Frequently asked questions about therapy and what to expect.
- What can you help me with?
- What happens in a session?
- How long will I need to see you for?
- How often are sessions?
- How much are the sessions?
- Do you only offer face to face sessions?
- What if I can't make a session?
- What if I can't talk about my problem?
- How come you don't have any testimonials?
What issues can you help me with?
Clients come with a range of problems or issues, sometimes they are aware of what the issue is for them; and sometimes they just want to live more fully, understand themselves or others more. I am qualified and experienced working with;
Clients come with a range of problems or issues, sometimes they are aware of what the issue is for them; and sometimes they just want to live more fully, understand themselves or others more. I am qualified and experienced working with;
- Anxiety and stress, including OCD and panic attacks
- Depression, including Bi-polar
- Trauma, including CSA and neglect
- Addictions, process and substance abuse
- Eating Disorders
- Increasing Self Worth and Self Esteem
- Finding purpose
- Phobias, Fears or Bad Habits
- Personality Disorders
- PTSD and DID
- Relationship difficulties and sexual issues
- Bereavement, grief and loss
What happens in a session?
We work with your outcome in mind. This means that we explore in detail what it is that you want, how would you like to be living your life if the issue or problem was no longer causing you pain or distress.
Then we work towards achieving this, making the necessary changes along the way. Yes, this includes considering your family and personal history. That will help you to understand yourself better.
As well as the big outcome, there are smaller goals achieved in each session. Be assured, it will not be me doing all the talking, and I can't tell you what to do either. Psychotherapy is an empowering process that leads to changes.
We work with your outcome in mind. This means that we explore in detail what it is that you want, how would you like to be living your life if the issue or problem was no longer causing you pain or distress.
Then we work towards achieving this, making the necessary changes along the way. Yes, this includes considering your family and personal history. That will help you to understand yourself better.
As well as the big outcome, there are smaller goals achieved in each session. Be assured, it will not be me doing all the talking, and I can't tell you what to do either. Psychotherapy is an empowering process that leads to changes.
How long will I need to see you for?
The short answer to this is that I don't know. For some clients short term or brief therapy is sufficient, others may want or need longer term support, which is fine too. After our initial session I will be able to offer some guidance but you decide.
How often are sessions?
I usually recommend that sessions are closer together at the start of psychotherapy, weekly or even more frequent if there's a crisis etc. As you are the expert at being you, and know the other commitments that you have, this is something that we will talk about.
How much are sessions?
Sessions are offered on a sliding scale, £80 - £150 per hour. You choose, depending on your personal financial cricumstances.
It's based on trust. If you find that you are paying more than you can afford, then you may become resentful and this can get in the way of the work we are doing. Likewise, if you choose the bottom rate and show up with a new Rolex I might feel peeved. Payments taken by cash, cheques, bank transfer or secure card payment system.
The short answer to this is that I don't know. For some clients short term or brief therapy is sufficient, others may want or need longer term support, which is fine too. After our initial session I will be able to offer some guidance but you decide.
How often are sessions?
I usually recommend that sessions are closer together at the start of psychotherapy, weekly or even more frequent if there's a crisis etc. As you are the expert at being you, and know the other commitments that you have, this is something that we will talk about.
How much are sessions?
Sessions are offered on a sliding scale, £80 - £150 per hour. You choose, depending on your personal financial cricumstances.
It's based on trust. If you find that you are paying more than you can afford, then you may become resentful and this can get in the way of the work we are doing. Likewise, if you choose the bottom rate and show up with a new Rolex I might feel peeved. Payments taken by cash, cheques, bank transfer or secure card payment system.
Do you only offer face to face sessions?
Sessions are offered face to face, via telephone, on-line or email. If you have a preferred platform, such as FaceTime, I can usually accommodate this. And you would be responsible for making sure the environment is suitable for a psychotherapy session; so that you would be able to give the session your full attention. This means that driving, on a train, or in a coffee shop wouldn't create the right atmosphere for you to do important personal exploration.
What if I can't make a session?
If you're unable to make your session, let me know and we will reschedule. Sessions that are cancelled with less than 24 hours notice we be charged at the full price. If I have to cancel a session with less than 24 hours notice, your next session will be free.
What if I can't talk about my problem?
It is not unusual for clients to feel a little embarrassed talking about their problems, this can be part of the problem. Thankfully shame and stigma of getting helping and receiving talking therapy is becoming a thing of the past.
The therapeutic relationship between psychotherapist and client is vital to the work that we'll be undertaking. Many of my clients have said "I've never told anybody that before." Clients have also appreciated that they don't have to take care of my feelings when they are sharing something deeply personal or painful. We work at your pace, and go at the level of change that you're comfortable with.
How come you don't have any testimonials?
Many clients find me through their own networks, via word of mouth, which is a great honour because they trust and know that I will keep their confidence. Currently the code of ethics of both UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy governing body) and NLPtCA (Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy & Counselling Association) protect clients identity, maintaining confidentiality* and prohibit members from gathering and advertising testimonials from clients.
I have many notes and cards of thanks, a whole host of feedback from clients. Many referrals are made through word of mouth recommendations, even then they are assured that they and their sessions remain confidential.
*There are certain circumstances where I am required and obliged to breach confidentiality as outlined in our contract.
Sessions are offered face to face, via telephone, on-line or email. If you have a preferred platform, such as FaceTime, I can usually accommodate this. And you would be responsible for making sure the environment is suitable for a psychotherapy session; so that you would be able to give the session your full attention. This means that driving, on a train, or in a coffee shop wouldn't create the right atmosphere for you to do important personal exploration.
What if I can't make a session?
If you're unable to make your session, let me know and we will reschedule. Sessions that are cancelled with less than 24 hours notice we be charged at the full price. If I have to cancel a session with less than 24 hours notice, your next session will be free.
What if I can't talk about my problem?
It is not unusual for clients to feel a little embarrassed talking about their problems, this can be part of the problem. Thankfully shame and stigma of getting helping and receiving talking therapy is becoming a thing of the past.
The therapeutic relationship between psychotherapist and client is vital to the work that we'll be undertaking. Many of my clients have said "I've never told anybody that before." Clients have also appreciated that they don't have to take care of my feelings when they are sharing something deeply personal or painful. We work at your pace, and go at the level of change that you're comfortable with.
How come you don't have any testimonials?
Many clients find me through their own networks, via word of mouth, which is a great honour because they trust and know that I will keep their confidence. Currently the code of ethics of both UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy governing body) and NLPtCA (Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy & Counselling Association) protect clients identity, maintaining confidentiality* and prohibit members from gathering and advertising testimonials from clients.
I have many notes and cards of thanks, a whole host of feedback from clients. Many referrals are made through word of mouth recommendations, even then they are assured that they and their sessions remain confidential.
*There are certain circumstances where I am required and obliged to breach confidentiality as outlined in our contract.
