FAQS
FAQS
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you're thinking about therapy, it's likely the right time. You may be feeling unfulfilled, stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, repeating old patterns, struggling with relationships, processing your past, your identity, or life transitions. Perhaps you just feel unfulfilled within or you simply want to talk through issues. Therapy offers a confidential space to reflect, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence. If you value personal growth, emotional stability, or want to make healthier decisions and meaningful, lasting change, therapy can help you do just that.
How do I choose a therapist to work with?
Finding the right therapist is the first step toward healing and growth. Start by reflecting on what you’d like from therapy, whether that’s emotional support, clarity, or change and the kind of therapist you want sitting with you, week after week. Consider the qualities you'd feel comfortable with: someone with lived experience, formal qualifications, or both. Use reliable directories like Psychology Today and BAATN to find verified professionals. Many counsellors offer free consultations to help you get a sense of their style and approach. Remember, it may take a few tries to find the right fit and that is perfectly okay. Your comfort with the right person is worth it.
What can psychotherapy help me with
Psychotherapy can help with a wide range of emotional difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, stress, and loneliness, as well as relationship, family issues and a general dissatisfaction with life. You do not have to be in crisis or have a serious problem, to engage in psychotherapy. It supports behaviour change, breaks unhelpful patterns, and helps you build healthier coping strategies. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or simply want to understand yourself more deeply, therapy offers a safe, confidential space to grow, reflect, and heal.
How long is a therapy session?
A therapy session with most therapists lasts 50 minutes for individuals and 60 minutes for couples.
How do I know if a psychotherapist or counsellor is qualified?
Sadly, not everyone who calls themselves a therapist has the training to back it up. In the UK and many other countries, the title “counsellor” or “psychotherapist” isn’t legally protected, so it’s important to look beyond the label. Some individuals may have academic degrees, even MScs and PhDs in psychology and mental health fields, but academic study alone doesn’t guarantee they can safely or effectively provide therapy. It’s like assuming a medical doctor is trained in deep tissue massage or physiotherapy.
To earn the title of psychotherapist or counsellor registered with bodies like UKCP and BACP, training is comprehensive and spans many years:
~ Initial foundational courses covering counselling theories, ethics, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness
~ Advanced diploma-level education with in-depth study of therapeutic approaches and clinical ethics
~ Supervised practice placement: BACP requires 100 hours of one-to-one client work (UKCP requires 450 hours), overseen by a registered clinical supervisor and rigorously assessed by accredited training organisations
~ This journey takes about four years under UKCP standards
~ Qualified therapists often hold memberships with professional bodies like UKCP, BACP (which requires a minimum of 100 clinical hours for counsellors), BPS, or NCS. These organisations ensure that members uphold industry standards in training, ethics, and practice. Although not all trained therapists seek membership, it's a valuable trust signal.
Be cautious of therapy providers who list brief courses or certificates earned in just hours. Without deep training and supervised practice, the ability to support emotional healing safely and effectively just isn’t there.
I need advice on a few things. Will my therapist give me advice?
Not in the traditional sense. Therapists offer thoughtful guidance by asking the right questions and helping you reflect more clearly. Rather than telling you what to do, they support you in uncovering your own insights and making decisions that align with your wellbeing. Not getting direct advice may feel challenging at first, but with a compassionate and confidential space, you’ll start to trust in your own judgement and discover new perspectives simply by talking things through.
I’ve never had therapy before. What can I expect from therapy with Sade?
We begin with a 15-minute phone call to see if we are a good fit and for you to see how comfortable you feel. Our next 3-4 sessions will involve preliminary exploration of your story, what brings you to therapy, the important people in your life, what every day looks like to you, etc. Therapy has started at this point but it will involve inquiry from your therapist. We may use some tools to help you jog your memory and help you think about aspects you haven't considered. There is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with. We usually start slow and go at your pace.
How often will I have my therapy sessions?
Therapy typically happens once a week at the samee time and place. This consistency creates a steady rhythm of predictability that is essential for reflection and growth. Depending on your progress and what feels right for you, sessions might move to every two weeks. Your therapist will work with you to find the pace that supports your wellbeing.
How long will I be in therapy for?
It depends on your goals and what brings you to therapy. Some people seek support for a specific concern that may be resolved in a shorter time, while others engage in longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth. The type and duration of treatment is always tailored to your needs and the nature of what you're working through. You and your therapist will discuss the plan together, including when it feels right to end. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure. It’s a process that supports lasting emotional change and wellbeing.
