We usually start by emailing each other to see if our availabilities match.
We can then have a free short phone call to discuss sessions. In that call, if you want to, we’d book in a first session.
Some people prefer to not have a call, and go straight to booking a session over emails. That is fine too.
I will then email you a working agreement before the start of our first session to read, sign, and bring any questions about that agreement. This agreement contains all the information about payment, location, video links etc.
Show up as you are. No need to prepare.
As we get going with sessions, there may end up being a desire to report back on how a process is going, or some activities you choose to do between sessions. This will all be lead by you.
First sessions are about us getting to know one another, and helping you to build trust in me, and in the process.
We can ask each other questions, and you can explain what brings you to therapy. We often talk about any previous therapy you’ve had, and what worked and what didn’t.
At the end of the initial session we’ll discuss how it went, and what you’d like to do moving forward. At this point you may realise I’m not the right therapist, and that’s fine. Equally, there are rare occasions when I think it’s more appropriate that you work with someone else, in which case I’ll do my best to refer you to someone.
Sessions with me are 50 minutes.
I some some cases where people's inner systems are needing more time to go slower, I can offer 75 minute sessions.
Ideally weekly sessions to generate momentum. Bear in mind that combining both of our holiday time off, alongside trainings and other residential work I do, there is usually roughly 12 weeks off each year.
When my calendar allows, I also offer fortnightly sessions. Bear in mind that if either of us are away, it will be at least a month between sessions.
If your work is irregular shifts, I do also have an online booking calendar where you can book in up to 2 weeks in advance. With this arrangement I cannot guarantee you regular availability, as these spaces are largely based on cancellations.
IFS is about identifying and being with parts of ourselves that are needing more attention. These parts may be carrying thoughts, feelings, beliefs and values from the past or present, that are contributing to the current symptoms. These might be every day ‘managerial’ parts that help us get through the day, or deeper suffering younger experiences that are harder to access.
My role is to help you build better relationships with those parts of yourself.
It is different for everyone. I initially offer a maximum of 12 sessions, and at that point we assess together whether to enter into an open-ended agreement.
You’re also welcome to define a shorter course of sessions. E.G “Can we do 6 sessions Ben?” Sure.
IFS is a broad approach that can be applied to the human experience. IFS doesn’t really use the common medicalised terminology to categorise symptoms. But to give you an idea, IFS is useful in treating issues such as Anxiety, Depression, C/PTSD, OCD, Addictions, BPD/ED. It is also an empowering and inclusive model for working with a wide range of neuro-divergent experiences.
Yes. IFS has been studied in clinical trials and pilot studies. Research shows it can help reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and improve physical health and self-compassion.
For example:
A randomized trial found IFS improved pain and functioning in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Pilot studies show significant reductions in PTSD and related symptoms.
You can read more research and access full papers at the IFS Research Database
Yes. Confidentiality is the backbone of therapy. There are very few instances where I would ever break the confidentiality without your permission, and these involve seriously high risk of harm to self of others, money laundering, drug trafficking, and acts of terrorism. There are other instances where we may mutually agree for me to break confidentiality, such as talking to your GP or other medical professionals.
Yes. I meet regularly with an IFS supervisor, peer group, and a local colleague that I share my office with, exceeding BACP requirements. All supervision is confidential and any client details are anonymised.
The general rule is you can only have one therapist at a time.
There are some exceptions. It can be OK to have a personal therapist if you’re also in a separate couples therapy process, so long as the couple’s therapist is aware. I also can work alongside your clinical psychologist or psychiatrist if need be, so long as they are in agreement.
I charge £90 a session.
I offer a concessionary sliding scale of £70-£90 for local face to face clients. These places are limited.
I also offer up to 6 concessionary sessions through the Diversity Fund that you can read about here.
If you cancel the session more than 24HRS before, there is no fee.
If you cancel within 24HRS, then I charge the full session fee.
I prefer to receive emails and Whatsapp messages.
Contact between sessions is for logistics such as attendance.
Send me a message through my contact page here.