1. CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is really important. It is vital to feel safe to be able to express and explore everything that is going on for you. It’s important to say though, that if I am concerned for your safety or someone else’s, I am duty bound to pass this on to the appropriate body. Please look at my confidentiality information found on the downloadable PDF’s. I have one specific to adults and one specific for children/parents.

 

2. How do you know if you want to see me?

This is a valid question and it is crucial that you feel safe and comfortable with your therapist in order to make the most progress. I offer a free 20 min phone consultation with no pressure to commit to give you an idea of who I am and how I work.

 

3. SESSION LENGTH and HOW LONG DOES THERAPY GO ON FOR?

Sessions are usually an hour long until we begin the EMDR sessions where we need to allow for 90 minutes (and make sure you are aware of the fee adjustment for this). This can be different for children and young people with whom I usually work for up to an hour max in both Art and EMDR Therapy.

Sometimes people find a few sessions of therapy is all they need for now and the points we have looked at are enough to set them on a new path. Others will need longer. I usually work with people for around 3-6 months.

 

4. CAN I SEE YOU ALONGSIDE HAVING ANOTHER THERAPY?

It is recommended that you don’t ‘mix’ therapeutic interventions. I would not want to see you if you were having therapy elsewhere as the therapies could potentially ‘clash’ and be counterproductive. You may need to think about why you are seeking further therapy if you are already seeing someone. You may want to discuss this with me on the 20-minute phone call.

 

5.  If I have Therapy does that mean I am not strong?

Actually, I find the people who attend therapy are incredibly brave. Therapy is about facing up to your problems and actively making a change. This can be overwhelming and scary and making a commitment to proactively tackle these difficulties is as far from weak as I can possibly imagine. I have the greatest of respect for anyone who has the courage to attend therapy.


 

6. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TALKING TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND A THERAPIST?

The difference is that an Accredited and professionally trained Therapist has the skills to listen to what you are saying and give time and space which is solely about YOU as a person, not about them as well. A Therapist has the competences to reflect on what you bring to them in the therapy session, without being shocked or judgemental and look at ways which hopefully help you adjust, move forward and make changes that benefit your life. A Therapist should have the capacity to handle powerful emotions and work with them productively.  Finally, Accredited and State Registered Therapists are duty-bound to adhere to a strong code of ethics from their Professional Bodies, actively maintain their continuous professional development and attend clinical supervision which helps monitor and develop their best practice.  Family and friends are important, but it is a different relationship and should remain that way.