Jackie Maher Psychotherapy

Standard therapy sessions last 50 minutes. This is the traditional therapeutic hour used by most therapists, allowing time for meaningful work while maintaining clear boundaries. We typically meet once per week at the same time, which provides consistency and helps establish a strong therapeutic relationship.

The number of sessions varies greatly depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term therapy (6-12 sessions) focused on a specific issue, while others engage in longer-term therapy to address deeper patterns and achieve more fundamental change. We'll regularly review your progress together and discuss what feels right for you. There's no obligation to continue therapy beyond what feels helpful in London.

Yes, confidentiality is fundamental to therapy. Everything you share in our sessions remains private and will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent. The only exceptions are if you disclose information suggesting you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or if disclosure is required by law. I follow strict ethical guidelines set by my professional body regarding confidentiality.

These terms can be confusing as there's significant overlap. Psychotherapists and counsellors both provide talking therapy, with psychotherapy often being longer-term and exploring deeper patterns. Psychologists have doctoral-level training in psychology and may offer therapy, assessment, or research. As an integrative psychotherapist, I'm trained to work with a wide range of psychotherapy difficulties using various therapeutic approaches. What matters most is finding a therapist you feel comfortable with, regardless of their title.

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet and see if we're a good fit. I'll ask you about what brings you to therapy, your current difficulties, relevant background information, and what you hope to achieve. This is also your chance to ask questions about how I work, my approach, and practical arrangements. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with in the first session—we'll take things at your pace.

Yes, I offer therapy via secure video call for those who prefer online sessions or cannot attend in person. Online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy for most issues. You'll need a private space with a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone. Many clients appreciate the flexibility and convenience of online sessions, particularly if they have mobility issues, childcare responsibilities, or a busy schedule.

I understand that life can be unpredictable. I ask for at least one week’s notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations made with less than one week’s notice, or missed sessions without prior notice, will be charged at the full session fee. This policy allows me to offer the time to other clients and recognises the value of your regular appointment time.

Yes, I offer couples therapy for partners who want to work on their relationship. This can address issues such as communication problems, trust and infidelity, conflict patterns, intimacy difficulties, and life transitions, including divorce. Therapy for couples in London provides a neutral space where both partners can be heard and work together towards positive change.

If you're struggling with emotional difficulties, relationship problems, or simply feel that something isn't quite right in your life, therapy might help. There's no 'right' level of distress required to seek therapy—you don't need to be in crisis to benefit from support. Many people find therapy helpful for personal growth, self-understanding, and improving their quality of life. The best way to know if therapy is right for you is to try an initial session with no obligation to continue.