A Place to Begin

You can get in touch using the contact form on this website, or by emailing me at jess@aplacetobegin.co.uk

I usually suggest beginning with a free 30-minute initial phone consultation, so we can talk about what you are looking for and whether working together feels like the right fit.

If we decide to go ahead, we can then arrange a first session and I will send over the information you need before we begin.

The initial consultation is a free 30-minute phone call. It gives us a chance to have a gentle first conversation, ask any questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels like the right fit for both of us.

You don’t need to have anything worked out before we speak. We can start with whatever feels easiest to say, and there is no pressure to make a decision straight away.

There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people come to therapy for a short period of time, while others find that longer-term, open-ended work feels more helpful.

We can talk in the initial consultation about what you might want or need from therapy, and I can give you a sense of what feels realistic and feasible. If we decide to work together, we will review things from time to time so we can think about how the work is progressing and what continues to feel useful for you.

Sessions usually last 60 minutes.

Some people find that a slightly longer session feels more helpful, especially if they need more time to settle in, explore what is coming up, and have time to close the session before leaving. I can offer longer sessions, including 75, 90 or 120 minutes.

My hourly rate is £65. As most sessions are 60 minutes, this is the standard session cost.

Some people prefer longer sessions. These are charged at the same hourly rate, so the fee will depend on how much additional time we agree.

The cost is the same whether we meet in person, online, or for walk and talk therapy.

I currently have limited daytime and evening availability for new clients.

If we decide to work together, I will offer you a regular slot wherever possible, so you know when we are meeting and that time is held for you.

Most clients choose to meet weekly, especially at the beginning. Meeting regularly can help us build trust in the relationship and create a sense of consistency in the work. Where possible, I will offer you a fixed weekly slot, so your appointment is usually at the same time each week.

Some people choose to meet fortnightly. This can be helpful if you need more space between sessions, or if weekly therapy is not financially possible. Fortnightly sessions can still be valuable, but it is worth remembering that the work may take longer to build momentum. You may have been “in therapy” for a while in terms of time passed, but have had fewer sessions in which to build trust, explore what is coming up, and process things together.

We can talk about what might feel most useful and manageable during the initial consultation.

Yes, I offer online therapy.

Online sessions can be helpful if travelling to York is difficult, if you need more flexibility, or if you would feel more comfortable speaking from your own space. You will need a private place where you feel able to talk, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

Walk and talk therapy takes place outdoors, with us walking side by side while we talk. We can agree a mutually convenient location in York to meet.

Some people find that walking can make it easier to think, speak and process what is coming up. I am happy to walk in most weather, but we can discuss what would feel comfortable and practical during the initial consultation.

Most of my work is with adults, but I also offer therapy to young people aged 16 and over.

Unfortunately, my therapy room is not wheelchair accessible, as there is a step into the building.

Free parking is available on a driveway, and there are regular buses nearby from York city centre.

Yes. I am part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, and I work with people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

I offer a safe and affirming space where your identity is welcome, whether it is something you want to focus on in therapy or simply one part of who you are.

Yes. I work with neurodivergence in an affirming way, whether this is something you already know about yourself, are beginning to explore, or want to make more space for in therapy.

I also realised I have ADHD in adulthood, which informs the care and curiosity I bring to this part of the work. I aim to offer a space where neurodivergence is not treated as something to be fixed, but explored safely, curiously and in a way that feels empowering.

If your question has not been answered here, you are very welcome to get in touch.

You can use the contact form by clicking get in touch, or you can email me directly at jess@aplacetobegin.co.uk