Each session lasts for 50 minutes and is typically scheduled weekly.

Yes, sessions can take place online using Google Meet or WriteUpp, this applies to both individual and intimate partners work.

As a Sex & Relationship therapist adhering to the COSRT code of ethics, I am committed to ensuring client confidentiality in both my professional practice and legal obligations. This involves registering with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), undergoing relevant trainings, maintaining anonymised session notes, and employing secure methods for storing and transmitting client information.

However, confidentiality may need to be compromised in certain situations, such as when there are concerns about safeguarding or risks of harm to oneself or others. These decisions are handled seriously by my clinical supervisor and myself, and will be openly discussed with the client before any action is taken.

Whether you should attend therapy individually or with your partner depends on various factors such as the nature of your issue, how you feel regarding your partner, what your personal and common objectives are etc... 

Individual therapy focuses on your personal history, circumstances, and goals, providing a greater space for self-exploration. In contrast, intimate partner therapy is centred on the dynamics of your relationship, emphasising the roles and interactions of each partner within that context.

Sometimes, personal issues may emerge during intimate partner therapy, which can be valuable to address separately in individual sessions. In this case, a referral to another therapist might be useful. 

Ultimately, this decision rests with you and your partner, as there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The most important thing is that you feel committed and aligned with your decision when booking a session.

Coming to relationship therapy with a partner who isn't fully committed to making progress can lead to frustration and unmet expectations.

If you are facing relational issues but your partner is not willing to participate in therapy with you, exploring another form of individual therapy could be helpful. You can find information about therapeutic models that may suit your needs and situation on the BACP's website, and use their search engine to find a therapist.

If your relational issue stems from an individual psychosexual problem (such as unreliable erections, vaginismus, compulsive sexual behaviour, etc.), you may consider individual therapy at Green Velvet Counselling.

Relationship therapy involves addressing both personal growth and the dynamics within our relationships. Achieving meaningful progress can be challenging if we feel hesitant or not fully committed to the work. 

If you are visiting this website, it may indicate that you are already reflecting on the reasons for your reluctance or hesitation. Perhaps you need more time to ponder your decision or require additional information to understand your partner's expectations or the therapy process. 

Regardless of the nature of your decision, it is important that you feel comfortable and aligned with it. Taking the time to make an informed choice can certainly positively impact your therapy journey if you pursue this option.

During the therapeutic process, we'd typically set SMART goals tailored to your issues: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives.

The number of sessions varies based on your needs, goals and resources, typically from 6 to 24. A suitable number of sessions will be suggested to you at the end of your first session, with flexibility for your schedule and budget. Every 3 to 6 sessions, we will review progress, redefine goals, and adjust the number of sessions needed if necessary.

In our first session, we'll review the therapeutic contract and address any questions you may have. I’ll also go over the assessment form with you, which should be completed before our meeting. Following this, we’ll discuss your concerns and set your therapy goals. Please note that at times, especially for intimate partner therapy, this assessment process might extend into the next session, as there can be more content to cover.

Certainly! At Green Velvet Counselling, equal support is offered to individuals or intimate partners within legal and consensual boundaries, regardless of their relationship dynamics, sexual orientation, or gender identification. Counselling for polycules can also available if needed and relevant.

Absolutely! Your neurodivergence will be taken into account throughout the therapeutic process, just like any other specific aspect of your experience. Neurodivergence can present in many different ways, and together we'll identify the most effective methods to support your individual needs.

Sex and relationship therapy provides a safe space for discussing fantasies, kinks, or fetishes if you consider that it's necessary or relevant to your therapeutic journey. However, there's no obligation to discuss them if you feel that they're not related to your relationship or psychosexual concerns.

Sex & relationship therapy can provide valuable support for your intimate life, even if you are managing a physical condition or chronic illness such as cancer, spinal cord injury, arthritis, etc. The results will depend on your specific situation, goals, and needs.

While you can still receive therapy if you suffer of a medical condition affecting your sex life or intimate relationships, in the case you suffer from an acute mental health disorder or an unstable psychotic condition, this therapeutic modality may not be suitable for you at this time. I would therefore encourage you to discuss your situation with your GP before considering psychosexual therapy.

Yes, Sex & Relationship therapy is appropriate for addressing issues related to sex or porn "addiction". However, at Green Velvet Counselling, we use the term "Compulsive Sexual Behaviour" instead of "addiction", in alignment with the official classification of the ICD-11.

At Green Velvet Counselling, transparency is fundamental, and no hidden truths are kept, as secrecy tends to undermine the effectiveness of relationship therapy. 

If you are withholding a secret from your partner and unwilling to disclose it, intimate partner therapy may not be suitable for you. In such case, individual therapy could be a more appropriate option to consider.

At Green Velvet Counselling, we do not provide therapy for intimate partners currently experiencing domestic abuse together, or if one partner perceives their physical, material, or mental safety or integrity to be significantly compromised by the other partner's conduct.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need support, you can contact Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage helpline. For those elsewhere in the UK, Refuge's helpline is also available for assistance.

If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse or are involved in abusive behaviour, you can find support on this dedicated Refuge page.

If anyone is at immediate risk of harm, please dial 999.

At Green Velvet Counselling, both partners who started the sessions together must attend every session together. Please ensure the chosen time slot works for both partners' schedules. If only one partner shows up, the session cannot proceed, and the fee is non-refundable.

Your session fee is refundable if you cancel at least 48 hours before your appointment. If you miss your session without prior notice or cancel with less than 48 hours notice, the fee is non-refundable. However, unforeseen circumstances may be considered at the counsellor's discretion.

Please be aware that if there are more than two consecutive last-minute cancellations or no-shows without reasonable justification, the contract will be terminated, and your slot will no longer be available. Additionally, frequent cancellations within 48 hours notice will also result in the same outcome.