Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, straightforward answers about therapy, assessments, fees, and how things work at Illuminated Thinking. If you cannot find what you need, get in touch and we will be happy to help.
Getting started
How do I book my first appointment?
Use our contact form to share a few details about what brings you here. We will recommend a clinician and offer the earliest suitable times. You can also browse our team directory and request a specific psychologist, or book a free 10-minute call with our Clinical Director to talk things through first.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an assessment. Your psychologist will ask about your current difficulties, relevant history, what you have tried before, and what you are hoping to achieve. It is a collaborative conversation, not an interrogation. You will not be pressured to share anything you are not ready to discuss. By the end, you will have a shared formulation and an initial plan for therapy, paced to your needs.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can self-refer directly. If you would like us to liaise with your GP or psychiatrist at any point, we can do so with your consent.
Can I choose my psychologist?
Yes. You can browse our team directory and request someone specific. If you would rather we suggest someone, get in touch with a brief description of what you need and we will recommend the best fit.
Appointments
How long is a therapy session?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Extended sessions can be arranged for EMDR intensives, assessments, or where clinically helpful. Just ask.
How often will we meet?
Most people start with weekly sessions. As progress builds, some move to fortnightly. Your psychologist will advise what suits your goals and where you are in the process.
Do you offer evening or daytime appointments?
Yes. Availability varies by clinician. When you get in touch, let us know your preferences and we will match you with someone whose schedule fits.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Sessions cancelled with less notice are charged in full, as your psychologist has reserved that time for you.
Fees and payment
How much does therapy cost?
Fees vary by clinician, ranging from £70 to £150 per session. Assessment fees are separate. For example, our adult ADHD assessment is £900, our autism assessment is £1,300, and a combined ADHD and autism assessment is £1,850. Each clinician lists their fee on their profile page. We are always transparent about costs before you commit.
How do I pay?
We accept bank transfer and card payment. Details are provided when you book.
Do you accept health insurance?
Many of our clinicians are registered with major insurers including AVIVA, AXA, BUPA, CIGNA, Healix, Vitality, and WPA. Please mention your insurer when you get in touch so we can confirm eligibility and any excess you may need to pay.
Our approach
What therapies do you offer?
We offer a range of evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, ACT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT, and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Your psychologist will recommend the approach or combination of approaches that best fits your formulation. We do not apply one method to everyone.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?
Clinical psychologists complete a minimum of six years of university training, including a three-year doctoral programme, and are regulated by the HCPC. This equips them to work with complex, severe, and co-occurring difficulties using multiple evidence-based models. Counsellors provide valuable support but typically have shorter training and a different scope of practice. Read more on our about page.
How do you measure progress?
We agree goals together at the start and review them regularly. Your psychologist may use validated outcome measures to track change over time, so you can see what is improving and what to focus on next. Progress reviews are collaborative. If something is not working, we adjust.
Online and in person
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. Our clinicians offer secure video sessions available across the UK. Many clients blend online and in-person appointments depending on what works best that week.
Where are you based for in-person therapy?
We are based at Mearns Castle Golf Academy, Waterfoot Road, Glasgow, G77 5RR. Full directions are provided when you book. The rooms are comfortable, private, and accessible.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
For many presentations, the research shows comparable outcomes. Your psychologist will discuss what is likely to be most effective for your situation and can adjust the format if needed.
Reports and letters
Can you provide reports or letters?
Yes. We can provide clinical summaries or letters to your GP, employer, or insurer where clinically appropriate. Longer reports, including medico-legal and neuropsychological assessments, are quoted separately. Let us know what you need and we will advise.
How long do reports take?
Simple letters are usually prepared within 1 to 2 weeks. Comprehensive assessment reports depend on the scope and typically take 3 to 4 weeks after the final session. We will confirm timelines before proceeding.
Confidentiality and safety
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything you share is confidential and handled in line with HCPC professional standards and UK GDPR. The main exceptions are situations where there is a significant risk of harm to you or someone else, or where there is a legal obligation to disclose. We will explain this clearly in your first session. For full details, see our privacy policy.
What if I need urgent support?
Illuminated Thinking is not an emergency service. If you need urgent help, contact NHS 111, your GP, your local Crisis Team, or call 999. The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.
Practicalities
Accessibility
Please let us know about any mobility, sensory, or communication needs before your first appointment. We will arrange the most suitable room and format to make sure you are comfortable.
Do you work with adults, children, or both?
Our core service is for adults. Dr Aayesha Mulla offers specialist support for children, young people, and families. If you are looking for help for a young person, include this in your enquiry and we will advise on current availability.
Do you offer clinical supervision or CPD?
Yes. Some of our clinicians offer clinical supervision for psychologists and therapists in training or practice. We also host CPD events. Get in touch with "Supervision" in the subject line.
Ready to begin?
Share what you would like help with and we will match you with the right clinician.