FAQ
How do I contact a therapist?
The first step is to send us an email and we can let you know which therapists have got availability and book you in. Our therapists offer a free 15 minute call if you would like to have a quick chat to meet them ahead of your appointment.
Can I meet my therapist first before deciding?
Every client is different, but we always offer a free consultation call, up to 15 mins, to understand a little about your circumstances and give you the opportunity to ask any questions.
If the ‘fit’ doesn’t feel right for either you or your therapist then we will be happy to recommend a different therapist or therapeutic option that might suit you better.
What is the difference between Counselling and Coaching?
Counselling and coaching can both be supportive, but they offer different types of help depending on what you’re going through.
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Counselling tends to focus on emotional healing. It helps you process difficult feelings like grief, anxiety, anger or guilt. It’s particularly helpful if the past is still affecting how you’re coping in the present. You might explore patterns from earlier relationships, develop emotional regulation strategies, or work through unresolved pain.
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Coaching is more future-focused and practical. It’s about helping you move forward, make confident decisions, and handle the day-to-day challenges, eg during separation. A coach can help you clarify goals, improve communication, and build a workable co-parenting plan.
At The Relationship Therapy Practice, we offer both approaches – sometimes blending them – depending on what feels most useful for you. The aim is always to support your wellbeing and help you navigate any transitions with strength and clarity.
If you’re not sure which would be most helpful, feel free to book a free call and we can talk it through.
What is your assessment process?
We typically invite all clients for a full 50 minute Initial Assessment in the first instance to understand more about your unique circumstances, difficulties and goals for therapy.
Following this, your therapist will then recommend either continuing into therapy with them or may suggest a different option which might suit you better. There is no obligation to continue with therapy after the assessment is complete, and some clients feel that the assessment process gives them a good starting point in itself.
How much does Therapy or Coaching cost? Is the first session free?
The consultation call, up to 15 minutes, is always free for all clients to check suitability.
Fees then vary depending on your therapist and whether you choose individual counselling, weekly relationship therapy, psychosexual therapy, some short term sessions, coaching or an online programme. We would be happy to discuss the different options over email or during a free 15 min call. As a guideline, sessions start at £75+VAT for individuals and £100+VAT for couples. Some specialised services such as Family Consultancy or Pre-Marital Coaching may be more, so please do contact us for our latest fees.
Payment for the Initial Assessment Session is due upon booking the appointment. Future sessions will be invoiced to you once per month.
Can I come for just 1 session?
Yes, some of our therapists offer single sessions. Please do let us know if you are only looking for a one-off appointment so we can ensure you get the most from the appointment.
How many sessions will I need?
It is impossible to predict how many sessions you will need as every client is unique. However after the assessment, your therapist will be happy to discuss this with you especially if you are limited on time. Typically, we work with most clients for 10-20 sessions, although sometimes fewer, and sometimes a lot longer. You will have regular reviews during therapy to see how you’re finding the process and help you know when you’re ready to end.
Where are you based? Do you offer face to face sessions?
Our therapists are all based in the UK and all sessions are online. We do not offer any in person appointments. However if you are going through a divorce and would like our help as a Family Consultant, we are happy to attend some in-person meetings at your solictor’s office.
I am already seeing an individual therapist. Can I come for couples sessions with you too?
Yes, we see many clients where one or both partners are also seeing their own individual therapists. This can be a beneficial way of accessing further support outside the relationship and deepening your self awareness.
Your therapist will be unable to see the same clients for both couples therapy and individual therapy simultaneously. If you would like some additional individual therapy alongside your couple work with me, we would be happy to recommend a different therapist within the team who you can see for those individual sessions.
Can you fix our relationship? Or will you encourage us to break up?
We don’t believe that there is ever a ‘quick fix’ to relationship problems, and we can’t promise to wave a magic wand and to make things better. However by committing to real behavioural change, many of my clients notice real positive improvements to their lives or relationships within a few sessions.
We can support you in exploring your difficulties, and through practicing new exercises and forming new patterns of relating, you may find that you aren’t broken after all… we find the clients that make the most progress are the ones who are dedicated to making time for their relationship in between sessions, which will include completing homework tasks, prioritising quality time for each other, and open communication exercises.
We don’t encourage clients to break up. But we don’t have an agenda to keep you together either. Our focus is on supporting you to deepen your understanding of your relationship dynamic and to make the best decisions for your own personal circumstances and your joint goals.
My partner wants to come for couple's therapy but I’m not sure. Will you side with them? Will you tell me that I’m wrong?
It’s understandable to have reservations about coming for sessions and it takes many clients a long time before deciding to contact us. We encourage you to ask whatever questions you need, and share your worries about starting counselling with therapist. If we don’t think it’s the right time to start sessions, then we let you know. We don’t take on clients who aren’t emotionally able to commit to the sessions.
However our focus for couple clients is on your relationship, and helping you reach your joint goals, rather than taking sides. We won’t favour one of you over the other, and I will work hard to make sure that there is a balance in our work where both of your voices are heard.
We won’t tell you or your partner that you are wrong, but your therapist may challenge you and keep you accountable. We know that therapy can help many couples to think creatively about how to communicate and behave differently with each other.
How soon can I get an appointment? Do you work in evenings or weekends?
By emailing us here we will let you know what availability each therapist has and offer you any session times that are currently free, which is usually within 7-10 days of you contacting us. Please note we are unable to hold these sessions for you until you have confirmed that you would like to go ahead and book.
Our therapists offer sessions mostly 8am -8pm and some therapists are able to offer weekends.
We do not keep a waiting list when we are fully booked.