Frequently Asked Questions
How long are sessions?
Each session lasts 50 minutes. To make the most of our time together, please try to arrive promptly. If you're running late, do let me know — though unfortunately, sessions can’t be extended past the scheduled time.
How much do sessions cost?
The fee is £80 per session, payable by bank transfer. I kindly ask that payment is made before our session begins.
What is your cancellation policy?
Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged in full. If, for any reason, I need to cancel a session, there will be no charge.
I completely understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable. Where possible, we may be able to rearrange the session for the same week, although this isn’t always something I can accommodate.
I schedule breaks throughout the year and will always do my best to give you plenty of notice. Our sessions will be paused during these times.
Can I just try it out and see if it’s for me and can I stop whenever I want to?
Yes, of course. Many people choose to begin with a few sessions to get a sense of whether therapy feels like the right fit for them. There’s no pressure to commit and you’re free to end therapy at any time. Ideally, if you decide to stop, we’ll have a chance to talk about it in advance so we can reflect on your journey and bring the work to a thoughtful close — but the choice is always yours.
Is it better to have sessions online or face-to-face?
Research increasingly shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions. It offers several advantages—you save time and money on travel, and can attend from the comfort of a familiar space.
It also gives you access to a wider range of therapists, regardless of location, helping to overcome certain barriers. A private space and reliable internet connection are essential for making the most of your sessions.
Some people prefer in-person sessions because they value having a dedicated space outside the home for therapy. Being in a different environment can create a sense of separation from everyday life. The journey to and from the session can also provide time to prepare and reflect. Many find it easier to open up in a neutral, private setting.
In my view, neither option is better than the other—they’re simply different, and what works best depends on the individual.
Is it all confidential?
Yes, everything we discuss is completely confidential. As a member of the BACP, I am bound by their Ethical Framework, which upholds your right to privacy and confidentiality. You can read more about their Ethical Framework
There are some limitations to confidentiality, the main one being if I believe that you or someone else is at risk of serious harm. In such cases, I may need to inform a third party. However, I would always aim to discuss this with you first and work together to find the most appropriate and ethical way forward.
I also take brief, factual notes on what we discuss during our sessions. These notes are anonymised to protect your identity and are securely stored on my drive.
What happens if I feel uncomfortable, emotional, overwhelmed or unsure during therapy?
That’s completely normal, and something we can talk about together. Therapy can bring up strong feelings, but you're always encouraged to be open about how the process feels — it’s your space, and I’ll work with you to ensure it remains safe and supportive. Crying, feeling overwhelmed or sitting in silence are all natural parts of therapy. You're in a safe space where all feelings are welcome and we can gently explore them together.
How often do I need a session?
Therapy is most effective when it's consistent and continuous. If we decide to work together, we’ll normally meet weekly at the same time/day each week. This regular rhythm offers a sense of stability and support, helping you get the most out of our sessions.
How long does it take to work and how many sessions will I need in total?
It really depends on you — your needs, goals, and what you hope to get out of therapy. Sometimes you might come with a clear focus and prefer short-term work to explore a specific issue. At other times, you may feel that something isn’t quite right but aren’t sure exactly what’s going on. In these cases, longer-term therapy can offer the time and space to explore things more deeply, at your own pace, and develop greater self-understanding.
Can we speak outside of sessions?
Unless otherwise agreed, contact between sessions is generally limited to practical matters—such as rescheduling a session or letting me know if you’re unable to attend. I’ll do my best to respond as soon as I reasonably can, and certainly within 24 hours (unless I’m away).
If we happen to see each other outside of a session, I won’t initiate a greeting. This is simply to protect your confidentiality. However, if you choose to say hello, I’ll happily respond.
I do have a presence on social media. To safeguard your confidentiality, I don’t accept friend or connection requests from clients. These kinds of online links could unintentionally reveal your association with me, which might compromise your privacy.
Can I talk about anything in therapy?
Yes. Therapy is your space to bring whatever feels important — no topic is too big, too small or too “silly". You're welcome to explore thoughts, feelings, memories and experiences in a way that feels safe and supported.
Will you give me advice or tell me what to do?
Not usually. My role is to support you in finding your own clarity, insights and direction. While I may offer reflections or tools that could help, I believe in empowering you to make choices that feel right for you.
What happens when I contact you?
I aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours, unless I’m away. I’ll reply by email, and we can then arrange a free 20 minute consultation via Google Meet.
During this initial conversation we’ll explore what has brought you to this point and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy. You're welcome to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for how I work and whether you’d feel comfortable working together.
There’s no obligation or pressure to continue after the consultation. If and when you feel ready to begin therapy, you’re very welcome to get back in touch, and we’ll agree a date and time for your first session.
If you have any questions that haven’t been answered here, feel free to include them in the contact form below or email me directly at jack@spareshouldertherapy.com
If you’re interested in working together just get in touch to arrange a free consultation.