Therapy for Individuals

In very broad terms and with considerable overlap between the two, counselling tends to involve shorter-term spells of work addressing more here-and-now issues for people with generally less severe symptoms. Whereas psychotherapy would usually be associated with longer-term work addressing deeper, more longstanding difficulties and perhaps more debilitating symptoms. That said, many therapists will use elements of both approaches when working with any particular client and their specific issues.

Having made an initial enquiry, you’ll be invited to attend a free 45-minute assessment with the aim of providing an opportunity for you to:

• Outline a little of your history and your reasons for seeking help
• Ask me in detail about my background, my approach and the services I offer
• Experience a taste of what counselling and psychotherapy will involve
• Get an overall sense of whether you feel you could work with me

Hopefully, by the end of the assessment, you’ll be in a position to make an informed decision as to whether you wish to proceed with a series of 50-minute treatment sessions. These would usually be weekly, but we might also agree to meet less often based on your circumstances.

If you do decide to continue, then I take a £10 deposit off the cost of the first session so as to secure your booking and, also, cover my costs should you change your mind and need to cancel.

Treatment sessions will largely consist of me asking questions, or making observations about the material you choose to bring. Where we agree it would be useful, I might share some theory or diagrams that help us understand what is happening, or offer you a tool, or technique to practice between sessions that will enhance the effectiveness of our work together and provide a way of putting what we have learnt into action.

I will also ask for feedback regularly on what’s working well- or, more importantly, anything that isn’t- and then tailor how we use the sessions accordingly. I aim to provide a friendly, inclusive and collaborative experience- and, so, I welcome your ideas, suggestions and creativity.

Once we agree to bring our work to a close, I recommend that we arrange one more session after the decision to end. Though not essential, in my experience, these follow-up sessions are often useful as they provide a space in which to address anything that arises in response to the decision to end treatment, or perhaps to attend to something important that might otherwise be missed.