FAQS
“Do I need therapy?”
Therapy is for everyone: it can help with everyday stress, with tough moments of life, and with deeper questions and issues.
People often seek therapy because they want to feel better, understand themselves, develop more healthy relationships, and make positive and lasting changes in their lives.
There is nothing wrong with having therapy and having therapy does not mean there is something wrong with you. Therapy can be like other things you might do for your wellbeing, like eating good food or doing some exercise or taking a holiday. It can feel like a big relief and very beneficial to have someone to talk to who is confidential, non-judgmental and responsive, and who is also a real life person.
“What is psychodynamic therapy?”
There are different types of therapy, just as there are different ways of improving your physical health, depending on what the problem is, and what you want to achieve.
For example, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is a short-term solutions-focused treatment, designed to help you to live with symptoms you might be experiencing, such as insomnia or anxiety.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a longer-term therapy, which will help you get to the bottom of what is causing the symptoms. The idea is that knowing the cause will help you to not experience the symptoms any more. A bit like the difference between taking a pill for headaches and having an investigation into why you’re getting the headaches.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy involves mainly talking, being heard and responded to. The idea is to explore together what is going on for you right now and how it relates to what has gone on for you in the past. It often feels like a relief to get something off your chest; with the added understanding you can start to make links, see patterns, gain agency in your life, and make lasting changes for your wellbeing.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy can be thought of as a healing conversation!
“Does therapy work? How long will therapy take to work?”
Therapy works! It works through a combination of practitioner training and experience, client engagement, and rapport between the two. It is important that you have a therapy that is right for you; we explore this together when we meet for the first time.
If you are interested in research and evidence around the effectiveness of the psychotherapy I provide, here is a useful link: https://www.bpc.org.uk/information-support/the-evidence-base/
Each person is unique and so the length of time of a therapy will vary. When we meet, we can discuss your needs and hopes in relation to time.
"Is it worth it?"
If you have a therapy that is right and helpful for you, the time and money invested in your (mental) health is well worth it for your wellbeing and life potential.
“How long and how often are therapy sessions?”
I offer once or twice weekly sessions of 50 minutes each; I do this because I have found that the consistency and frequency of sessions helps with emotional safety and wellbeing.
“How do I choose the right therapist?"
You can make use of specialist directories to find a qualified therapist, including Counselling Directory and British Psychoanalytic Council. These are reputable directories that only list therapists who can prove their qualifications and credentials.
You are welcome to book a meeting with me so we can explore whether this is the right therapy and I am the right therapist for you. Please feel free to contact me to do this.
“Do you offer reduced fee sessions?"
If you are on a low income or are unwaged and would like to have therapy with me, please contact me.
“Should I go private or wait for NHS therapy?” “Can I self-refer or do I need a GP referral?”
If you feel you are in a crisis, talk to your GP first.
If you are not in a crisis, you can self-refer for private therapy. For NHS therapy, you can talk to your GP about your options. Going private usually means you get faster access to therapy and more choice of therapy and therapists. Some private therapists, including me, offer reduced fees for those on low or no income.
“What happens in the first session?”
The first meeting is an opportunity for you to say the reason you are seeking therapy, and what you hope to get from therapy.
In the first meeting(s) we find out more about you. I ask you some questions about yourself and you are welcome to ask me any questions you may have. These could be about training and experience, or perhaps about the process and structure of therapy, or some of the FAQs here!
“Do you offer online therapy? Is it effective?”
Online therapy can be just as effective as in person therapy, as long as you have a safe and private space to have your sessions, and a good internet connection.
As well as in person sessions, I offer online and telephone sessions where appropriate.