Things you might want to know

  • Is this therapy or coaching?

    Us Together sits between the two. The work draws on therapeutic frameworks, specifically CBT and existential psychology, but is not offered as a regulated clinical service. It is structured, evidence informed, and goal directed. If you are unsure whether it is the right fit, the free twenty minute conversation is the place to start.

    Is this the right approach for me?

    This work is best suited to people who are functioning but stuck. People who think deeply, find themselves returning to the same questions, and want to understand what is driving that rather than simply manage it. If you are currently in crisis or require urgent mental health support, this is not the right starting point. We will always point you toward the appropriate services if that is the case.

    Do you work with people outside the UK?

    Yes. The majority of clients are based outside the UK. Sessions are conducted online so location is not a barrier.

    Do you offer a diagnosis or formal assessment?

    No. This is not a clinical or diagnostic service. If you require formal assessment or a clinical diagnosis, your GP or a registered clinical psychologist is the right starting point.

  • What happens in the first session?

    The first session is an opportunity to establish where you are, what the thinking has been circling around, and what you want from the work. There is no formal assessment and nothing you need to prepare. You bring what is present for you and we work from there.

    How long are sessions and how often do we meet?

    Sessions are fifty five minutes and conducted online. How often we meet is up to you. Weekly tends to work best for most people as it keeps the momentum between sessions, but that is a conversation we have together based on what suits you.

    How many sessions will I need?

    That depends on the work. Most people find between six and twelve sessions is enough to reach a point where the thinking has shifted and they have a clear enough sense of direction to move forward independently. Some need less. There is no fixed programme and no pressure to continue beyond what is useful.

    What if I need to reschedule or cancel?

    Details of the cancellation and rescheduling policy are set out in the policy page. As a general principle, notice of more than 48 hours allows a session to be rescheduled without charge. Late cancellations and missed sessions may be charged at the full session rate.

    Do you offer reduced fees?

    Fees are discussed privately during the initial conversation. If cost is something you want to talk through, that is what the first twenty minutes is for.

    I am based in the US. Can I still work with you?

    Yes. The majority of clients are based outside the UK and sessions are conducted online so location is not a barrier. Please note that this service operates under the laws of England and Wales. Full details are set out in the jurisdiction notice.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know as soon as possible. Sessions rescheduled with more than 48 hours notice will be moved without charge. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice, or missed sessions without notice, will be charged at the full session rate. Full details are set out in the cancellation policy.

  • Do you guarantee specific outcomes?

    No. The work is structured and evidence informed but outcomes depend on what you bring to it and where you are in the process. What I can offer is a clear framework, a consistent approach, and honest feedback throughout. What you take from it is shaped by the work we do together.

    Will you chase me if I stop attending?

    No. If you decide the work is not right for you or you want to take a break, that is your decision to make. I will not follow up repeatedly or pressure you to continue. If you want to return at any point the door is open, but that choice is entirely yours.

    What happens if I am abusive or threatening during a session?

    I reserve the right to end any session immediately if conduct becomes abusive, threatening, or inappropriate. In those circumstances the session will be charged in full and I reserve the right to decline further sessions. The work requires a level of mutual respect to function. That applies in both directions.

    What if I am in crisis?

    This practice does not work with people in acute crisis. If you are in crisis or need urgent support, please contact your GP, call 116 123 to reach Samaritans, or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, the initial conversation is a safe place to discuss it and I will always point you toward the right support.

    This practice does not work with people in acute crisis. If you are in crisis or need urgent support, please use the relevant services below.

    UK: Contact your GP, call 116 123 to reach Samaritans, text SHOUT to 85258, or go to your nearest emergency department.

    US: Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line, or go to your nearest emergency room.

    If you are unsure whether this applies to you, the initial conversation is a safe place to discuss it and I will always point you toward the right support.

  • What do I do if I have a complaint?

    If you have a concern about the service, the first step is to raise it directly with me. You can do this by email and I will acknowledge your message within five working days and respond fully within fourteen. I take all concerns seriously and will do my best to resolve them fairly and promptly.

    If you feel your concern has not been resolved satisfactorily, you may wish to seek independent advice. As an independent practitioner I am not currently affiliated with a professional regulatory body, and I am transparent about that. I work within a clear ethical framework and take my professional responsibilities seriously. If you would like to discuss any aspect of how the service operates before working together, the initial conversation is the place to do that.

    What do I do if I have a concern or complaint?

    "If you have a concern about the service, the first step is to raise it directly with me at concerns@ustogether.co.uk. I will acknowledge your message within five working days and respond fully within fourteen. I take all concerns seriously and will do my best to resolve them fairly and promptly.

    I am currently working toward BACP membership. In the meantime, if a concern cannot be resolved directly, I am happy to discuss next steps and will always signpost you toward appropriate independent support. I work within a clear ethical framework and take my professional responsibilities seriously.

    If you would like to discuss any aspect of how the service operates before working together, the initial conversation is the place to do that.

These are the questions most people have before getting in touch. If something is not covered here, the initial conversation is the place to ask it.

Still have a question? Get in touch directly. us@ustogether.co.uk