Frequently Asked Questions
Why short-term therapy?
Short-term therapy is for people who find that a particular problem in their life is impacting on their quality of life in such negative way that they would like to address it. These therapies are therefore focussed on a particular issue to address in the therapy. You may find that in certain circumstances or once you have completed short-term therapy, you may wish to continue your road to recovery with longer term therapy such as psychoanalysis. Should this be the case, you will be fully supported in your decision.
Why are there different approaches?
Everybody’s counselling needs are unique and different therapies have certain ways of addressing presenting issues. CBT for instance looks at your thoughts and how you behave. Psychodynamic counselling looks at past experiences and how they affected you, whilst Solution Focused therapy looks at the future.
How will I decide which therapy is for me?
The section on the different types of therapy will give you brief introduction to the different types of therapy offered. If you would like further help in making your choice, you can request that I contact you to discuss your needs or you could arrange for a trial session to explore in depth what type of therapy would be most suited to your needs.
What can I expect from my therapist?
Your therapist should be clear what you can expect from your relationship with them. You should be treated in a non-judgemental manner and all information is treated as confidential, there are legal exceptions to this and these will be explained to you fully at your first appointment.
Is it important to attend regularly?
Therapy is an investment in your future and regular sessions ensure that you will get the most benefit from coming to therapy. However you may give adequate notice to terminate sessions whenever you want without explanation. You may want to take a counselling break and resume therapy when you feel ready to do so.
What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel up to 2 sessions during your therapy without penalty. You must however give a weeks’ notice where possible and no less than 2 days. Cancellations on the day will be charged at full rate. If you are planning a holiday please discuss this before you start your therapy and if you plan to travel for an extended period without online sessions, you may wish to consider starting after you have completed your travel plans.
Why has my therapist asked me to record the session?
Many short-term therapies use the technique of recording to help the therapist formulate your case. Recordings are only used for this purpose and will not be kept beyond the time of your therapy. You may ask for a copy of the recording and especially in CBT these recordings can be a useful addition to your future coping strategies that you take away from the therapy. Of course you can refuse permission for recordings to be made at any time without prejudice to your treatment.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT)
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)