What happens if I want to end therapy?
You’re free to make that choice at any time, and talking it through with your therapist is part of the process. Ending therapy can bring up strong feelings, and sometimes, those feelings reveal important patterns worth exploring. Stopping can be a meaningful choice, but sometimes, it’s driven by deeper emotional patterns. For instance, if you’re feeling uncomfortable as therapy begins to go deeper, your therapist may gently help you explore whether this reflects a tendency to pull away emotional closeness. Understanding your reasons together creates space for clarity, growth, and a safe ending. Whether you’re feeling unsettled or facing practical changes in your life circumstances, your therapist is there to support a thoughtful transition. If something has gone wrong in the therapy process, you are encouraged to speak openly to your therapist. They are trained to support you with care and professionalism. You’ll work together to understand the timing, the reasons, and how best to end in a way that feels safe and respectful.
Is my therapist available to me outside our sessions?
Your therapist is available at the scheduled time you’ve both agreed on. Outside of session hours, you're encouraged to journal, reflect, or connect with trusted people in your life. Therapy isn’t meant to be available 24/7. It works best when it helps you build self-awareness and resilience. Rather than becoming available on demand, it supports the development of your own healthy coping tools and personal agency.
Is seeing an AI therapist the same as seeing a real therapist?
AI therapy tools can be helpful for practicing CBT techniques, exploring journaling prompts, and gathering reflections when human support isn’t available. They’re patient, consistent, and available anytime—great for validation and organizing your thoughts between sessions. Psychotherapy on the other hand is built on real empathy, human connection, and relational depth. A trained therapist listens deeply and hears the breath you didn’t know you took before speaking. They read your tone, your body language, your pauses. These nuances create a space for healing that AI simply cannot replicate. A human therapist offers a real relationship, one that is mutual. You get to explore what it means to feel safe with someone, to experience good boundaries, to disagree, to repair after ruptures, and to connect deeply. You can’t switch off a human the way you can switch off an app, ensuring that you are growing emotionally and not perfecting avoidance.
If you're seeking growth, healing, or to be truly seen, human therapy remains essential. AI can supplement but not substitute the transformative power of being understood by another person.
I am well known and I need to keep my personal life private. Is everything I talk about in therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is absolutely central to our work. Whether you’re in the public eye, leading behind the scenes, or you simply care about your privacy, we provide a discreet and secure therapeutic space, where you can speak freely and be heard without judgment. We do not share client names or details with anyone. In the UK, registered psychotherapists are bound by strict ethical and legal guidelines. We also attend clinical supervision, where even though your case may be discussed anonymously to ensure quality care, your identity is protected, and supervisors are also bound by strict standards of confidentiality.
At Simi Sara, your privacy is guaranteed with a few legal exceptions which are:
~ If you express intent to harm yourself or others
~ If you disclose harm involving a child or vulnerable adult in your contact or care
~ If you reveal plans of terrorism
~ If we receive a court subpoena (not from police, solicitors, or employers) to give information about you.
It is however important to note that your name will show on Simi Sara bank statements and receipts and the emails you send.
These limits will be clearly discussed in your first session, so you know exactly where you stand. Therapy is here to support your wellbeing, and safeguarding your privacy is at the heart of that commitment.
What happens if I run into my therapist in public?
Your therapist is committed to maintain confidentiality, even outside the therapy room. Therapists will usually not acknowledge you overtly to protect your privacy. However, we will respond civilly to your greeting if you offer one. If you ran into Sade in public, she will not introduce you to anyone or carry on a conversation with you. This includes on Social Media.
I am looking for help for my child, can Sade help?
Sade is a trained and registered psychotherapist and counsellor who provides support to adults aged 18 and over. While she doesn't work directly with children or adolescents, she’s committed to helping families find the right support. If you're seeking therapy for a younger person, Sade can refer you to trusted therapists who specialise in working with children and teens. Your child’s wellbeing matters and and we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
I need help urgently. Can I contact Simi Sara?
While Simi Sara provides professional counselling and psychotherapy services, these are offered on a scheduled appointment basis. We are unable to offer immediate or emergency support. If you're in crisis or need urgent help, it’s important to contact emergency mental health services or helplines available in your area. If you are in immediate danger in the UK, or you are unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. If it is important that you speak to someone but it is not immediately life threatening, call Samaritans on 116123. They are available 24/7 and it is free to call. You can also call 111 and select the Mental Health option.
Other helpful resources:
~ Text SHOUT to 85258 for a 24/7 text service. This is a free service for anyone in crisis.
