Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling is usually shorter-term and focuses on working to find a solution to a particular difficulty. This would usually involve 6 to 12 weekly sessions.
Psychotherapy tends to be more in-depth and longer term, and can be open-ended. This allows time for a deeper process of change to take place, and an ending can be discussed when you feel ready.
Psychotherapy may involve looking back to past experiences to understand present difficulties, but this is not always so. The depth of the work can also come from focusing on your whole way of being in the world. This may include looking at a your thought processes, unhelpful beliefs and patterns of behaviour, and your relationships with yourself and others.
What will happen during the first session?
This is a chance for you to meet me and see if you would feel comfortable working with me. The relationship between us will prove a key part in the success of our working together. This session is also time for you to explore what kind of support you are looking for and what you might gain from counselling or psychotherapy.
Will you give me advice about how to solve my problems?
Counselling is not about offering advice, but rather a shared exploration of your thoughts and feelings, which will help you unravel your difficulties and seek ways to move forward.
Each session is unique and it is up to you what you would like to bring. You can expect to be treated with compassion, respect and understanding and develop new insight and understanding which will enable you to find more useful coping strategies.
How long is a psychotherapy/counselling session and where will it take place?
Each session lasts for 60 minutes usually at the same time/day each week, although I offer a flexible arrangement to accommodate clients' professional schedules. Sessions are mostly Online Zoom or FaceTime which adds to this flexibilty
What will it cost?
I charge £50 per hour for individuals, £40 for students and £60 for couples. Other concessionary rates can be discussed at the initial enquiry.
