Frequently Asked Questions about Psychotherapy and Counselling

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

Although Counselling and Psychotherapy overlap in many ways, Counselling is required when a client would like to focus on one specific area or one pressing issue. In this instance, usually a short term approach is adopted. Psychotherapy generally requires a longer-term outlook; client and therapist examine a variety of presenting issues in greater depth, enabling the client to gain self-awareness and make any necessary changes so as to improve the quality of their life.

What happens in the initial session?

Meeting for an initial session is important because it will allow me to assess whether I am the right therapist for you, whether we are a good “match” and whether there is potential for a positive therapeutic collaboration. It equally allows you to get to know me, to ask as many questions as you like and to gauge whether you would feel comfortable enough working with me on a weekly basis.

What if you're not the right therapist for me?

I strongly believe that a good therapeutic outcome is largely dependent on the quality of the relationship that client and therapist share. Usually, we should get a good sense of how we might get along from our initial meeting. Sometimes, we may need a few more sessions. Therefore, I usually do a "review" after six sessions to give you an opportunity to say if you feel I am not the right therapist for you. If this is the case, there is no obligation for you to stay in therapy with me and I will do my best to refer you to another therapist who might be more suitable.

How long does a session last?

Each session lasts 50 minutes and takes place at a set time each week, .

How will the therapy end?

Unless we have agreed in our initial session that our work will be short term (usually 6 to 12 sessions) and focusing on one particular area of concern, I offer open-ended Psychotherapy.

Ending Psychotherapy occurs when a client feels he or she is ready to move on in their life and no longer needs support with managing individual issues. The ending is a very important part of the psychotherapeutic process and needs to be discussed with the therapist to ensure it happens in the best possible way.

will I be able to return to therapy after we have ended?

Hopefully, once we have agreed to end our work and said our goodbyes, you will be able to manage life on your own. However, sometimes, life throws new challenges at us and you might like to resume therapy, either for a one-off session or for more open-ended work. I am available for clients who wish to re-enter therapy for as long as it is required.

Is there a cancellation policy?

If a client cancels a session less than 48 hours prior to an appointment, they will be charged for the missed session.