FAQs

By embarking on this process you will start identifying the changes you wish to make in your life and make sense of the current struggles you are facing. You will be receiving support in order to make changes and will be provided with information and knowledge on how the human mind and body works, and teach you skills to be better equipped to cope in the future.

There are many different ways of undertaking therapy. In this case, no, you would be offered a chair to sit on, and we will work face-to-face.

Several therapies have been developed over the years, and there are different “schools of thought” that each have a different style. Therapy is not a “one-size-fits-all” process. Each individual is unique and responds differently due to ones needs and preferences. For therapy to be effective it is important to choose the right approach for you. Examples of types of therapy are: Cogntive behavioural therapy, Psychoanalysis, Humanistic approach, Systems therapy etc.

Some approaches focus on your developing relationship with the therapist, as a kind of model which may reveal the patterns of behaviour that cause you problems. Others look at your family relationships and who wielded the power in your house when you were growing up. There are also those ones that focus on your thinking style and changes in behaviour. And last but not least, there are also those ones that focus solely on the past and not so much on teaching you skills to cope in the future. There are big distinctions between therapy where you do most of the talking and those which involve much more of a dialogue. The first appointment, sometimes called an assessment session, is an opportunity to explore your personal needs for counselling and any other obstacles that might interfere with the process of therapy.

The goal of any talking treatment is your increased self-awareness, skill acquisition, resilience, and independence. During therapy, you may develop some feelings of reliance upon the therapist. Although a normal reaction it can at times, feel worrying. But a professional therapist knows exactly how to handle these feelings and is genuinely interested in helping you make progress.

Therapists practice in all walks of life and all parts of society – from hospitals to companies and schools. We are trained in situations as diverse as: coping with anxiety and bereavement, relationship difficulties, educational dilemmas, sexual and racial issues, personality issues,  problem-solving where is possible, as well as helping victims of child abuse and trauma.  Many times clients feel that they are the only one going through a crisis like that; this is not the case.  No matter what your concerns/ worries/ fears or any other issues you may have on your mind and facing, although it may feel you are alone in this, you are not.

Ask about the time, place, cost and duration of meetings plus any charges for cancelled appointments and holidays. Ask questions about the therapeutic approach, and how it can help you with the issues you are facing. You may also wish to enquire about the psychotherapist’s professional membership, experience and training. During this time you will build up an idea of what is involved and you will be able to make up your mind if this is a person you can work with. It is important to be clear about what you want and what the practitioner is able to offer.

Everything you discuss is confidential between you and your therapist. There can be certain legal exceptions and the practitioner should clarify this with you prior to the establishment of any agreed contract for working (confidentiality policy).

During the Assessment or first session, be prepared to trust your instinct because your relationship with the therapist is at the heart of the work. If you are unsure about the practitioner, seek another one. Having confidence in your practitioner is very important and will enable you to get the best out of the time you spend together. Always remember it is you who are the customer.