Transactional Analysis (TA) is a comprehensive model of psychology that helps us understand who we are, how we became who we are, and how we interact with our inner and outer world. TA looks at the patterns we learned in childhood - the beliefs, behaviours, and ways of relating that once helped us cope - and helps us understand how those patterns continue to show up in our current, adult lives.In therapy, TA gives us a shared language to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a way that feels structured and accessible. It helps you make sense of why certain situations trigger you, why you repeat familiar patterns, and why some relationships feel harder than others.Working with TA can support you to:understand the roots of your patternsrecognise the roles you take on in relationshipsdevelop healthier ways of communicatingmake choices that feel more aligned with who you are todaycreate lasting change rather than short-term fixesTA is both insightful and practical, giving you tools to understand yourself more deeply and move towards the life and relationships you want.

Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is a highly structured, non-blaming form of couples counselling that views relationship conflict as a natural opportunity for mutual healing and growth. By using a specialised communication framework called the Imago Dialogue, you and your partner will learn to mirror, validate, and empathise with each other rather than falling into cycles of criticism, blaming or shutting down. This approach helps you move beneath surface-level arguments (such as who’s turn it is to empty the dishwasher) to understand the deeper, childhood wounds driving your triggers, ultimately replacing automatic reactions with intentional tools that restore emotional safety, intimacy, and connection.

I draw upon a range of therapeutic modalities, including Transactional Analysis, Imago Relationship Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, creative and play therapy, and Mindfulness, to name just a few. These approaches give me a flexible and responsive way of working so I can tailor therapy to what you need.Rather than sticking rigidly to one model, I integrate these modalities to create a bespoke metaphorical toolkit that supports our work together. This allows us to explore your past, understand how your patterns developed, make sense of how they show up in the present, and create meaningful change that feels grounded and sustainable.

My private practice is based in my therapy room in Willerby Square, offering a quiet, confidential space that is easily accessible for clients local to Willerby, Kirk Ella, Anlaby, and Cottingham. If you’re travelling from Hull or the wider East Yorkshire area, there is a free 24‑hour car park and plenty of off‑street parking just a one‑minute walk from my venue. There are also regular bus routes nearby, making the location easy to reach by public transport.For clients who live further afield, or for those who prefer the comfort of their own home, I also offer online therapy sessions to clients across the UK.

My preference is to work with clients face to face from my therapy room in Willerby, as I find the in‑person connection supports the relational depth that’s central to my work. I also offer online video therapy sessions to clients living anywhere in the UK. Sessions can take place via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.I don’t offer telephone sessions, as being able to see each other helps maintain the level of attunement and connection that’s important in therapy.

All individual sessions are 60 minutes and couples sessions are 90 minutes. To build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship, I generally recommend meeting weekly or bi-weekly, especially in the early stages of our work together. As therapy progresses and your needs change, we can discuss moving to monthly or maintenance sessions at a pace that feels right for you.

Individual therapy sessions are £65 per session and couples sessions are £130 per session. Single session therapy session are £85. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss fees for group sessions.Payments are made via bank transfer and are due 48 hours in advance of all sessions.

I operate a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, please let me know at least 48 hours in advance. Sessions cancelled or missed outside of this window are charged at the full session fee, as that time slot has been reserved exclusively for you.

Research consistently shows that the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important factors in successful therapy, which is why finding the right fit really matters. I offer a free, no‑obligation 30-minute phone or video call so we can talk briefly about what you’re looking for, give you a sense of how I work, and help you decide whether you feel comfortable moving forward together. This initial conversation is simply an opportunity for us both to get a feel for the connection - no pressure, no commitment, just a space to see whether it feels right.

You can fill out the secure contact form on my contact page, email me directly at dthomsonta@outlook.com, send a text or WhatsApp message, or leave a voicemail on 07883 393590.I respond to all new enquiries within 48 hours during my regular business days, Tuesday to Friday.

