"...which approach
is right for
me?"
You might wonder...
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Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the questions that people often want
to know before starting therapy. If you don’t see the
answer to the question that you want to ask, or if you
would like to discuss them in more detail, telephone or
email me using the contact details below:
Can I come to therapy if I don’t have an identifiable
problem?
Most individuals may at some point in their life feel
confused about why they are feeling low, function badly
or just feel off colour and feel they need to talk to
someone. You do not need a particular illness or problem
to see me. You may even just want to come to let off
steam and off-load.
Am I normal to want therapy?
Every person at some point in their lives may benefit
from therapy, whether this is to just find a neutral,
supportive voice or to get to terms with some issues you
have battled with for a long time.
Will you put me on a couch?
Couches are mostly used in analytical approaches where
it is normal for patients to lie down facing away from
the analyst. This is not the way I work, clients can sit
any way they like, it all depends on their preference.
I work full time. When can I see you?
I am available outside office hours but this can be
discussed during our initial consultation.
Will the therapy go on for years?
No, my preferred approach will not last more than a few
months or so depending on clients’ needs. I do not
believe in creating a dependent relationship and
therefore encourage clients to only see me for a limited
duration. Furthermore, if I feel I cannot help you any
further, I am bound by the ethical standards of the
British Psychological Society which dictates that it is
unethical to continue working with clients in that
situation.
What is your therapeutic approach?
My specialisation is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy but I
am trained and have experience in working in a variety
of therapeutic models and will use these integratively
if necessary.
How will I know if your therapeutic approach is right
for me?
I have been trained and have work-experience in many
different approaches, this means that I can be flexible
and customise your care-plan.
How will I know when I don’t need therapy any more?
The effects of therapy are long-lasting and cannot
always be felt straight away. You may feel worse
initially but as time goes on the process of therapy
will help you and it will become clear to both of us
when you are ready to stop therapy.
Will I have to tell you about my dreams?
Sometimes our dreams can tell us something about our
unconscious processes and this may be helpful to some
people with regard to their desires and needs. However,
if you do not want to talk about your dreams, you don’t
have to.
Will I have to tell you all about my childhood?
This can be helpful and with most therapeutic
approaches, a proper assessment of your presenting
problems can be made by looking into what has
contributed to how you act, think and feel at present.
Do I have to receive therapy three times a week?
No, this is solely done in psycho-analytical approaches
where it is seen as helpful. However, my approach sees
once a week or less as sufficient.
Will what I tell you stay confidential?
Yes, unless you tell me that you want to harm yourself
or if you know of someone who wants to harm you. In the
latter case I will need to disclose this information to
third parties such as your GP.
Can I get my medical insurance to pay for your sessions?
If you have medical insurance you should check this with
your insurer.
Can I get my employer to pay for your sessions?
This may be possible if, for example, you are seeking
help to be more effective in the work-place.
Can I receive sessions at my home or my work?
No, I am unable to see you at your home or work.
I don’t want therapy but my partner tells me I need it.
Should I?
Optimum benefit will be gained from therapy if you
really want it and you are ready and willing to commit
fully. If you were to come to therapy because your
partner tells you to do so but your heart is not in it,
it potentially will not have the same positive effects.
Can I see you with my partner?
I prefer individual therapy sessions but if your issues
require your family or partner to attend for one or two
sessions I will be willing to accommodate this.
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