Frequently Asked Questions

What do you mean by the term "therapy"?

I use the word "therapy" as an umbrella term referencing counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy practice and psychotherapy.  Whilst each of these terms do have particular characteristics, there are also a lot of crossovers, and they are in each of themselves not distinct or protected titles.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

It is common to see the terms "counsellor" and "psychotherapist" used interchangeably to reference a mental health professional who will work with you to help you with difficulties you have been facing and to help better yourself and others.  

 

Counselling is more typically of a shorter-term nature than psychotherapy and often used to address single issue e.g. stress, bereavement or relationship issue.  

 

Psychotherapy is often longer-term in duration and works at a deeper level on complex emotional difficulties and long-standing issues.

How long does a therapy session last?

Each session lasts for 50 minutes. 

How many sessions will I need?

The number of session will vary according to individual need or preference and the nature of the difficulties you have been experiencing.  We discuss the number of sessions in our initial meeting.  I am flexible and offer both short-term therapy and longer-term, more open-ended, therapy.

 

In my experience with NHS Talking Therapies, therapies with one or two aims can be completed in the time-limited number of sessions afforded by those services and NHS budgets.  However, some therapies, and client goals of more complexity, require a longer-term approach.  We will discuss and agree our format when we meet.

Do I need to attend weekly sessions on the same day and time?

For optimal results it is best to attend weekly sessions.  I set aside an hour a week to facilitate your therapy. To create a sense of consistency, to remove any stress around remembering when the session is, and to make our diaries more manageable, I look to offer the same day and the same time each week.  However, I do understand that some jobs work in shift patterns so here, and in other reasonable circumstances, I can be flexible.

Do you offer concession rates?

Fees are on a sliding scaled in accordance with your income and current circumstances.  Fees are discussed and negotiated in the initial assessment meeting.

Are the sessions confidential?

Yes. Therapy sessions are confidential so what is discussed in the therapy room remains private.  Legal exceptions to confidentiality include:

  • An individual is deemed to be at significant harm to themselves e.g. client reports they cannot keep themselves safe and reports imminent intent to end their life.
  • An individual is deemed to be of harm to others e.g. client reported imminent intent to cause harm to another.
  • In the case of suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.

The limits of confidentiality are outlined in the assessment session.

 

Why choose therapy?

Therapy offers a number of benefits.  These include:

  • A safe, environment through which to explore current difficulties and increase insight into self and others
  • A confidential and therapeutic relationship with a supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental, trained mental health professional.
  • Symptom improvement and better quality of life
  • Increased self-esteem and self-compassion
  • Improved relationships with others
  • Better coping mechanisms e.g. ability to regulate emotions

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