How do I know if I need psychotherapy?
Sometimes all we know is that we need some extra help and support. You may feel that you would like to explore therapy for any number of reasons. Psychotherapy is about working together to address the underlying causes of emotions, feelings or pain you may be experiencing in daily life and finding ways to address them and enjoy and happier life.
What happens at the first session?
The first introductory session is about exploring how I may be able to help you in a relaxed, open and confidential way. I will aim to give you a better of understanding of how we can work together to achieve your goals.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
Psychotherapy is very similar to counselling. It focuses on your feelings, thoughts and problems which you might be facing. However, psychotherapy tends to spend more time looking at the underlying causes of your feelings rather than just what is ‘on the surface’. This is with the aim of finding a longer term and more satisfying solution, and helping you to understand why you might be experiencing certain thoughts or emotions in your life. As such, the training process for psychotherapists is longer and more in-depth than for counsellors.
How long will I be in therapy for?
Therapy is a process. Initially a person may feel relieved at being able to talk to someone who is attentive and caring. Like most relationships, this therapeutic one will also have its ups and downs…this is not unusual, and it is important that you stick with it and push ahead. There is no predefined, minimum of maximum amount of time for us to spend working together – some clients may find that it is helpful to continue the process for a number of years, others for several months.
How often will I need to come to therapy?
As part of the introductory session we can explore what will work best for you. Most clients choose to have sessions once per week and regularity is important for getting the most out of therapy.
What qualifications do you have?
I am a professional psychotherapist with over 13 years of clinical experience helping a wide range of people. Over the course of my career I have spent over 25 years advising and supporting people on a broad range of health and wellness issues. I have Masters degree in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy from Middlesex University and Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling. I am also professionally registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy and the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
I endeavour to offer an alternative appointment time and date, whether it be in person or via Skype / Telephone.