

Question 18

I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work. How do I know it will work now?

Accepted Answer

That’s such a valid concern. Therapy not working doesn’t mean you failed. It might mean the approach wasn’t right for your needs, the connection with the therapist didn’t feel safe or that the timing simply wasn’t aligned.
My work is relational and attuned to your nervous system. We go gently and with consent, not force. You get to decide what we explore and how we do it. If you’re in a different place now - emotionally, mentally or spiritually - you may find that therapy lands very differently than before. You’re always welcome to book a free discovery call to explore this together, without pressure.

Question 19

I want to try psychotherapy but I’m not sure I’m ready to commit. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Readiness is an important part of therapy, not because everything has to be perfect, but because your willingness to show up matters. That doesn’t mean you’ll feel confident, motivated or fully clear – those come later. But it does mean having a sense that this is something you want to do and that you’re open to the process, even if it’s uncomfortable at times.
If you’re not quite there yet, that’s absolutely okay. Here’s how you can begin gently:
🌱 Follow me on Instagram or Facebook – get familiar with my work and message
 🌱 Download my free Inner Child Healing Journa(https://www.holistictransformativetherapy.com/free-healing-journal)l – a powerful starting point
 🌱 Join my mailing list – be the first to know when my Reparenting Course opens!
 🌱 Visit my shop – for free and paid digital resources to support your healing journey
Therapy isn’t the only starting point – but it can be a powerful one when the time is right.

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Transformational Therapy Sessions

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