Question 1

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

There is no, commonly agreed, differential between the two.  Psychotherapy and counselling are both talking therapies, the terms often used interchangeably.
 
I argue the difference is in the length and depth of the work.  In psychotherapy, clients and therapists generally work together over a long period, addressing relational patterns, chronic issues, and recurring feelings. The process can be challenging and involves an exploration of the past and its impact on the present.
 
Counselling may be for a specific issue such as a bereavement or significant life event, and the work may be shorter and more focused.
 
With both counselling and psychotherapy the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and safe.

Question 2

How do I know if I need psychotherapy / counselling?

Accepted Answer

There are many circumstances in which an individual may benefit from therapy.  If, for example, you feel unsettled, sad or anxious, have difficulty establishing the relationships you desire or have experienced a significant and disturbing or upsetting life event, you may find therapy helpful.

Question 3

What should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is an individual process, so the experience is different for everyone.  You may want to tell me your story or wait for my questions.  You may have a particular issue at the front of your mind or have no idea where to begin.  There may be silences or every moment filled with conversation, and everything in between.

Question 4

Is there a minimum commitment?

Accepted Answer

I ask all clients to commit to six sessions.  If there is a specific issue to address, this may be enough.
 
Longer term therapy is needed for deeper issues, but the process can be difficult.  This minimum commitment will allow us to begin the process and identify and work with any initial resistance you may experience.
 
There is no fixed term for therapy and, working together, we will agree when the time is right for you to finish.
 
If you make a unilateral decision to end therapy, I ask that you attend a further three sessions so we can bring our relationship to a positive conclusion.

Question 5

What happens if I feel it’s not for me?

Accepted Answer

Tell me.  There are many reasons you may feel this.  It might be this is not the right moment for you to engage in therapy or I might not be the right therapist for you.  Feeling it’s not for you may also be a way to avoid the challenging issues you have come to therapy to address.  Through discussion we can explore your reasons.
 
My aim is to support you as you settle on the right way forward.

Question 6

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the issues you need to address and the challenges you face in doing so. My aim is that we will agree together the number of sessions that suits you.

Question 7

How often will the sessions be?

Accepted Answer

Generally, sessions are weekly, at the same time and on the same day each week. This provides us with the consistency and safety we need to work on the challenges and issues you have come to therapy to address.
 
After discussion and depending on your needs, we may chose to change this frequency.

Question 8

How long is a session?

Accepted Answer

Each session is 50 minutes.

Question 9

How much notice do I have to give if I cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

I require 48 hours’ notice of a cancellation.  I will charge for sessions cancelled at shorter notice.

Question 10

How will I know I am ready to finish therapy?

Accepted Answer

It is unlikely there will be one moment at which you will know.  It  is possible, but it is more likely you will have a growing realisation you have benefited as much as possible at this time from working in a therapeutic relationship with me.  We will work together to recognise when the time is right.

Question 11

What if I don’t want to or can’t come one week?

Accepted Answer

If you can’t attend, simply let me know at least 48 hours in advance.

Question 12

What is the assessment process?

Accepted Answer

The assessment is a full session, charged at the normal rate.  I will ask about your present issues and key relationships and you may ask whatever you wish about the process and my way of working.
 
If you want to get a feel for me before committing to a formal assessment, we can chat on Zoom. If you feel I am not the right therapist for you, just let me know.  It’s the relationship that counts so it’s important you feel we can form an alliance.

Question 13

Is it confidential?

Accepted Answer

Everything said in our sessions is confidential, with two provisos:
As a responsible practitioner I regularly attend clinical supervision during which I may discuss my clients and their processes.  Anonymity, however, is preserved.  Identifying details are not shared.
I may have to break confidentiality if there is a risk you may harm yourself or others.

Frequently asked questions