Frequently asked questions.

You do not need to be certain before getting in touch. During a free 15-minute introductory call, we can briefly discuss what you are experiencing, what you hope might change and whether our practice is likely to be a good fit. If we are not the right service, we will be open about that.

We support people experiencing anxiety, OCD, low mood, trauma, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and significant life changes. We also have particular experience in neurodiversity, ADHD, autism, tics, Tourette syndrome and habit disorders.

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis or referral to contact us. Therapy begins with understanding your experiences, needs and goals rather than requiring you to fit a particular label.

It means that we respect neurological differences rather than treating them as faults to be corrected. We adapt therapy around each person’s communication style, sensory needs, strengths and way of processing the world. The aim is to reduce distress and make life more manageable without asking someone to hide or change who they are.

You do not need to choose a therapy before contacting us. Our therapists draw on approaches including CBT, IPT, EMDR, ACT, Compassion Focused Therapy, counselling and integrative psychotherapy. We will discuss which approach, or combination of approaches, may be most appropriate for your needs.

The call is a relaxed opportunity to tell us briefly what you are looking for, ask questions and decide whether you would like to arrange an initial appointment. You do not need to prepare or provide a detailed history.

Kate carries out initial screening to understand what support you are looking for and consider which therapist may be a good fit. If you specifically ask for Natasha Monteverde or Sarah Hancock, Kate forwards your enquiry directly to that therapist so they can respond. We consider training, experience, availability and your preferences. Feeling comfortable with your therapist matters, and the introductory conversation gives you an opportunity to explore that.

Your therapist will begin by getting to know you and understanding what has brought you to therapy. You may discuss your current difficulties, relevant experiences, strengths and what you would like to be different. You will not be expected to disclose everything immediately, and the conversation should move at a pace that feels manageable.

No. You can contact us directly without going through your GP. With your consent, we can liaise with other professionals when this would be helpful.

Yes. We work across the lifespan, beginning from age four. With younger children, support is predominantly parent led. Kate has extensive experience of working directly with teenagers and adapts the approach according to their age, needs and level of independence.

Parents and carers are an important part of a young child’s everyday environment and can often make the greatest difference between sessions. We work with parents to understand what may be happening and develop practical, compassionate ways to support their child. We will explain whether and how the child should be involved.

Teenagers need a private space in which they can speak openly. We agree how confidentiality and parental involvement will work at the beginning of therapy. Information is not routinely shared without the young person’s knowledge, although we may need to act if we believe they or someone else is at serious risk of harm. We explain these limits clearly from the outset.

Sessions with Kate are relaxed, supportive and focused on you. You’ll usually begin by checking in on how things have been and what feels most important to talk about that day. From there, you’ll work together to explore patterns in your thoughts, feelings or relationships. Depending on what you need, this may include practical strategies, working through a difficulty step by step, or a carefully guided process such as EMDR. You can ask questions and go at a pace that feels manageable. You do not need to prepare or find the ‘right’ words. Kate may suggest something to try between sessions, agreed together around your goals. It can be a small, practical step, and you can say if an exercise feels unhelpful or overwhelming.

There is no single answer because this depends on your needs, goals and chosen approach. Some people benefit from focused, shorter-term work, while others need more time. Your therapist will discuss this with you and review progress regularly rather than expecting an open-ended commitment.

Sessions are usually arranged weekly, particularly at the beginning, because consistency helps build momentum. Frequency may vary depending on your needs, the therapeutic approach and your therapist’s availability.

We offer in-person appointments in Histon, Cambridge, as well as online sessions. Availability differs between therapists, and some members of the team work exclusively online. We can discuss the most suitable option during your introductory call.

Online therapy can provide the same opportunity for focused, collaborative work and may be more accessible or convenient for some people. Its suitability depends on the person, their circumstances and the type of support needed. You will need a private space and a reliable internet connection for sessions.

Individual therapy with Kate or an associate costs £110 for a standard 50–60-minute session. Your therapist will confirm the appointment length when you book. Fees are paid in advance directly to your therapist. The initial 15-minute consultation is free. Your therapist will explain cancellation and missed-appointment arrangements before you agree to book.

Kate does not routinely record sessions and does not currently use AI to listen to, record or transcribe therapy. If a recording is proposed, its purpose, access, storage and deletion arrangements will be explained and your separate agreement sought beforehand. You can decline an optional recording without losing access to therapy. Associates explain their own arrangements in their therapy agreements and privacy information.

Yes. What you share in therapy is treated as confidential. There are limited exceptions, for example, if there is a serious concern about your safety or someone else’s, or a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable adult. Your therapist will explain confidentiality and its limits before therapy begins.

Kate’s mental health nursing background provides a strong understanding of psychiatric medication and how mental and physical health can interact. We can help you think about your experiences of medication, but prescribing and changes to medication must be discussed with your GP, psychiatrist or prescribing clinician.

We are not an emergency or crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department. For urgent medical advice, contact NHS 111. If you need immediate emotional support, you can contact Samaritans free on 116 123.