FAQs

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I need urgent support
Mankind Psychological Services is not an emergency service. If you’re feeling unsafe, overwhelmed, or at risk of harming yourself, please contact 111 (option 2) to reach your local NHS mental health crisis team. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 for immediate support from someone who will listen.

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Do you do online only?

Yes, currently. There are plans in the future to offer face-to-face sessions however not in the immediate future.

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What therapy do you do? 

I am a Compassion-Focused therapist. Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is an approach to help people understand their minds and emotions work, and to develop a kinder and more supportive relationship with themselves. Compassion can be seen as being weak due to "just being kind". However it's more than that. It's also about leaning into difficulties and pain with courage, strength and bravery to help understand and manage emotions.  

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What do you do in sessions?

There is no fixed way of doing the sessions. We would work together to think about what you would like to do. Things we would do in sessions are:

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• Practicing coping skills to reduce anxiety and stress. These skills also help you stay strong and grounded when life gets hard. 

• Talking through an issue or problem you have.

• Understand how your mind works, through the threat, drive and soothe systems. This can help us understand why you feel anxious in certain situations.

• Learning more about something, such as how your brain works, why emotions are helpful and why a breathing exercise can help calm the body. 

• Track progress with goals and set new ones. 

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How long do sessions last?

Each session lasts 50 minutes.

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Who do you work with?

Men who experience anxiety that feels difficult to manage. Men may struggle with spiralling thoughts or struggle to provide for their family when they feel overwhelmed. They may not feel present with their friends or family, as they're constantly worried about something.

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How are you different from other therapists and psychologists?

My area of interest is masculinity and mental health. I have worked with men therapeutically for many years, attended training and read literature on men and masculinity. I am also a man myself and have my own experiences. My practice is more adapted to men, such as:

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• Initial focus on practical problem solving to reduce initial distress.

• Focus on strengths and building on these.

• Think how early life experiences of being a boy (e.g., being told not to cry or being told off for being scared) impacted on your adult life. Some men have not been taught to understand and manage emotions due to how they were brought up, and that's not their fault. 

• Think about how men communicate differently to women. For example, men may show care through fixing things in the house rather than use words. 

• Think about men's roles they occupy, such as being a provider and protector. 

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Therapy  would not take anything away from your masculinity. It builds on your strengths and helps you explore other healthy, grounded ways of relating as a man. I've worked with many men who felt their previous female therapists were very helpful, but still felt parts of their male experience weren't fully understood. 

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What should I expect in my first session?

The first step would be to arrange a free 20 minute consultation phone call. This is to explore what you're struggling with, explain what therapy I offer, check in on your wellbeing and safety, and address any questions you may have. If you're happy to go ahead, we will agree a time for the first session.

 

You will then receive an e-mail with therapy terms to sign, two questionnaires to complete about anxiety and depression and an invoice for your first payment. You will also receive your link for your first session.

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In the first session we can talk about what would be helpful to focus on and come up with a plan. I can also guide you through some basic coping skills to get you started too. It can be nerve-wracking to attend your first session, but that is completely normal and to be expected. 

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Do I have to commit to a certain amount of sessions?

No, not at all. You may feel after the first session that it's not for you and that's ok. You may change your mind after our initial conversation and that's ok too. 

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Some clients have 6 sessions, others have more than 24. There is no pressure or obligation to commit to any amount of sessions. You know what's best for you.

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How much is a session?

£100, paid before every appointment.​

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Are you approved through insurance companies?

Yes, I have recognised status with the following insurance companies: Aviva; AXA Health; VitalityHealth; and WPA

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How do I pay?

Through a direct bank transfer. You'll be sent an invoice that has the bank details on.

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