FAQs

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy, and what can they help me with?

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In simple terms, counselling is usually more short-term work that focuses on present difficulties and problem solving, usually in moderate depth. An example might be an upcoming stressful period at work or with exams, or perhaps a recent relationship break down.

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Psychotherapy on the other hand, is usually much more in depth, long-term, and explores root causes for any difficulties in your life. For example, perhaps you are struggling in your relationships, or notice patterns of behaviour within yourself you would like to change. Maybe you have struggled with anxiety for a long time and are curious about exploring where this began. It takes into account past experiences and possible unconscious processes. 

 

I am trained in and practice psychotherapeutic counselling, which brings elements of both counselling and psychotherapy together. It supports you with what’s happening now, while also gently exploring the deeper issues that may be shaping your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, allowing for deep reflection. 

 

I understand that life happens and there may be some weeks you come to session and there is a very current situation happening in your life that you want to talk about, but you may also like to work in a psychotherapeutic manner later – that’s okay too. I believe in working with a client-led approach, meaning you can decide what direction you would like the therapy sessions to go in. 

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Both approaches can support your well-being, and I find that they often overlap. If you are unsure or have any questions, please do get in touch. It is my job to explain these methods and help you find out what could be best for you.

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Do I need to have a session every week?

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I offer both weekly and fortnightly sessions. Which option you decide on is your choice, but I can help you work out what might be best for you if you are not sure. Usually, I find that weekly sessions are favored, particularly in the beginning as we get to know one another, and especially if you are open to exploring more in depth approaches. 

That said, some people like the ease of fortnightly sessions as it allows them more time to process in between sessions.

I do offer monthly or check in sessions for those I have already been working with for some time, however I do not offer this for new clients. This is because I feel it does not allow sufficient time to build a relationship with you and find out how best to help.

 

What if I would like to start therapy, but I don’t know what to say?

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It is part of my job to support you and help you to feel safe enough to share your vulnerabilities, and it’s not uncommon to have no idea where to start. Whilst therapy does require your input, sometimes it can take time to open up and really get grounded in where you would like to begin. That’s okay – therapy is a supportive space, and I will not rush you nor have any expectations of you. If you feel it could help, I can always offer gentle opening questions and offer my curiosity to help you get a feel for what you might like to explore.

 

How long will it take to see results from my sessions?

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This is a very understandable question to ask, but one that is difficult to answer. The length of time it takes to notice any changes from therapy is dependent on your reasons for coming, what changes you want to make, and how you implement the work from therapy in your everyday life in-between sessions. Some people may very well see an improvement in just a few sessions, whereas for some people, they may wish to pursue in depth work over a longer period of time.

During our work together, we will take moments to check in to be sure the therapy is beneficial for you, and you are getting what you had hoped for from the sessions.

 

How long does a session last?

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Each therapy session lasts for 50 minutes. This might seem like a long time at the beginning, and you won’t know what to talk about. But, in my experience, it usually goes by quite quickly and something spontaneously often comes up on the days you are not sure where to begin.

 

How much does a session cost?

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Each sessions costs £50. I realise therapy is an expense, and I do try to factor this into my pricing, but I do believe it is an investment into yourself and your wellbeing that can make a life-changing difference.

I do have a small number of slots for those who are unemployed or students where I offer a reduced fee. If you would benefit from this, please get in touch to find out if any of these slots are currently available. (I may ask you for some evidence to support this)

 

What happens at the first session?

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Sometimes at the first session, you may want to dive right in, or you might feel nervous and unsure where to begin. Either option is welcome. The first session can be a way for us to introduce ourselves to each other, and I can find out a little more about you and what your current day to day life is, expand on your reasons for coming to therapy and help you to feel a little more at ease in my presence.

We will review goals and expectations of therapy, as well as go over contracting and important information such as confidentiality. You can of course ask me any questions you might have too.

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What if I want to stop coming to therapy?

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Therapy is always your choice and there is no demand or expectation from me as to when/how you should stop therapy. That said, it is always good to discuss this with your therapist if you are looking to reduce your sessions or stop coming all together. Perhaps you feel it’s time to move on, you have benefited as much as you feel you can from the sessions, or maybe something is not quite working. Exploring this with your therapist gives you the chance to have a supportive ending session where we can reflect on the work together and explore the changes you notice.

If something is not working in the therapy relationship or the work, it gives us the opportunity to explore what that might be, offer a different therapy model, or make a recommendation to another therapist – please be assured a supportive therapist will not take offence at this, it is normal and important you work with a therapist you align with.

 

You didn’t answer my question here and I am unsure – what can I do next?

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If one of these FAQs did not answer your question, please do not hesitate to get in touch and ask away! I will be happy to help in any way that I can.