How do I know if I would benefit from therapy?
People seek therapy for different and all valid reasons ranging from emotional difficulties, conflicts, loss, spiritual troubles or simply because they wish to explore and understand themselves better. Whichever the case, there is usually a need for something to change and this process is possible in a safe space and with a non-judgemental therapist to help them understand and work through their issues.
How long will it take for me to feel some relief?
You may feel some relief as soon as you feel heard and understood by the therapist, which can come even in the first session. For some relief comes when they experience shifts in their awareness and for others when they make changes in their life. It depends on different factors such as the quality of contact you have with your therapist, how deeply you can work, how much therapy you have previously done, your commitment and readiness to work through the process.
How long does therapy last?
I provide an initial assessment period of 2 to 3 sessions to form a holistic picture and to understand your needs, which is a piece of work on its own as it gives us time to see if we are a good fit and how to best proceed. The length of therapy advised is based on the complexity of the issues you are experiencing and how long standing they are. This is discussed together.
Some therapies offer a focused 6 to 12 weeks however evidence has shown that long lasting change and maintenance of symptom relief is achieved through long term psychotherapeutic work. This varies from 12 months to open ended therapy.
How often do I need to come to therapy?
In general it is once a week at a regular time, however it may vary depending on the orientation of the therapy and what you are working on.
How much does a session cost?
The standard fee is £80/session however I work on a sliding scale to ensure that the therapy I offer is accessible for people in different financial situations. Please contact me to discuss fees if you are seeking therapy.
How to I know if we are a good fit?
It is normal to feel anxious at the first session when you encounter a stranger that you know you are there to open up to. So I encourage clients to ask questions. I recommend using the few assessment sessions to sense how you feel about going on. Research has shown that the client and therapist fit is the most significant factor contributing to successful therapy of any kind.
What is confidentiality?
What is shared in therapy stays between us. However there 3 limits to confidentiality that all mental health professionals must adhere to.
- If a child is or may be at risk of neglect or abuse and is in need of protection.
- If I believe that you or another person is at risk of imminent harm.
- If disclosure is required by law to comply with a court order.
If any of these concerns emerge during the course of therapy I will endeavour to discuss this with you before I break our confidentiality agreement.
What can I expect in the first session?
Our first session is a good time to get a sense of whether we are a good fit. I tend to start by asking what brings you to therapy and why at this time, and we take it from there. You may have questions for me, which I will gladly answer. In this first session the assessment starts which means that I listen to you and note my observations to start forming an understanding and a sense of how we could work together.
Do I have to know how to draw or paint to engage in art therapy?
Art therapy is not about artistic skills but about expressing and communicating with words and imagery. There is no right or wrong way to express your experience so any mark you make or don’t make can be explored.