Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am not sure if therapy would help me. Click
Q: Will I benefit from therapy? Click
Q: Is therapy any different talking to a friend? Click
Q: How many sessions will I need? Click
Q: Do I need to attend every session? Click
Q: How is therapy run? Click
Q: What if I find that therapy is not helpful? Click
Q: Are sessions confidential? Click
Q: What is the difference between psychotherapists and counsellors? Click
If you have any other questions then phone me or email me.
Q: I am not sure if therapy would help me?
A: If aspects of your life are difficult and you have not been able to resolve them, or you are dissatisfied and want to make changes, then therapy could be the answer. Therapy provides you with skilled and caring support to help you to find a way forward. Perhaps you could ask people you might know who have been to therapy. Or you can phone or email me to talk this through further. To reach out and consider the possibility of therapy is not easy, I respect the fact you have got this far and hope you will continue.
Q: Will I benefit from therapy?
A: In my experience most clients get real benefits from therapy. Clients have said to me things such as “It has transformed my life”, “I am free” (of the burden I was carrying) and “this process has given me real insight into how my mind works”. I have observed clients become calmer and more in control and able to do things they could not do before, and think more positively about themselves.
For more information on benefits see Making a decision
Q: Is therapy any different talking to a friend?
A: Talking to friends can be very helpful. But sometimes issues are too large and complex and would place too much of a burden on a friend, also friends may offer well-meant but not necessarily helpful advice, or have their own opinions without understanding whether these are in your best interests. And perhaps there are matters you would not wish to discuss with friends.
Talking to a therapist is different, in that the therapist focuses entirely on your interests and has the expertise to help you through difficult problems and will provide you with the care and support you need. A therapist has the advantage of not being involved in your day-to-day life. The therapeutic relationship should be free of any personal needs and emotional expectations of the therapist, and focus entirely on your needs and helping you to make changes.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: It is your choice. It depends what you want to work on and what you hope to gain from therapy; therapy can’t be rushed and we need to work at a pace which is comfortable for you. This something we can discuss at a first session.
Q: Do I need to attend every session?
A: It is important to come regularly. However both you and I will have occasions when we can’t be there (e.g. holiday) and that can be planned in advance. If you need to cancel then please let me know as soon as possible. If you cancel at short notice I may charge you for the session.
Q: How is therapy run?
A: I see therapy as a cooperative venture between the client and the therapist. We will discuss and agree the focus and the direction, and this can be reconsidered at any time. We will regularly review our work and I will seek feedback from you as to how you are finding the therapy.
Q: What if I find that therapy is not helpful?
A: You can stop at any time, for whatever reason, although I suggest it would be helpful to you to raise any concerns or difficulties as they happen so that there is opportunity to discuss them and as appropriate to make changes in the therapy. If you do decide to finish, it is generally helpful to allow sufficient time to properly conclude therapy, and I would encourage you to finish in a planned way.
Q: Are sessions confidential?
A: What we discuss together is confidential, but there are some exceptions principally where you or someone else is at risk of serious harm. Please ask further if you have any concerns. In the very rare circumstances where I may feel a need to break confidentiality I will aim to discuss this with you first. You may wish to look at my Privacy Notice.
Q: What is the difference between psychotherapists and counsellors?
A: There are no precise definitions, perhaps the key distinctions are how long the therapy goes on for and how complex the issues are that you wish to consider. I offer both psychotherapy and counselling.
Questions still not answered? Why not give me a call or email me.
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