Frequently Asked Questions

Why work with me?

I offer a reflective, depth-oriented approach to counselling and psychotherapy grounded in psychological understanding, embodied awareness and collaborative exploration. My aim is to provide a safe and thoughtful therapeutic space where difficult emotions, recurring patterns and deeper questions can be explored with care and curiosity.

My work is informed by training and ongoing study in areas including:

Jungian psychology and dream work
Internal Family Systems-informed approaches
Embodied and somatic awareness
Mythology and symbolic understanding
Group facilitation and relational process
Nature-based and experiential approaches

I am currently in professional psychotherapy training and work with clients under regular clinical supervision in accordance with BACP ethical guidelines. I hold professional insurance and am committed to ongoing personal and professional development.

Who do I work with?

I work with adults experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

Anxiety and emotional overwhelm
Depression and low mood
Grief and loss
Relationship difficulties
Questions of identity and self-esteem
Feeling lost, disconnected or directionless
Life transitions and periods of change
Meaning, purpose and belonging
Climate anxiety and ecological distress
Emotional patterns and inner conflict
Men’s & women's emotional wellbeing
Creativity, sensitivity and personal development

I aim to work in a non-pathologising and collaborative way, recognising that emotional difficulties often emerge within broader personal, relational and cultural contexts.

Can we work online or in person?

I offer both online and in-person sessions.

If you are based locally, in-person sessions are generally preferred where possible, though online work can also be profoundly effective and meaningful. Online therapy allows me to work with clients across the UK and internationally.

If you are unsure which format would suit you best, we can discuss this during an initial consultation.

Is this approach right for me?

My approach may suit people who are looking not only for symptom relief, but also for deeper psychological understanding and reflection.

Therapy can support exploration of emotional patterns, relationships, identity, grief, anxiety, life transitions and questions of meaning or direction. The work is collaborative and often gradual, requiring openness, consistency and commitment over time.

I do not offer coaching, mentoring or advice-based work. If you are specifically seeking career coaching, business coaching or performance-focused support, it may be more appropriate to work with an accredited coach through organisations such as the ICF or EMCC.

I do not provide crisis services or emergency mental health care. If you are experiencing immediate risk, severe mental health crisis, or are unable to keep yourself safe, please contact emergency services, your GP, local crisis team, or the Samaritans on 116 123.

How long does therapy usually last?

Sessions take place weekly at the same time each week where possible. Regularity and consistency are important parts of the therapeutic process and help create stability, safety and continuity in the work.

The length of therapy varies depending on individual needs and circumstances. Some people seek shorter-term support around a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy focused on deeper exploration and lasting psychological change.

We can regularly review how the work is progressing together.

Do you work with couples or groups?

I offer individual therapy primarily, though I may also offer relational, group or facilitated work depending on the context and nature of the enquiry.

If you are seeking support as a couple, family, group or organisation, please contact me to discuss your needs and whether I am the appropriate person to support the work.

What are your fees?

Individual Therapy

£50 for a 50-minute session

Couples Work

£65 for a 50-minute session

I also hold a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for students, low-income or unwaged clients and disadvantaged communities, depending on availability.

My current fees reflect my stage of professional training.

Please contact me regarding current availability.

What is the difference between psychotherapy and coaching?

Psychotherapy and counselling focus on emotional wellbeing, psychological understanding and relational patterns, often exploring how past experiences and unconscious dynamics shape present life.

Coaching is generally more future-oriented and goal-focused, often centred around performance, career development or decision-making.

Psychotherapy training typically involves extensive supervised clinical practice, personal therapy and adherence to ethical frameworks such as those of the BACP or UKCP.

If you are unsure which approach would best suit your needs, we can discuss this during an initial consultation.

What influences your approach?

My work is informed by depth psychology, contemporary psychotherapy practice and embodied approaches to emotional awareness.

This includes influences from:

Jungian and post-Jungian psychology
Relational psychotherapy
Internal Family Systems
Symbolic and imaginal perspectives
Somatic awareness
Mythology and narrative traditions

While these perspectives inform the work, therapy sessions remain collaborative, grounded and responsive to your individual needs and experience.

How do we get started?

The first step is to arrange an introductory call.

This gives us space to discuss:

what brings you to therapy
what you are hoping for from the work
whether the approach feels appropriate for your needs
any practical questions you may have

You can book a free call or get in touch by emailing:

benstopford@posteo.org

What can I expect in the initial call?

The initial consultation lasts 25 minutes and provides an opportunity to explore what brings you to therapy and what you may be seeking support with.

We will discuss:

your current circumstances
relevant personal history
any previous therapy experience
practical agreements and boundaries
how we might work together

The consultation also allows us both to consider whether the therapeutic relationship feels like a good fit. If I do not feel I am the appropriate therapist for your needs, I will do my best to suggest alternative sources of support where possible.

Is therapy confidential?

Confidentiality is a central part of psychotherapy.

What you discuss in sessions is kept confidential, with certain legal and ethical exceptions relating to serious risk of harm to yourself or others, safeguarding responsibilities, or legal obligations.

As part of professional practice, I discuss client work anonymously within clinical supervision in accordance with BACP ethical guidelines.

Further details about confidentiality are included within the client agreement.

What is your cancellation policy?

Details of cancellations, payment arrangements, confidentiality and professional agreements are outlined clearly within the client agreement form provided before ongoing work begins.

Please read this carefully before starting therapy. We will also have space to discuss any questions you may have during the initial consultation.