Our first full session (sometimes more) is an assessment and a getting-to‑know-you period. We’ll explore your background, build a timeline of significant experiences, and look at what brings you to therapy at this particular point in your life. We’ll also clarify your personal goals so we have a shared understanding of what you’re hoping to work towards.This is a completely non‑judgmental space where you can share as much or as little as you feel ready to. Together, we’ll map out a plan for our future sessions so the work feels grounded, purposeful, and tailored to your needs.

Once we’ve completed your assessment, it’s incredibly common to arrive for a session and not know what to say or how to describe what you’re feeling. You don’t need a perfectly prepared script or a clear diagnosis to begin therapy. My job is to guide the conversation and ask open-ended questions to help you unpack whatever is on your mind.You might talk about a recent stressful event, a repetitive argument with your partner, or simply say, “I just feel overwhelmed lately and don’t know why”. We will figure it out together, at your pace. And if words feel too much, we can make use of my creative shelf - using imagery, objects, or creative exercises to help you express what’s going on internally in a way that feels safe and accessible.

Progress in therapy doesn’t always look like a straight line, and it can look different for everyone. However, there are some common signs that therapy might be working. You might notice a greater sense of self-awareness, improved coping mechanisms, or subtle shifts in your everyday behaviour. You may find yourself processing intense emotions more quickly, setting healthier boundaries with family or colleagues, or feeling less reactive to old triggers.During your initial consultation and assessment, we’ll define your personal goals for growth so we have a shared understanding of what progress looks like for you. We’ll regularly review these together, making sure therapy continues to feel meaningful, supportive, and aligned with your goals.

Everybody is different and the number of sessions you need will depend on what you want to achieve from therapy. I’ve been in therapy for the best part of 30 years and still have stuff to work through!I work open-ended with clients, so unless you prefer to set a specific timeframe, we can continue working together for as long as you feel it’s helpful. Typically, many clients work with me for around a year, though some prefer shorter-term work and others choose to stay much longer. It’s entirely shaped around your needs, your pace, and your goals.In November 2026, I introduced Single Session Therapy into my practice - a solution-focused, brief therapy option designed for clients who want support with a specific issue, decision, or moment in time. This can be a helpful alternative if you’re not looking for ongoing therapy but would benefit from one focused, structured session.

There is no fixed timeline for therapy, as the number of sessions depends entirely on your personal goals and the complexity of what you’re bringing. Some clients find that short-term therapy (typically 6 to 12 weeks) gives them the immediate coping strategies they need to navigate a specific life transition or acute stressor. Other clients prefer open-ended, long-term psychotherapy (1 year plus) to explore deep-seated patterns, process historical trauma, or maintain ongoing personal growth. I've been in therapy for the best part of 30 years and still learning and growing!We’ll check in regularly to evaluate your progress and make sure our work continues to feel meaningful, supportive, and aligned with your goals.

Yes, I am a fully qualified and accredited therapist with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), and I am a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist with Imago UK. I hold a Level 7 Diploma in Integrative Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy and a BSc in Psychology. I follow both the UKCP and NCPS codes of ethics to ensure safe, professional, and accountable practice.

Yes. I am fully insured through Hiscox, and I undergo regular enhanced DBS checks to ensure safe and ethical practice. My insurance and DBS status are kept up to date in line with professional requirements and the standards set by UKCP and NCPS.

Yes. In line with the strict requirements of the UKCP framework, I receive regular, confidential clinical supervision with senior, highly experienced supervisors. Supervision is a standard ethical requirement for all qualified therapists and ensures that my practice remains safe, effective, and grounded, while fully protecting your anonymity and privacy.I work within a robust supervision structure, which includes:a principal supervisor who oversees my core clinical worka specialist couples‑therapy supervisor for my Imago Relationship Therapy practicea group‑work supervisor for my therapy groups and group workan academic supervisor for my assessment and marking workThis multi‑layered approach ensures that every aspect of my practice is supported, reflective, and aligned with professional standards.

No, I do not accept private health insurance. All sessions are self‑funded and paid directly by clients.However, some clients access therapy through their employer. If your employer is willing to fund your sessions, this can be arranged through a simple contract in which they agree to cover the session fees. I’m happy to discuss this option with you and provide the necessary documentation.