Your questions about starting CBT.

I work online with people aged 16 and over across the UK who are experiencing panic attacks, phobias, persistent worry, social anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, PTSD or trauma-related difficulties, depression and low mood. For clients aged 16–17, appropriate consent and safeguarding arrangements will be discussed.

Standard sessions are held remotely by secure video or telephone and last 50–60 minutes. Longer 90-minute appointments and 50-minute SMS sessions are also available. We agree a focus, review what you have noticed or practised, and work through a practical CBT strategy connected to your goals.

The number of sessions depends on what you need help with, your goals and how the work develops. After the assessment, we’ll discuss a plan and review it together. You can ask about the likely time and cost before deciding to continue.

It is a brief 5–10 minute call to hear what you would like help with, explain how I work and check whether CBT with me seems suitable. It is not a full assessment and there is no pressure to book afterwards.

A standard 50–60 minute CBT session costs £60, a 90-minute session is £100, and a 50-minute SMS session is £50. A prepaid block of four standard sessions costs £220. A limited number of concessionary spaces may be available.

Usually, yes. We’ll choose manageable things to try together, such as noticing a pattern, practising a skill or testing a worrying prediction. It is a chance to learn what helps in your daily life. If a task feels too difficult or does not fit your week, tell me so we can adapt it.

Yes. Your information is handled carefully and confidentiality is discussed before therapy begins. Exceptions apply where disclosure is required by law or there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else. The privacy and safeguarding policies explain this further.

Yes. Your culture, faith, identity, family and wider context are part of the work where relevant. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and have particular experience supporting Muslim and South Asian clients.

You do not need a diagnosis to get in touch. We begin with the difficulties you are experiencing, assess whether CBT is appropriate and agree meaningful goals.

I will be honest about that. If your needs require urgent, specialist or multidisciplinary support, I may recommend speaking with your GP or another appropriate service rather than offering therapy that is unlikely to meet your needs safely.

Calm Breathing Therapies is not a crisis service. If you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health advice, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123.

Yes. SMS sessions are available at £50 for a scheduled 50-minute appointment. You and I exchange text messages during the agreed session time. We’ll discuss whether this format is suitable and how sessions will work before starting. You can email me to ask about SMS sessions.