FAQs

What treatments do you offer?

My core approach is psychodynamic and humanistic psychotherapy, always informed by existential philosophy. These methods guide the way I listen, understand, and work with clients. I also integrate other approaches when they are clinically appropriate.

Here are the treatments I offer:

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – exploring unconscious patterns and early experiences that shape your present-day life, relationships, and sense of self.

• Relational Psychotherapy – focusing on how relationships form us, including the therapeutic relationship itself as a space for healing.

• Humanistic Psychotherapy – centred on empathy, respect, and unconditional positive regard, supporting you to grow into your potential.

• Existentially Informed Therapy – working with questions of freedom, meaning, identity, and how to live authentically.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) – a highly effective treatment for trauma, PTSD, and complex PTSD, helping to process disturbing memories and reduce their emotional intensity.

• Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) – especially helpful for survivors of multiple traumas, this approach organises traumatic memories into a coherent life story.

• ACT, CBT, and DBT (integrative use) – I sometimes draw on structured approaches to provide practical tools for managing distress, regulating emotions, and building resilience.

This integrative way of working means I can tailor therapy to your unique needs—whether you want to focus on trauma recovery, explore long-standing patterns, or simply find a safe place to reflect and grow.

How can I start ?

After you have taken time to browse my website,  please feel free to contact my assistant with any questions.

Email: assistant@comfortshieldspractice.com
You can also send a WhatsApp message to me at: 07464 798730

Alternatively, you can book an initial consultation of 50 or 90 minutes directly at: https://bookedin.com/book/marylebone-psychotherapy-ltd/services

What happens in my first session ?

The first session is about exploring how I may be able to help you in a relaxed, open and confidential way. Feel free to raise any issues or questions concerning you. I will ask you some questions about your life, any symptoms or concerns that have brought you to therapy, and any previous mental health treatment and diagnoses, but the session is not a test and rather will be more of an informal conversation. It is a way for you to get to know me and for me to get a sense of understanding of how we can work together to achieve your goals. If you decide to go forward with therapy together, we can discuss progressing with weekly 50-minute therapy. For complex trauma and more complex issues, and particularly if doing EMDR, more intensive therapy of two times per week or 90-minute sessions are often beneficial.

Sometimes clients will come to me who have issues that are more within another therapist’s area of expertise. If this is the case, I will offer to refer them to another therapist.

How long does therapy last?

The length of therapy depends on the kind of work we are doing together.

For open-ended, long-term psychotherapy—such as psychodynamic or relational work—the process often unfolds over months or years. This is not about quick fixes, but about creating deep and lasting change. Many clients benefit from attending therapy weekly, or sometimes more frequently (two to three times per week), over one to two years or longer. This allows us to work at depth on longstanding patterns, relationships, and the roots of emotional difficulties.

For shorter, more structured approaches, therapy can be time-limited. For example, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is often completed within 6 to 12 sessions, though more sessions may be needed for complex trauma or C-PTSD. EMDR can provide powerful relief from flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive memories, even when talking therapies alone have not helped.

Sometimes people come for a few months to address a particular concern—such as anxiety, depression, grief, or a difficult life transition—and find that even short-term therapy can bring meaningful change.

Whatever the length of therapy, the ending is an important part of the process. We will work together to decide when it feels right to finish, and I always recommend devoting time to reflect on the work we have done and to say goodbye. Clients are, of course, free to stop therapy at any point, and many also return months or years later to explore new challenges or revisit earlier work at greater depth.

What happens in ongoing sessions?

In ongoing psychotherapy sessions, you are free to bring whatever feels most important to you at the time. This may include what is troubling you on a given day, or deeper themes such as feelings, thoughts, losses, memories, aspirations, or dreams. Sometimes clients also bring significant items—such as photos, letters, or artwork—that help express what words alone cannot.

Most often, we will simply sit together and talk. My role is to listen closely, to reflect, and to support you in exploring both the difficulties and the possibilities in your life. Whether we are working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship struggles, the aim is to create a safe therapeutic environment where your experiences can be understood rather than judged.

Over time, this process allows us to work together towards greater self-understanding, meaning, and emotional wellbeing.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality, privacy, and discretion are at the core of my work as a psychotherapist in Harley Street, Central London. Everything you share in therapy sessions—whether in person or through online therapy—is strictly private and will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent. Notes are stored securely and handled with the highest professional standards.

Clients often come to Harley Street seeking private, discreet psychotherapy for sensitive concerns such as trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or sexual abuse. I understand how essential it is to feel safe knowing that your sessions are confidential. Whether you are based in London or travelling from abroad (including Dubai, the UAE, Asia, or India), you can trust that our work together remains strictly between us.

There are only rare exceptions to confidentiality: if required by a court of law, or if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others. These boundaries will always be explained clearly so you feel fully informed and secure in the therapy process.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. Seeking psychotherapy is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of courage. People who ask for help know when they need support and have the strength to reach out. Everyone needs help at different points in their life. In our work together, I will help you explore your experiences, identify your strengths, and find ways to reduce the influence of the difficulties you are facing.

