Why Invest in Private Therapy?

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Over the past 15 years, therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) have become more widely available through the NHS. This has made therapy more accessible, which is a positive step.

However, I work with many people who are choosing to invest in private therapy, either face-to-face in Norfolk or online across the UK.

If you are living with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic or phobias, you may be wondering whether private therapy is worth it.

Here are some of the reasons people decide that it is.

Getting to see a therapist quickly

When you reach the point of seeking help, you often want to begin as soon as possible. In private practice, I can offer the initial appointment and regular sessions more quickly than NHS services. You can see information on my current availability here.

This means we can start working while your motivation is strong, rather than waiting weeks or months. Early support can make a significant difference, particularly when anxiety or trauma symptoms are affecting your sleep, work or relationships.

The Ability to Choose Your Therapist

One of the most important aspects of therapy is the relationship you build with your therapist. In private therapy, you can choose your therapist, rather than being assigned one.

You can actively choose a therapist whose approach and specialist interests fit your needs. I specialise in working with trauma and anxiety, including PTSD, panic attacks, health anxiety, phobias and complicated grief.

Many private therapists offer free introductory calls (I do too). This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, get a sense of how I work, and decide whether it feels like the right fit before committing to regular sessions.

Choice of Therapy

NHS services often have to work within strict treatment pathways, eligibility criteria, and time limits. While CBT and EMDR are available, they are usually offered within specific criteria and formats

In private therapy, there is greater flexibility. EMDR, for example, is well known for treating PTSD, but it can also be effective for phobias, panic attacks, health anxiety and distressing memories that don’t fit neatly into a particular diagnostic category. Accessing private therapy gives you greater choice than NHS services.

Working on Linked Difficulties Together

Many people seeking therapy are dealing with more than one issue. Trauma and panic often sit alongside each other. Anxiety can overlap with low mood. Health anxiety may connect to earlier experiences of illness or loss.

In some NHS settings, you may be asked to focus on one difficulty at a time. In private therapy, we can work in a more integrated way. If your difficulties are interconnected, we can approach them together within one course of therapy, rather than artificially separating them.

Greater Flexibility Around Time and Sessions

Private therapy allows flexibility in both duration and session frequency. I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions, either face-to-face in Norfolk or online across the UK.

I have no fixed session limit. Instead, we agree goals together, review progress regularly, and decide collaboratively when therapy has reached a natural ending point. As we move towards the end of therapy, sessions can be spaced out to help you consolidate what you have learned and build confidence independently. A bit like learning to ride a bike, taking the stabilisers off, but me still being there in the background if you have a bit of a wobble!

I also offer follow-up or “top-up” sessions if you would like occasional support after finishing regular sessions, without needing to restart the process from the beginning as you may need to in NHS services.

Privacy and Confidentiality

For some people, privacy is an important consideration. In private practice, therapy notes are stored securely and independently from NHS, GP, or other systems. Information would only be shared if there were serious concerns about safety, and wherever possible this would be discussed with you first.

Is Private Therapy Worth the Investment?

If trauma or anxiety is beginning to affect your life in ways you don’t want, private therapy offers timely, focused, and specialist support. Effective trauma therapy and anxiety work can have long-term benefits for your wellbeing, relationships, and sense of self.

If you are looking for private CBT or EMDR therapy in Norfolk, or online trauma therapy across the UK, you are welcome to get in touch for a free introductory call. We can talk through what is bringing you to therapy and whether I may be able to help. I look forward to hearing from you!