Frequently asked questions
Short answers, grouped so you can jump in from the page you were reading. The fuller explanation lives in How I work.
Getting started
What if I do not know what to say?
Start with what brought you here, even if that is only the difficulty of beginning. See what a session looks like.
What if the first session is not the right fit?
If either of us feels within the first 30 minutes that it is not right, we can stop and I will refund the session fee in full. Read the first-session terms.
Can I ask practical questions first?
Yes. The free 15-minute questions call is for information about working together and booking, not therapy. Book the questions call.
Working together
Can we begin together or separately?
Yes. We can start together, individually, or use a mix. We agree how privacy and joint work fit before any separate conversations. See the fuller couples explanation.
Will you tell me what to do?
I share what I see and may offer a different view, but the decision remains yours. See how individual work feels.
Do I have to come every week?
No. You decide whether and when to come back. Read about pace.
Booking and format
How long is a session?
The current paid services offer 60, 90 and 120 minutes. Choose the duration shown in the booking route. Read more about length.
Is phone work a shorter or lesser session?
No. Phone, video and in-person work are full session formats. See the phone option.
Can I change the way we meet later?
You can choose an available format when you book another session. For an existing booking, use the current contact and terms. Compare ways to meet.
More about the work
How many sessions will I need?
Some people come once, some come regularly, some return occasionally, and some work more intensively for a period. There is no assumed path. We look at what helps you, and you decide when to return.
What does “principled” mean in practice?
The work is guided by clear principles rather than techniques or scripts: responsibility over blame, clarity over comfort, and agency over dependency. The principles shape how we think together; they are not rules imposed on you.
What might I get from this way of working?
A clearer understanding of what is happening, insight into your own patterns and reactions, a better grasp of the other person’s position, and practical options for what happens next. These are aims of the work, rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Is this an emergency or crisis service?
No. If you are at immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else, seek emergency support. This booking service is for planned appointments and requires at least 24 hours’ notice. The free questions call is for practical information about working together; it is not crisis support.
If things feel stuck, this is where you start.
Book a session, and we’ll get to work. You choose whether we meet in St Helens, by video or by phone.