Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psychotherapy / Counselling?

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) defines counselling here:

https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-is-counselling/

The BACP also has this list of what therapy can help with:

https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-therapy-can-help-with/

Is Therapy an Instant Cure?

Psychotherapy is a gradual and subtle process of change, rather than an instant magic cure. It can take a while to settle into the process or notice any shifts in self-awareness, behaviour or mood. It can feel scary and challenging at times, particularly at the beginning, but you can work through these feelings with me to help you to feel more secure in the process.

Does Therapy Work?

This may depend on what your expectations are and also how far you feel able to go with it at that time. Some people have sessions over a long period of time, for others it can work better to do separate shorter pieces of work. You can discuss this with me, and we can look at how achievable your goals might be within your chosen timeframe.

How Many Sessions will I Need?

I offer open-ended counselling, but as a guideline I recommend a minimum of six sessions to give you a chance to get used to me and the therapeutic process. I am happy to discuss the number of sessions you think you might like - you may want long-term therapy, or you may prefer to have therapy in shorter blocks. We can review this choice regularly together, to see if you’re still getting what you want from the sessions.

How Much does Psychotherapy Cost?

£100 per session.

How Long is a Psychotherapy Session?

50 minutes.

Do You Offer In-Person Psychotherapy?

Yes. My therapy room is part of the Sonning Wellbeing Co-operative at 2b, The Old Forge, Pearson Road, Sonning, Berkshire, RG4 6UH. Sonning-on-Thames is a village just outside Reading.

What Happens After I Make Contact?

I will call you at a pre-arranged time to talk about why you are currently seeking therapy, to help me assess if I can provide the right service for you, and to give you a chance to decide if I might be the right therapist for you. You may then choose to go ahead with a 50 minute assessment session.

If you then want to continue this therapeutic work with me, we will arrange a regular time slot, and I will send you a therapeutic contract to read through, which will include more information about Psychotherapy sessions with me.

What Kind of Psychotherapy do You Offer?

There are many different types of Psychotherapy and Counselling, but I offer Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Here are some links that describe the Psychodynamic approach in more detail:

https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/psychodynamic-therapy.html