A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who has specialized in psychiatry.  Psychiatrists primarily evaluate the need for medication, prescribe medication, and monitor the patient.

  A psychologist has a Ph.D. and cannot prescribe medication.  They provide counseling as often as needed.  In many instances (such as with depression) a combination of drug therapy and talk therapy is the most effective treatment, so you may work with both a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

You can discuss this with your therapist or psychiatrist during your visit.  Research has proven that medication can be very effective in treating certain symptoms.  Discuss all of your concerns with your doctor.  Most medications are not addicting and have few if any significant side-effects.  There is no “blood test” for diagnoses such as anxiety or depression.  You will be interviewed by your doctor to determine if you have a diagnosis that can be effectively treated with medication.

Counselling is not about giving advice but about listening and helping people to find a better way of dealing with such problems.


Where a problem persists, psychotherapy looks in depth at those patterns. Its emphasis is on the future rather than the past, focusing on outcomes which can be profoundly life-changing.

That's where the idea of unfolding comes in.

Like the tree, we are involved in a continuous process of growth and change. Optimal mental health includes making sense of the suffering and conflict which are an inescapable aspect of human development. As we address problems and crises, previously unrecognised or distorted qualities emerge within us, which challenge our assumptions about who we are and who we may yet become.

In this sense counselling and therapy explore, not only the causes of our experiences, but also the purpose of them. This is a life-long process, as we come to a better understanding of ourselves and our relationships.

I work with both short-term counselling (6 - 12 sessions) and long-term psychotherapy (3 months - 3 years).

A typical session takes the form of a conversation, in which you are free to speak about whatever you wish, in complete confidence. I respond in a constructive and non-judgmental way. Sometimes the conversation will flow; sometimes it may move into silence. Occasionally I may suggest working in a non-verbal way, with pens and paper, for example, or by focusing attention on what you are feeling in your body.

It is difficult to be more specific than that, because so much depends on the issues you bring, the goals we set for our work together and the ways in which our personalities interact.

·  Counselling and psychotherapy can be of tremendous help to people who:

·  Are willing to look at themselves

·  Consider the possibility that they are partly responsible for the problems in their lives

·  Are motivated to put into practice the insights they have about the need for change.

I work with men and women, individuals and couples, straight and gay, young and old. All are treated equally. In 11 years of  practice I have seen more than 500 people!

Our first session together is an assessment, to allow you to describe the issue you would like to explore, to allow me to discover something of your personal history and for both of us to see if we can work together.

You are under no obligation to continue beyond a first appointment, although the usual fee will be charged for it.

If we do agree to work together, I will offer you an informal contract, which explains the timings of sessions and what happens in the event of cancellations or missed sessions.

If you are unable to make an appointment for any reason please inform me in good time and I will make every effort to reschedule within the same week.

An appointment missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged in full.

You will not be charged for sessions if I am away or forced to cancel.

My work is confidential. In exceptional cases, ( eg. if a client reveals current abuse of children or intention to cause serious physical harm to him/herself or others), counsellors have a professional and ethical duty to inform clients that they may find it necessary to take this information outside of counselling.

For this reason, I normally request the name and address of your General Practitioner. Any action is discussed with you first.

Family, friends or co-workers may be disturbed by your conflicts and problems and get upset by the distress you are in. Often they have their own agenda or at least a different way of handling things. They do not feel what you feel. Things that get said cannot be unsaid. Your wish not to distress other people may get in the way of exploring yourself and your problems fully.

When working through conflicts with a professional your best interests remain the focus of attention. A psychologist helps you to fully explore your thoughts and access your feelings on the deep level. What you say and feel remains between you and your psychologist.