Feeling nervous about starting therapy is normal It is quite common to feel somewhat nervous about coming to therapy for the first time; opening up about the things that are the most personal is not easy. In sessions, every effort will be made to help you feel safe so that you can feel able to share what you need to to facilitate change in your life. No matter how painful or difficult the issue is for you, you will not be judged. You can be reassured that everything you say will be handled respectfully, carefully and confidentiality. Working toward your goals Sessions are oriented toward your goals that are guided by what is most meaningful to you. This gives us a focus and can help provide a means of measuring whether therapy is moving you in the right direction. We will likely practice things in sessions and I may give you things to work on between sessions to put these into action in your life. In this way your therapy is not confined to the 50 minutes we meet each week. My goal is to guide you toward learning to become your own therapist, so that you can know how to access your own resources of wisdom, compassion, courage and commitment at times in your life when you need it. You are always in the driving seat You will be in the driving seat, and we will work together to address the things that are important to you. I will ask questions and give you feedback, but I will also invite you to ask me questions and give me feedback on the process as well. We will always review how things are going and assess if we are heading in the right direction. Together we can come to a shared understanding of what your difficulties are, and what keeps them going. This will drive the work for you to make the changes you want in your life.

It's been shown to be as effective as traditional therapy. Evidence shows that working online does not hinder people’s experience or progress at all, and many people prefer it. The Clinical Psychologists in our team all have extensive training and experience in providing specialist therapy online.

How long you spend in therapy will depend on the problems we are working with, and the goals you are working towards. We offer brief, short-term therapy, or longer-term deep psychotherapy.

As this this our livelihood, we require 48 hours’ notice for all cancellations. No-shows or cancellations made outside of this window will incur the full session fee. For more information, please read our terms and conditions of therapy service page.

Absolutely. Every interaction is bound by strict ethical codes and laws of confidentiality and data privacy. Unmanageable risk to yourself or others is an exception to the confidentiality agreement but these circumstances are very rare. You can opt-in to details being released with certain people, such as your GP, but only the information you consent to will be shared. See the the terms and conditions of our service for further information.

No. We do not offer a crisis service, as such our psychologists cannot guarantee availability between sessions. If you are in need of urgent support you can visit your GP, OR local Accident and Emergency Department. If you reside in the UK you can call 111 or use the following support services: Samaritans (0845 7909090) Shout (85258), Papyrus (0800 068 41 41). See resources section for other crisis support including international crisis support hotlines.

TNP operates on a transparent business model that balances quality service, accessibility, and sustainable growth. We strive to offer competitive rates for specialist psychological services while working towards increased accessibility for underserved communities. How it works: We currently dedicate 8% of our therapy slots to providing services at reduced rates for people from low-income and disadvantaged communities. As we grow, we aim to increase this percentage and expand our impact on mental health accessibility. Our Values At True North Psychology, we are passionate about helping people and communities thrive. Our mission is to bring compassion and understanding to mental healthcare and improve its accessibility. We are committed to providing care that is ethical, evidence-based, and upholds high international standards. See our 'About' page to learn more.

Before starting your therapy journey, it can be helpful to understand the different types professionals who provide mental health support in the UK: Clinical Psychologists Qualifications: Doctoral level training (DClinPsy) - 7+ years Focus: Evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, formulation and treatment of complex mental health conditions. Trained in multiple therapeutic approaches and research methods. Best suited for: Complex mental health issues, trauma, psychological assessments, and evidence-based treatments for severe difficulties Registration: Must be registered with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Counselling Psychologists Qualifications: Doctoral level training (DCounsPsy) - 7+ years Focus: Integration of psychological theory and research with therapeutic practice. Emphasis on well-being and personal development alongside mental health Best suited for: Both everyday life challenges and psychological difficulties, particularly when seeking a holistic approach Registration: Must be registered with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Psychotherapists Qualifications: Post-graduate training - 4+ years Focus: In-depth therapeutic work using specific theoretical approaches Best suited for: Longer-term therapeutic work, exploring deep-seated patterns and personal development Registration: Typically registered with UKCP or BACP Counsellors Qualifications: Varies (typically 1 - 3 years) Focus: Supportive listening and guidance for life challenges Best suited for: Mild to moderate difficulties, life transitions, and emotional support Registration: "Counsellor" is not a protected title, meaning anyone can call themselves a counsellor and practice with minimal training. Counsellors registered with BACP meet a minimal level requirement for practice and experience to practice in the UK and are bound to follow ethical codes of practice as outlined by BACP registering body. Psychiatrists Qualifications: Medical degree plus specialist training - 10+ years Focus: Medical approach to mental health, diagnosis and treatment using medication Best suited for: Conditions requiring medication management, complex diagnosis, or medical treatment Registration: General Medical Council (GMC) and Royal College of Psychiatrists ADHD/Neurodiversity Coaches Qualifications: Varies - from specific ADHD coaching certifications (typically 6-12 months) to more extensive psychological training Focus: Practical strategies and support for managing ADHD and neurodivergent traits in daily life, including organization, time management, and life skills Best suited for: Practical support with ADHD/neurodivergent challenges, particularly after diagnosis. Works well alongside other therapeutic or medical support Registration: Optional memberships with various ADHD training and professional bodies - these may include ICF and PAAC. Important Note: Many professionals may have additional qualifications or specialisations beyond their core training. This guide provides general information - individual practitioners may vary in their specific expertise and approach. Always verify a practitioner's registration and qualifications directly. The key difference between these roles often lies in their training depth, therapeutic approach, and the types of support they're best equipped to provide. While there may be some overlap in the services they offer, each type of professional has unique strengths and specialisations that make them particularly suited to different kinds of support needs.

Yes. Our Clinical Director, Dr Sara Tookey offers supervision and reflective practice to various different professionals (e.g. clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, psychotherapists, healthcare staff, researchers) in individual and groups contexts, to qualified professionals and trainees. Please contact us to discuss.