What is Counselling?

It is an opportunity to talk and explore an area of your life which you might be struggling with right now and is a different experience for every person.

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What is psychotherapy?

Imagine counselling and then draw a circle around it as big as you can. Inside the circle are deeper issues of your life which psychotherapy looks at to gain a different perspective and understanding.

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What’s the difference between the two?

The two often intersect and it can be hard to tell the difference. However, psychotherapy is usually longer and focuses on more deeper issues. I am a trained counsellor and psychotherapist and will integrate both in the approaches I use and work we do together. 

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What sort of issues are appropriate psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy can treat  a wide and varied range of issues that many of us may experience throughout our lives, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, working stress and burnout, bereavement, grief and loss, low moods, relationship difficulties, sexual dysfunction, divorce, addiction, shame, cultural issues, loneliness, self-harm, emptiness, life transitions, the weight of keeping secrets, trauma and abuse, incest. The list continues. If you read this list and you do not recognise your specific issue we may be talking about the same thing but by different names. It might also be that I cannot help you but can refer you to the right place for you. 

What will happen in the first session?

The first session is where you meet me and I meet you and an opportunity to discuss in detail why you are here, issues that are concerning you, and to ask any questions you might have about the process. I will explain some practicalities about the counselling working contract, ask you some questions about your background history, presenting issues (what is troubling you) and expectations for therapy. You will also be invited to ask me anything which may help you clarify whether you would feel comfortable with me. If we choose to work together, we will establish the focus of therapy and a treatment plan that will meet your needs.

What happens in sessions after the first session? 

In a quiet and private space you are free to discuss whatever you would like without fear of judgment. We will go from there. 

What happens if I cancel?

If you are not able to attend your session, you will need to give 48 hours notice.If I am able to I will offer an alternative. If less than 48 hours is given then the missed/cancelled appointment will be charged at the full rate. In the unlikely event I cancel a session, you will not be expected to pay for it. 

Confirmation to cancel an appointment should be made via telephone, email or text message.

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What happens if I am late to a session? 

If you are late for a session, please expect the session to finish at the appointed time. In the unlikely event I am late, I will make up the time so long as this is possible for you orwill reimburse you accordingly.

How long and often are the sessions?

Individual sessions can be 50 minutes or 75 minutes, once or twice weekly.
Couples sessions are 60 minutes or 75 minutes as arranged. 

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How long will I need therapy?

Every individual has different needs so the answer is I do not know. I offer short term and long-term open-ended therapy. Both methods of treatment explore meaningful change and will require a commitment from you in the work we do together. Short term therapy can be useful when looking at immediate issues or focusing on a particular situation or event. Open ended therapy offers the opportunity to examinerepetitive patternsand unconscious dynamicsin a deeper way.

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What about holidays and breaks in therapy?

I will endeavour to give you notice in advance of forthcoming holidays and breaks, and I ask that you give me as much notice as you can.

How do I know when to end therapy?

People often think about ending therapy before they have begun therapy. Partly this is because the steps towards therapy can take courage often at a time we might not feel at our bravest. Also, because endings are often difficult for human beings to navigate. We will talk together about how you are feeling and I will always encourage a two-week notice period so we can practice attending to the necessary emotions that might arise when ending a relationship.