FAQ

Is my problem a real problem? 

There is a misconception about psychotherapy that you should only seek help when something majorly traumatic happens to you or if you are suffering from mental illness.

Something that doesn’t seem like a real problem to one person can be a huge problem to another person. Only you can judge whether the problem is big or small. If you are feeling uncomfortable, sad, angry or overwhelmed with something that appears to be a minor cause, it is a real issue for you. As therapists we will treat any issue you bring to therapy with respect and without judgment.


How is talking to a therapist different from talking to my best friend or a family member?

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​A therapist can offer an outside perspective on your issue. Sometimes our friends and family can contribute to maintaining the problem as they might be part of the unhelpful dynamic without being aware of it. A therapist can be more neutral and help you become aware of unhelpful patterns of relating to others. As an outsider, the therapist is less likely to get into an emotionally charged exchange with ​you the way your family members might do. The therapeutic relationship is different from other relationships. Therapy is a place where you and your problems are seen as very important. This is perhaps the only place where the entire focus is on you.


When we tell our friends or family about our problems, there’s normally an expectation that we would also listen to their problems in exchange. We might sometimes feel guilty sharing about our problems with others or about upsetting the balance between how much help we give and receive. Therapists are not there to share about their own problems. A therapist is there to listen to you without expecting that you do the same in return. Therefore, you can have the freedom to share as much or as little as you like without feeling guilty. This is what you pay for.

Therapy is YOUR space and time, and YOU are the only one who matters. It’s the space, in which you can freely express yourself and give yourself the freedom to explore your feelings and experiences without fear of judgement.

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What does confidentiality mean?

A therapist works ethically and respects your confidentiality. This means that the material you share with your therapist will not be disclosed outside your therapist’s supervision. Supervision is mandatory to insure that therapists provide good quality care to their clients. A supervisor is there to monitor therapist’s work with clients and to address any issues that might arise in the process. Any material you share will not be discussed in any other context without your knowledge. There are rare occasions in which therapists are required to break confidentiality.These include terrorist threats and risk of serious harm to children or vulnerable adults.

When is it helpful to see a therapist?

We all experience difficult times in life. Most of the time we are able to cope. However, sometimes our difficulties feel too overwhelming. You might consider seeking help from a psychotherapist if you’re experiencing psychological issues, pain or confusion which you find difficult to cope with or manage on your own. You might also benefit from psychotherapy if you need to talk to someone about whatever is troubling you in a safe confidential environment. 

Areas we work in:

​Abuse, Addiction(s), Affairs and Betrayals, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bereavement and Loss, Bipolar Disorder, Bullying, Child Related Issues, Depression, Divorce, Dating, Eating Disorders, Emotional Abuse, Existential concerns, Guilt, Identity Crises, Insomnia, Issues with Authorities, Long-term Illness, Low Self- Esteem, Panic Attacks, Phobias, PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Relationship Issues, Self Awareness, Spiritual Issues, Stress, Shame, Terminal Illness, Trust Issues, Trauma, Work Related Issues.


How many sessions will I need?
 

It depends. In some cases short-term therapy of 6 to 12 sessions in enough. In other more complicated cases it
might take years before you can see felt positive results.


How do I choose a psychotherapist?

​ It is important to check if your psychotherapist is qualified. When choosing a therapist, usually a positive indication is that you feel comfortable enough to talk to the therapist about issues you want to address. It is also helpful to talk about your expectations for therapy and ask your therapist questions to better understand how you can work together.


What are qualifications or credentials I should look for?

You can ask the therapist about his/her qualifications before starting therapy. You should also check whether the therapist is a member of a professional body. There are three main professional bodies in the UK:
​BACP:The British Association for Counselling andPsychotherapy
UKCP:The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
BPS:The British Psychological Society

How often will we meet, and for how long?

Therapy sessions normally take place once a week for 50 minutes. 

I’m interested in having therapy. Where do I start?

​You can email us outlining your reasons for seeking therapy. We can then arrange initial consultation to discuss your options.