Many clients who come to see me for therapy in Harley Street or online have spent years trying to manage on their own. Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to begin facing what feels overwhelming, whether that is trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship problems.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

Speaking with a trusted friend or family member can be helpful, but it is not the same as working with a qualified psychotherapist. In therapy, I can help you approach your situation from a new perspective, teach practical skills for coping, and provide insight into underlying patterns. I listen without judgment, without expectations, and with a depth of clinical training that supports long-term healing.

Importantly, psychotherapy is completely confidential. You do not have to worry about others “knowing your business.” Many clients find this privacy invaluable, especially when discussing sensitive experiences such as trauma, sexual abuse, PTSD, or relationship difficulties. Friends and family may also feel overwhelmed if confided in repeatedly, whereas therapy provides professional containment and support.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can sometimes be an important part of treatment for conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, but it rarely addresses the whole picture on its own. While medication may ease symptoms, it does not explore or resolve the underlying causes of emotional distress.

Psychotherapy in Harley Street or online offers a space to understand the roots of your difficulties, process painful experiences such as trauma or grief, and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others. For many clients, the most effective approach combines psychotherapy with medical support, but therapy itself often provides the deeper and more lasting change.

Do you work with all genders and backgrounds?

Yes. My practice is inclusive and welcoming to people of all genders, sexualities, and cultural backgrounds. A large part of my work is multicultural: I see clients from London’s diverse communities as well as individuals who travel to Harley Street from abroad or who would like online therapy. I frequently work with international clients from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Asia, and India—many of whom value the expertise, discretion, and confidentiality that Harley Street is known for. I am also experienced in supporting people who have felt unseen or marginalised elsewhere, offering a safe, respectful, and affirming therapeutic space.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes. I offer secure online psychotherapy and EMDR via Zoom across the UK and internationally. Many of my clients from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Asia, and India as well as in the UK choose online therapy for its convenience and confidentiality. Online sessions can be just as effective as in-person work at Harley Street, especially for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. I am recognised by Aviva, Bupa Global (but not Bupa UK), Cigna and Cigna Global, WPA, and Aetna International/Allianz. If you plan to use health insurance for psychotherapy, please let me know when booking your initial consultation so I can provide the necessary details for your claim.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required, unless you are covering therapy with insurance and your insurance company requires a referral from a GP or psychiatrist. Otherwise, you are welcome to contact me directly to arrange an initial consultation.

What issues can therapy help with?

I specialise in working with trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD, and sexual abuse, but I also work extensively with anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and life transitions such as job loss or change, divorce, breakup, pregnancy and parenting. Psychotherapy can support you in processing painful experiences, reducing symptoms, and creating lasting change.

Is EMDR effective for trauma and PTSD?
Yes. EMDR is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for trauma, PTSD, and complex PTSD. It helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional intensity. Many clients find EMDR transformative, particularly when traditional talking therapy has not brought enough relief.

Do you offer intensive therapy?

Yes. For complex trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD, intensive therapy can be very effective. This may mean longer 90-minute sessions or meeting more than once per week for a period of time. I also offer intensive EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), which allows us to process traumatic material in a deeper, sustained way. Many clients choose this format to make focused progress in a shorter timeframe—whether they attend in person in Harley Street or via secure online therapy from abroad.

Do you work with couples as well as individuals?

Yes. I see individuals and couples. In couples work I help partners understand repeating patterns, improve communication, repair after conflict or betrayal, and rebuild safety and trust. Couples sessions can be in person in Marylebone (Harley Street Medical District) or online. *** Please note, I do not have spaces for new couples currently. Please contact me, if you would like to be added to a waiting list.

What languages do you work in?

I work in English. I regularly support international clients who travel to Harley Street from abroad or prefer online therapy—including clients based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Asia, and India—and I’m experienced in bridging cultural contexts with care and sensitivity.

How do I pay for sessions?

Most clients self-fund, and pay by credit card or bank transfer, or use approved private medical insurance. I am recognised by major international insurers (including Aviva, Bupa Global, Cigna, WPA, and Aetna International) and can provide invoices/receipts for claims as needed. If you plan to use insurance, please mention this when booking so we can confirm authorisation and any referral requirements your provider may have. For current details, please see the Fees & Services page or contact me directly.

Where are you located and when do you see clients?

I see clients by appointment at 4 Devonshire Street, Harley Street Medical District, London W1W 5DT, and I also offer online therapy across the UK and internationally. Appointments are available weekdays.

Do you work with clients referred by solicitors after accidents or injuries?

Yes. I regularly receive referrals from solicitors specialising in accident and injury cases. Many of these clients are experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other psychological impacts following a car accident, workplace accident, or injury. Therapy can help stabilise symptoms, support recovery, and provide a professional clinical record that can also be important for medico-legal purposes. I provide both therapy and, when needed, comprehensive psychological assessment reports for solicitors and insurers.

Do you provide CICA psychological reports?

Yes. I offer CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) psychological assessments and reports for adults who have experienced sexual abuse, physical assault, or other trauma. These reports include a detailed clinical interview and psychometric testing, followed by a comprehensive written report that can support your CICA claim. I also provide expedited reports when deadlines are approaching. Many clients choose to begin therapy with me after their assessment, so that treatment and recovery are integrated with the reporting process.