NEW TO THERAPY | Dr Anette Magnus

NEW TO THERAPY?

Starting therapy can sometimes feel like a confusing process to navigate, and it's completely normal to feel a bit uncertain. I cover the most frequently asked questions I get from new clients in the FAQ section on this page, as well as what to expect from the first steps of starting therapy with me. I have also included a few words to hopefully reassure anyone feeling nervous about starting therapy. Should you still have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Remember, there are no silly questions and it's part of my job to answer them.

If you're feeling nervous

Although therapy and talking to a therapist should be a safe experience, it’s completely normal to feel some nerves before your first session. It can feel vulnerable to share something difficult, personal, or perhaps shameful with someone you’ve never met before. As a therapist, I want you to know that whatever brings you to therapy, my goal is for you to feel safe, seen, and understood. I have extensive experience supporting clients as they explore and work through difficulties at their own pace, and I would never pressure you to talk about something you’re not ready to share. I always begin our first meeting by asking: “How can I help you?” and I respond to whatever your answer might be with empathy, respect, and curiosity.

Also, please note that I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation allowing us to have a brief chat before our first session. Clients have told me over the years that this helps take the pressure off for the first session, as we've already met before and they have a better idea of what to expect from me.

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New to therapy?

Frequently Asked questions

Where is your therapy office?

My main office is based in London, however all sessions currently take place virtually via secure video link. Working Online allows me to see clients based outside of London as well as abroad, and is often the preference of clients with busy schedules and limited time to commute.

WILL I NEED ZOOM, SKYPE OR SIMILAR TO WORK WITH YOU?

All Online sessions take place via secure video link generated by my practice management software Konfidens, so there is no need to download Zoom, Skype or similar. The video link opens in a web browser, and you can join the session from a PC, smartphone or tablet.

How do I pay for my sessions?

After every session, you'll receive a payment link via SMS where you can choose to pay for your appointment via card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Invoices can be sent to you via email upon request. If your private health insurer is paying for your sessions, I will be invoicing them directly through Healthcode. Please note that depending on your insurance plan, you may need to pay an excess. In those cases, I send clients payment links via SMS to settle the payment in the same way as for regular sessions.

What are your fees?

My fees range from £120-£220 per session depending on session length and type (regular vs EMDR session). For a full list of fees, please click here.

Do you offer concessions?

Yes, I do currently offer limited concessionary rates to students and individuals on a low income. Please note that these slots have limited availability.

Do you take private insurance?

Yes, I am registered with the Private Practice Register (Healthcode), which includes coverage from multiple private health insurers: AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and WPA. If your insurer is paying for your therapy sessions, this means I will be invoicing them directly. Please note that depending on your insurance plan, you may need to pay an excess.

How long do you typically see clients for?

This varies, as I do both long-term, open-ended work as well as short-term courses of therapy (6-12 sessions). Some clients prefer not to have a set number of sessions for their therapy, while others have a limit due to insurance coverage or budgeting. I'm happy to accommodate both, and take a flexible and collaborative approach.

What if I can't commit to a weekly slot?

While therapy sessions usually take place at the same time and day on a weekly basis, many clients aren't able to commit to this due to their life and work schedules. I can accommodate more ad-hoc work without a fixed weekly slot, however, our next session must always be booked in advance so that we know when we're meeting next.

Can I see you more frequently than once per week?

Yes, you can. While having a fixed therapy slot with me, clients can always book themselves in for extra sessions using my booking form where they can select from my available slots. Clients are also welcome to email me and ask for any same-day availability should they wish.