Welcome to Let’s Talk, a therapy and wellbeing service for children, adults and organisations.
It can be daunting to seek help when things already feel difficult and overwhelming, however reaching out for support is a positive first step towards the life you want to be living.
I’m Gail Mannion, a qualified psychotherapist who has worked therapeutically with adults and children in both statutory and clinical settings since 2002, initially in Children’s Services and more recently within the NHS where I continue to work part-time alongside my private practice.
I always endeavour to work in a compassionate way that will leave you feeling heard, understood and valued. My professional background means I have the skills, experience and training to enable me to tailor my approach to your individual needs whether you are experiencing anxiety, low mood, or stress- related life events.
About Therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is based on the understanding that what we think affects the way we feel and what we do. CBT explores the interaction between our thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and how this can result in unhelpful or negative vicious cycles that cause us to feel stuck in anxiety or depression.
CBT has an excellent evidence base with both adults and children and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the ‘gold standard’ treatment for a wide range of difficulties including generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), illness anxiety, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression and low self-esteem.
Clinical studies have also shown CBT can support individuals through life events and transitions such as the menopause, and in adjusting to living with long-term physical conditions.
Psychotherapy for Adults
Working within a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach I assess and treat a wide range of anxiety disorders as well as depression and low self-esteem. Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, based on what you would like us to work on and what you hope to be different following therapy.
Psychotherapy and Parenting support for Children and their Families
Sometimes as parents and carers we can feel we’ve run out of tools in our toolkit and don’t know how best to help and support our children. I have worked directly with children and their carers throughout my career and have a wide range of theoretical and evidence-based approaches that can be adapted to meet your family’s individual circumstances including attachment theory, secure base, and CBT. I work directly with children, and/or parents and carers, to identify and support with new strategies that may help things feel less ‘stuck’.
Psychological wellbeing sessions for Organisations
I am experienced in providing both 1:1 and group psychological wellbeing sessions within health, education, and social care settings. Organisations in both the public and private sector are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of a resilient workforce where wellbeing is prioritised. Psychological wellbeing sessions provide an opportunity for individuals and small groups to explore what might be contributing to stress and burnout, and to learn strategies to help manage this. This can help reduce sickness rates and improve employee retention.
Important information
Prior to starting therapy, you will be asked to sign an agreement that outlines Let’s Talk policies regarding confidentiality, consent and cancellations.
Please note Let’s Talk is not a crisis service and I am unable to provide support between sessions. If you are currently at risk or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please contact your GP urgently or call 111 or The Samaritans.
If you are over 18 all information you share with me remains confidential. If you are under 18 you must attend with your parent/carer/guardian’s knowledge and consent.
Any personal data and session notes will be stored securely and only used for the purposes of your treatment. Should concerns arise regarding your safety or the safety of others, it may be necessary to share information with your GP or other health professionals involved in your care.
I am accredited with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and Social Work England Registered. I am enhanced DBS checked and Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insured.
FAQs
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
I always offer a free no-obligation 15-minute consultation so you can ask any questions, find out about the therapy I offer, and get a sense of whether this feels a good fit for you.
How much does therapy cost?
Initial Consultation (15 minutes) Free
Assessment (1 hour) £85
Face to face therapy/parenting session (50 minutes) £80
Online therapy/parenting session (50 minutes) £70
For workplace psychological wellbeing sessions, please contact me for further information and fees.
How does therapy work?
The first step is an assessment. This is an opportunity for us to explore what the current difficulties are, and what you would like to be different.
Following this assessment, should you decide to proceed with therapy you are asked to commit to regular sessions at the same time either weekly or fortnightly. Your treatment plan will guide our work together, helping you overcome the problems you are experiencing and moving you towards your goals.
How long does therapy last?
A course of CBT usually lasts around 12 – 16 sessions, however some individuals find they feel better after 6 – 8 sessions, whilst others continue with regular ‘top up’ sessions to maintain their wellbeing progress.
What happens if I can’t make a session?
Your timeslot is reserved exclusively for you, and although life can sometimes get in the way of attending, you are asked to advise of any cancellations with as much notice as possible. Where there is availability, I will endeavour to offer an alternative appointment if that would be helpful.
A 50% session fee will be charged for all appointments cancelled within 48 hours of the planned appointment. This cancellation rate would need to be paid in order to continue with therapy.
Payment is requested by BACS (bank transfer) 24 hours before the appointment time. If payment is not received, it will be assumed the session is not going ahead.
Where does therapy take place?
Currently, most adult sessions are conducted online. Clinical studies have shown this to be just as effective as face-to-face therapy, and my clients report this provides flexibility to manage sessions around their other commitments.
My therapy sessions with children generally take place face-to-face, either in Barnham or Chichester. However, for those living out of area online sessions are also available.
Workplace psychological wellbeing sessions are offered both online and face to face.