FAQs
What happens in the first therapy session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to properly meet eachother, and you can establish whether you feel I am someone you can work with. I will invite you to talk about what brought you to therapy and what you want to achieve from it. I will ask various questions to assess whether the type of therapy I offer is going to be appropriate for your needs, and I will explain how the therapy works. We will decide together if we are a good match and take it from there.
How do I know which type of therapy is right for me?
There are lots of different types of therapy - each with their own approach to addressing mental health and promoting personal growth. Different types are based on different theoretical frameworks and philosophies about human behaviour and the way we think and act. Different therapies are designed to do different things - some holistic, others focussed and specific in targeting specific needs. During our initial session I will assess the suitability of my therapy to fit with your needs.
How long does therapy typically last?
The duration varied based on each client’s needs and goals. Sessions are usually 50 minutes long and tend to happen weekly or fortnightly, however this can be flexible to suit needs and other commitments. A typical duration might be 6-18 sessions, but this can be shorter or longer depending on individual circumstances.
What type of therapy do you offer?
I am trained to deliver person centred therapy - this is a well established and highly respected form of psychotherapy that emphasises the client’s inherent capacity for self-understanding and personal growth. The approach works by creating a supportive environment that facilitates client-led growth and helps clients develop greater self-awareness, self-acceptance and the ability to make positive changes in their lives. The approach has a substantial evidence base supporting its effectiveness - as a proven way of producing significant and lasting changes in clients, comparable to other therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Bedi et al., 2000; Bower et al., 2003; Friedli et al., 1997; Gibbard & Hanley, 2008; Gordon & Graham, 1996; Hemmings, 2000; King et al., 2000; Marriott & Kellett, 2009; Rowland et al., 2000; Stiles et al., 2008; Teusch et al., 2001; Ward et al., 2000). Meta-analyses of Rogers' (1957a, 1957b) therapist core conditions found that empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard are strongly and positively associated with therapeutic outcome (Elliott et al., 2018; Farber et al., 2018; Gelso et al., 2018).
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, therapy is confidential. During the first session as part of our agreement to work together I will explain the boundaries of confidentiality for therapy that I follow as part of industry professional standards, so that you understand and can feel comfortable with what this means.
Do I need a GP referral to access the service?
No, you don’t. You can access these services via direct self referral.
What should I do to prepare for my first session?
Nothing! It’s my job to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable in our sessions - it’s mainly about us meeting each other. You don’t need to prepare anything but it can be helpful to think about what you want to achieve from the therapy and how you’d like things to be different for you.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
Life happens - and we all have things that we need to reschedule sometimes. I ask for 48 hours notice for cancelling or rescheduling an appointment - full details of my policies can be found here.
What payment methods do you offer?
Payment is made on booking - this can be done by bank transfer or through online transaction. Payment can also be made through business to business invoicing.