Frequently asked questions
Got questions about therapy? We've got answers. If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch or book a free 15-minute consultation.
Getting started
How do I know which therapist is right for me?
We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr Rachel Whatmough, Clinical Director, to discuss your needs and help match you with the most suitable therapist from our team.
Factors we consider include:
- Your specific difficulties and concerns
- Preferred therapy approach
- Practical considerations like appointment times
What should I expect in my first therapy session?
Your first session is an assessment where we'll discuss:
- What's currently troubling you
- Your goals for therapy
- Your background and history to understand you in context
At the end, we'll discuss recommendations and a therapy plan. There's no pressure, you're in control of the pace and what you share.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you don't need a GP referral to see us privately. You can contact us directly to book an appointment.
However, if you're using health insurance, your insurer may require a GP referral, please check with them first.
What if I need urgent support or am in crisis?
If you're in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please:
- Contact emergency services (999)
- Go to A&E
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Our practice is not an emergency service and we cannot provide crisis support between sessions. If you're an existing client with urgent concerns, please contact your therapist via the usual channels.
Appointments
Do you offer daytime, evening and weekend appointments?
Yes, we offer appointments throughout the day, into the evening, and at weekends to accommodate different schedules.
Availability varies by therapist, so please let us know your preferred times when booking and we'll do our best to match you with a suitable slot.
How often will we meet?
Most people attend therapy weekly, especially at the start when building momentum is important.
As you progress, sessions may become fortnightly. We'll discuss the right frequency for you based on your needs and circumstances.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes, we offer secure online video therapy sessions which are just as effective as in-person therapy for many conditions.
Online therapy offers flexibility if you:
- Have a busy schedule
- Live outside Tunbridge Wells
- Prefer the comfort of your own home
- Have mobility difficulties
We use a secure, encrypted video platform to protect your privacy.
Where are you located?
Our therapy rooms are located in central Tunbridge Wells, Kent, easily accessible by car and public transport.
We also offer online therapy sessions for those who prefer remote appointments or live further afield in Kent, Sussex, or beyond.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be charged at the full session rate.
Costs & insurance
How much does therapy cost?
Our fees for a 50-minute therapy session are:
- Online sessions: £130
- In-person sessions: £145
Assessment sessions, EMDR intensives, and extended sessions may vary in cost.
We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation before you book to help you decide if we're the right fit.
Do you accept health insurance?
Yes, we are covered by all major health insurers including:
- BUPA
- AXA
- Cigna
- WPA
- Aviva
- And many others
Please check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage for clinical psychology services and obtain any required authorisation before your first appointment.
About therapy
How long will therapy take?
The duration of therapy varies depending on your needs:
- Short-term (6-12 sessions): Many people see significant improvements for focused issues like anxiety, specific phobias, or stress
- Medium-term (12-20 sessions): For more established patterns or multiple concerns
- Longer-term (20+ sessions): For complex difficulties, trauma, or deeper personal exploration
We'll discuss a recommended treatment plan after your assessment, though you're always free to continue or end therapy at any time.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, everything you share is confidential. We follow strict professional and legal guidelines to protect your privacy.
The only exceptions are if there's a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case we may need to involve appropriate support. We would always discuss this with you first wherever possible.
Can therapy be done alongside medication?
Yes, therapy can work well alongside medication prescribed by your GP or psychiatrist.
We're happy to liaise with your prescriber if needed, with your consent.
Can you help children and young people?
Yes, several of our clinical psychologists specialise in working with children and young people.
We can help with:
- Anxiety and worry
- School-related difficulties
- Behavioural problems
- Trauma and difficult experiences
- Low mood
- Family changes
We work collaboratively with parents and carers to support the whole family.
Specialists & approaches
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counsellor?
Clinical psychologists hold a doctorate in clinical psychology (typically 6+ years of university training) and are trained to assess and treat complex mental health conditions using evidence-based approaches. They are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Counsellors typically complete a diploma or degree and often focus on general life difficulties and emotional support.
Both can be valuable depending on your needs, we're happy to discuss which might be most appropriate for you.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy particularly effective for:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Panic attacks
- Grief and loss
It uses bilateral stimulation (often eye movements) to help your brain process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact.
EMDR is recommended by NICE guidelines for trauma treatment.
What therapy approaches do you use?
We use a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to your individual needs:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) - for anxiety, depression, OCD
- EMDR - for trauma, phobias, anxiety
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) - for chronic pain, anxiety, values-based living
- CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy) - for self-criticism, shame, low self-esteem
- CAT (Cognitive Analytic Therapy) - for relationship patterns, personality difficulties
- Psychodynamic Therapy - for understanding unconscious patterns, deeper self-exploration
- Mindfulness-based approaches - for stress, relapse prevention
Find us
Our therapy rooms are located in central Tunbridge Wells, easily accessible by car and public transport.
Please note: This is our therapy location only, not a correspondence address. Contact us if you require a postal address.
We also offer online therapy sessions for those who prefer remote appointments or live further afield.
Still have questions?
Book a free 15-minute consultation to chat with us about your needs.