~ Childline: If you're under 19, call 08001111 for free, confidential support.
Your safety matters. We encourage you to get the right help when you need it most and we’re here for you when you're ready to book a session.
I’m based in outside the UK. Can I still access your services?
Of course. We offer virtual sessions to meet your needs from wherever you are. For organisations, we can also deliver services in-person. Please visit our page for work with organisations here.
Do you offer therapy for couples and their children (family therapy)?
We offer couples therapy as part of our Couples Therapy Package. Sessions are delivered as dedicated 1:2 therapy, supporting partners in navigating relational challenges like intimacy, trust, betrayal, and emotional disconnection. We also help couples reflect on themes that may have surfaced during the workshop, providing a confidential space to process and strengthen their connection.
We do not offer services to children.
Can you support my organisation or creative team with our wellbeing and mental health goals?
Absolutely. Simi Sara works with many types of organizations and groups, including self-employed collectives, HR teams, agencies, non-profit organisations, corporations, production companies and retail and entertainment brands. We offer bespoke services such as wellbeing strategy & leadership consultancy, confidential therapy for staff or talent, restorative team sessions and retreats, team bonding and conflict resolution.
Do you offer services to individual team members of organisations?
Yes. Our integrative approach blends psychotherapy, counselling and coaching. We support:
~ Founders and CEOs navigating personal-professional identity
~ Creatives facing visibility, burnout or imposter syndrome
~ Leaders in transition or succession
~ Long-standing employees in retirement
Support can be delivered through packages, 1:1 intensives, or ongoing sessions.
How do I know whether I need therapy or coaching?
Therapy is ideal if you're dealing with emotional pain, trauma, relational issues, or internal conflict. Coaching is great for goal-oriented work, decision-making, and vision-building. At Simi Sara, coaching is sometimes introduced when it is needed but the bulk of the work will be on therapy.
Is your therapy culturally sensitive and trauma-informed?
Yes. We work through a relational, intersectional, and trauma-aware lens, particularly attuned to the Black experience in both Western and African contexts. We explore how family, legacy, gender, faith, success, and identity shape your internal world.
You talk about being a therapist for Black people. Does Sade work with clients from other ethnic backgrounds?
Definitely! My practice is open to everyone. While I actively highlight support for Black and minority ethnic clients who can be underrepresented in therapy, many of my clients are White British, reflecting the population of the UK. Therapy with Sade is for anyone seeking emotional support, personal growth, or a space to be truly heard, regardless of race or background. I work with people from all walks of life who want to understand themselves better, improve their relationships, or navigate challenges with the help of a caring and compassionate therapist. Whether you're new to therapy or returning, you'll be met with warmth, respect, and a deep commitment to your wellbeing.
Do you work with clients from the US?
We are not able to offer therapy to individuals located in the United States. US regulations require psychotherapists to be licensed in the specific state where the client resides. So unless the therapist holds that state-specific license, providing therapy is not legally permitted. Sade is based in the UK and registered to work with adults aged 18 and over within the UK. If you are currently in the US and seeking support, we recommend contacting your state’s licensing board or searching through verified directories such as Psychology Today USA to find a qualified local therapist. Your wellbeing matters, and finding support that meets your country’s legal and clinical standards is an important step forward.
How are sessions delivered? Do you work online or in person?
We offer: Online sessions via Zoom or secure platforms (ideal for clients all over UK or internationally). We also carry out in-person workshops in the West Midlands, UK or from your location.
What are your therapy fees?
Standard therapy sessions are priced at £80 per 50-minute session.
Couples Therapy sessions are priced at £120 per session
Initial consultations are available at zero costs for 15-minutes by phone, giving you space to explore whether therapy is right for you.
Organisational or group work are bespoke, starting from £800. Please visit the organisations support page and contact us directly for rates.
Please visit our Fees page for up-to-date information on fees.
How do I book a session or consultation?
Book a free 15-minute consultation Here
Email us at therapist@simisara.com
Or complete the Contact Form on our Contact Page
Do you offer therapy in other languages?
At this time, sessions are conducted primarily in English. Sade is a fluent Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin English speaker so she understands unique cultural expressions. Clients are invited to bring them into sessions as part of their story.
I’m not sure I’m ready for therapy. What should I do now?
It is okay to take your time. Many of our clients spend weeks or months thinking about therapy before they take the first step. Feel free to book a no-pressure consultation or follow @therapywithsade on Instagram for reflections, insights, and resources until you’re ready.