About Vicki McKeown and VLM Therapy
About Vicki McKeown and VLM Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About Vicki McKeown and VLM Therapy
About Vicki McKeown and VLM Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section is here to help answer some of the most common questions about therapy, including what to expect, how sessions work, and practical details such as fees and appointments.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you’re always welcome to get in touch and I’ll be happy to talk things through with you directly.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If you’re carrying something that feels too heavy to carry alone whether that’s anxiety, grief, the effects of past trauma, relationship difficulties, or simply a sense that something isn’t right, therapy can help. You don’t need to be in crisis to seek support, and you don’t need to have all the words ready before you come. Many people feel unsure before their first session. That’s completely normal.

The initial consultation is a free 20-minute phone or video call. It’s a chance for you to tell me a little about what’s brought you to therapy, ask any questions you have, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. There’s no obligation on either side, it’s simply a conversation.

Fees are available on request. Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to discuss this with you. I aim to be transparent and straightforward about cost, and we can talk through what works for your situation.

Individual therapy sessions are 60 minutes and family sessions are between 60-90 minutes depending on need. Supervision sessions may have different time frames depending on the supervisees needs and registering body requirements.

For most clients, weekly sessions work best, particularly in the early stages of therapy, where consistency helps build the trust and momentum needed for the work. For some people, fortnightly sessions are more appropriate, and we’d discuss this together. What matters most is that sessions are regular enough for the work to build meaningfully between appointments.

This genuinely varies. Some people come for a focused piece of work, perhaps around a specific event or transition and find six to twelve sessions gives them what they need. Others are dealing with longer-standing issues, complex trauma, or early developmental experiences, and the work naturally takes longer. I don’t set a limit. We’ll review together as we go, and you’re always in control of when we end.

Yes, I work with children and young people aged 6 to 18. My approach with younger clients is adapted to their age and developmental stage. With younger children especially, therapy doesn’t always look like talking, it often involves play, creative materials, and sensory tools, which allow children to process and express things they don’t yet have words for.

For children who have experienced trauma or disrupted attachment, I may recommend a dyadic approach, where a parent or carer is involved in sessions. This can be particularly powerful in helping families build safety, connection, and repair.

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is a specialist therapeutic approach developed for children who have experienced developmental trauma, particularly those who are adopted, fostered, or have experienced abuse or neglect. It works with both the child and their parent or carer together, and is grounded in attachment theory and the neurobiology of trauma. The approach uses PACE – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy, as its core. I am trained to Level 1 and Level 2 in DDP.

Yes, this is a significant part of my practice since 2016. However, all of this work is commissioned through the Local Authority or Regional Adoption Agency (RAA).  I am an approved provider with a number of RAA’s and Local Authorities and have extensive experience working with children who have experienced early loss, neglect, and disrupted attachment, as well as supporting their parents and carers through therapeutic parenting approaches.

Yes, I offer sessions via secure online platforms and these work just as well for many clients. Online therapy can be particularly helpful if you live at a distance, have caring responsibilities, have mobility or health considerations, or simply prefer the comfort of your own space. Confidentiality and the same quality of care apply fully online.

Everything you share in therapy is confidential. I won’t share what you tell me with anyone outside our sessions without your knowledge and consent. The only exceptions to this are circumstances where I have a safeguarding concern, if I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm. I’ll explain this clearly at the start of our work together, and I’ll always aim to discuss it with you before taking any action unless doing so would put someone at risk.

Yes, I offer individual clinical supervision for counsellors, psychotherapists, and practitioners in related fields (including social workers, coaches, and support workers). Supervision with me draws on my background in both social work and psychotherapy, and I have particular depth in trauma, safeguarding, and attachment-focused work.

From Newcastle, take the A167(M) north and join the A1058 Coast Road towards North Tyneside, following signs for North Shields and the A193 (Tyne Tunnel). At Billy Mill roundabout, take the exit for North Shields (A193) and continue towards Chirton / North Shields town centre. Turn onto Heaton Terrace, where 109 is located on a residential street.

The nearest Metro station is Percy Main on the Tyne and Wear Metro network. From there, it’s approximately a 10–15 minute walk. Exit the station and head towards North Shields / Chirton, following local signs or using the A193 direction. Continue into the residential streets around Heaton Terrace, where 109 is located.

For sat nav, use NE29 7HX, which will bring you directly to the area.

Who I can help…

Who I can help…

Everyone’s journey is different. Here’s who I can support:

Childrens TherapyChildrens Therapy

VLM TherapyChildren

VLM TherapyChildren

Adult TherapyAdult Therapy

VLM TherapyAdults

VLM TherapyAdults

Family TherapyFamily Therapy

VLM TherapyFamilies

VLM TherapyFamilies