Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE FIRST MEETING?
At the initial session we will talk about what has brought you to seek help, what you are expecting and hoping from therapy, any goals you might have. You can also talk about your concerns or anxieties about the process of psychotherapy and what will happen in the sessions. If we decide to work together we will agree about when to meet, and discuss the contract. Depending on what feels right for you we may agree to meet for a short term or for an open ended period,but this can be reviewed regularly. Sessions are once weekly. Holidays and cancellation policy will be discussed during this session.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE SESSIONS?
The sessions offer you the opportunity to talk about your difficulties or just to quietly reflect. You will be supported, listened to and heard in a non-judgemental way and together we will explore your situation. It is sometimes hard to talk about problems, especially if you are not used to it. You can bring dreams, poems, artwork if they are significant to you and help to communicate what is going on for you.
My approach is holistic which means I pay attention to you as a whole person, encouraging you to have an increased awareness of your mind, your thoughts and feelings and your bodily expression so that you can develop a deeper sense of yourself. As an integrative psychotherapist I am able to draw on a variety of theories and approaches. You may have unresolved issues from the past that are affecting your everyday life, which may appear as physical illness or unwanted recurring behaviour patterns. If you are stuck in this way your ability to respond fully to life decreases. While paying attention to these deeper issues I also look for strategies to help you cope on a day to day basis.
WILL IT HELP?
Sometimes just sharing your problems with someone trained to listen in a non-judgemental way can help. I can't guarantee a cure but together we could gain some insight and understanding of your problems and look for a way forward.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
Part of the ethical responsibiltiy for practising psychotherapists and counsellors is to engage in ongoing supervision with senior colleagues. This is to ensure the client's interests are best served. Supervision requires that information from sessions is discussed with a recogised supervisor. The client's identity is kept confidential. With this exception all information disclosed by the client is kept confidential except in the unlikely circumstances that a client is at risk to themselves or others.
