Private Health Insurance & Psychotherapy

Finding the right therapist is an important step. If you have private medical insurance, you may be able to access psychotherapy with me through your existing health cover.

I am recognised by four major UK private medical insurance providers: Allianz, Vitality, AXA Health and Aviva.

This means that clients with eligible policies may be able to use their private medical insurance to fund therapy sessions, subject to their individual policy benefits and insurer authorisation.

I work with adults experiencing difficulties with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, body image, emotional eating, anxiety, self-worth and related psychological and emotional challenges.

My approach goes beyond simply addressing symptoms or behaviours. Together, we can explore the underlying emotional experiences, beliefs and patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties, helping you develop a healthier relationship with food, your body and yourself.

Which private medical insurers do I work with?

I am recognised by the following providers:

• Allianz

• Vitality

• AXA Health

• Aviva

If you are insured with one of these providers, you may be able to access therapy through your policy.

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How to access therapy through your insurance

The process is generally straightforward, although requirements vary between insurers and individual policies.

1. Check your policy

Contact your insurer to establish whether your cover includes outpatient mental health treatment, counselling or psychotherapy. Ask about any session limits, excess payments or restrictions.

2. Obtain authorisation

Your insurer may require a GP referral, an initial clinical assessment or other information before approving treatment. Ask them to confirm that they will authorise sessions with me.

3. Confirm your cover

Once your insurer has assessed your eligibility, they can confirm the number of sessions authorised, any financial contribution required from you and how payments will be arranged.

4. Arrange an introductory conversation

Once you have confirmed your cover, get in touch. I offer a free 10–15 minute introductory phone or video consultation so we can briefly discuss what brings you to therapy and whether working together feels like the right fit.

What can I seek help with?

My psychotherapy practice focuses particularly on the relationship between psychological wellbeing, body image, food and self-worth.

I work with adults experiencing:

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and appearance-related preoccupation.

• Eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.

• Emotional eating and difficulties with food.

• Compulsive exercise and unhealthy relationships with fitness.

• Body image dissatisfaction and appearance anxiety.

• Low self-esteem, shame and self-criticism.

• Perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy.

• Anxiety, emotional difficulties and relationship patterns.

Difficulties with food and body image are rarely just about food or appearance. They can be connected to deeper emotional experiences, relationships, identity, self-worth and ways of coping.

My work aims to understand the person behind the difficulties, rather than focusing exclusively on a diagnosis or set of symptoms.

Professional qualifications and accreditation

I am an MBACP Accredited psychotherapist and counsellor, accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

My qualifications include:

• BA (Hons) Humanistic Counselling.

• BSc Exercise & Health.

Alongside six years of psychotherapy experience, I bring over 25 years of professional experience in exercise, health, physical therapy and rehabilitation.

I hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance and work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.

In-person and online therapy

I offer face-to-face psychotherapy in Liphook, Hampshire, as well as online sessions for clients throughout the UK.

Sessions are 45 minutes and cost £90 when privately funded. Insurance-funded session arrangements are subject to your insurer's agreed rates and authorisation.

Getting started

If you have private medical insurance with Allianz, Vitality, AXA Health or Aviva and are considering psychotherapy, feel free to get in touch.

I'm happy to answer initial questions about working together and help you understand the practical steps involved.

I also offer a free 10–15 minute introductory phone or video consultation, giving us an opportunity to meet before deciding whether to proceed.

You don't need to have everything figured out before taking that first step.