FAQs — Psychotherapy with Nick Corrigan, Dalston

Question 1

How do I know whether therapy might help?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, it's hard to know in advance. Most people who come to therapy have a sense that something isn't quite right — a pattern that keeps repeating, a feeling they can't shift, a situation they're struggling to navigate. If you're wondering whether it might be useful, that's usually a reasonable sign that it's worth finding out.

Question 2

What happens when I first contact you?

Accepted Answer

We arrange a free, virtual, 15-minute conversation. You can tell me a little about what's bringing you to therapy, ask whatever you need to, and get a sense of whether talking to me feels right. There's no commitment on either side.

Question 3

What is the initial conversation like?

Accepted Answer

It's informal. I'll ask you a little about what's going on and what you're hoping for. You can ask me anything about how I work. It's really just a chance to see whether there's a fit — whether you feel you could talk to me, and whether I think I can be useful to you.

Question 4

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is a chance to go into more depth — to tell me more about what's brought you to therapy and what you're hoping to get from it. I'll ask questions, but I'll also give you space to say what feels important. By the end, we'll usually have a clearer sense of whether we want to work together and what that might look like.

Question 5

How do I know whether we're a good fit?

Accepted Answer

The initial conversation and first session are partly for this. You should feel that you can talk to me — that I'm listening, that I understand something of what you're bringing, and that the way I work makes sense to you. If it doesn't feel right, that's useful information too.

Question 6

Will you challenge me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when it seems useful. I'm not here to simply agree with everything you say. If I notice something that seems worth exploring — a contradiction, a pattern, something you might be avoiding — I'll say so. I try to do it in a way that feels like curiosity rather than confrontation.

Question 7

Do you give advice?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. I think there are moments when a direct observation or a piece of information is genuinely useful. But most of the time, the more interesting work is helping you understand what's going on rather than telling you what to do. I'm wary of advice that substitutes my judgement for yours.

Question 8

Can therapy be practical?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Therapy isn't only about insight — it's also about what actually changes. I'm interested in how people think, feel and behave differently as a result of the work. That can include working on concrete strategies as well as deeper understanding.

Question 9

Will you explain what's going on?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. I'm happy to share my thinking, explain models and frameworks, and discuss the evidence behind what I'm suggesting. I think shared understanding is part of good therapy. At the same time, I try to read when someone needs space and containment rather than an explanation.

Question 10

Is therapy just talking about childhood?

Accepted Answer

No — though childhood and formative experiences are often relevant. I'm interested in what's happening now as well as what happened then. Sometimes the most useful work is in the present — in what's going on in your current relationships, or in what's happening between us in the room.

Question 11

What if I don't know what I want to talk about?

Accepted Answer

That's fine. Many people come to therapy without a clear agenda. We can work out together what's worth exploring. Sometimes the most important thing is just to start talking and see what comes up.

Question 12

Do I need an ADHD diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

No. Many people I work with are exploring whether ADHD might be relevant to them, without a formal diagnosis. We can look at that together as one possible lens, alongside others.

Question 13

Can we explore whether ADHD might be relevant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're wondering whether ADHD or autism might be part of the picture, that's something we can explore in therapy. I'm not in a position to diagnose, but I can help you think through what you're experiencing and whether a formal assessment might be worth pursuing.

Question 14

How does ADHD-informed psychotherapy work?

Accepted Answer

It's psychotherapy that takes neurodivergence seriously as a lens — one that can illuminate patterns of attention, emotion, relationships, time and motivation. But it's still psychotherapy, not coaching. We're interested in understanding, not just managing.

Question 15

Can ADHD be one lens without explaining everything?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and I think that's important. ADHD can explain a lot, but it doesn't explain everything. Childhood experiences, relationships, environment and personality all matter too. Part of the work is figuring out which lens is most useful at any given moment.

Question 16

How much does therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

Please get in touch to discuss fees. I try to be flexible where I can, and I'm happy to talk about what's possible.

Question 17

Where do you work?

Accepted Answer

I work from Print House Therapy, 18–22 Ashwin Street, Hackney, London, E8 3DL. I also work online.

Question 18

Can we work online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work online via video call for clients who prefer it or can't easily get to Dalston. Video sessions work well for many people, though I'd encourage face-to-face if you can manage it.

Question 19

What is walk-and-talk therapy?

Accepted Answer

Walk-and-talk is therapy conducted while walking outdoors rather than sitting in a room. Some people find that movement helps them think and talk more freely. It's available on request.

Question 20

How often would we meet?

Accepted Answer

Usually weekly, at least to begin with. Regular sessions tend to build momentum and depth. We can discuss frequency as we go.

Question 21

How long does therapy last?

Accepted Answer

That varies a lot. Some people come for a focused piece of work over a few months. Others find that longer-term therapy is more useful. We can work that out together as we go — I don't have a fixed view about how long therapy should last.

Things people often ask

Starting therapy

How I work

ADHD & neurodiversity

Practicalities

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