Therapy FAQ

It can be hard to know where to start! You might find some of your questions answered here...

How does therapy work?

There is no wrong or right way to do therapy and everyone will have a slightly different experience. Therapy can help you to better understand yourself and your experiences, and from a place of understanding you can make better decisions for yourself.

Having someone to listen, who is not part of your day-to-day life means that you don't have to worry about what you can or can't say, or how the other person might react. Therapy means having a space and time that is just for you.

How do I know if a therapist is right for me?

The most important thing is that you feel safe and able to trust your therapist. Research has shown that the quality of the relationship you have with your therapist is much more important than the 'type' of therapy. Look for a therapist who you feel a connection with, make a few enquiries with different therapists so that you can make comparisons. If you don't find a connection with a therapist straight away don't worry, it can take a little time to find the right therapist for you.

How many sessions should I have?

You can decide whether you would rather work in an open-ended way, or whether you'd like to work to a specific time frame. I would recommend a minimum of 6 sessions, as any fewer could mean you feel rushed. It's important that you have time to build trust in therapy.

What are the benefits of remote therapy?

Remote therapy means that you can be safe and comfortable in your own environment. It's fine to wrap a blanket around you, make yourself a hot drink - do what ever you need to take care of your needs. If you find travel difficult for any reason, remote therapy means that the therapy comes to you! I am happy to work over the phone, zoom, or a mixture of the two, whichever is your preference.

What should I prepare for an enquiry call?

You don't need to prepare anything for an enquiry call with me. The initial call is a short, informal chat about how we might work together. I will ask a little about you and why you are looking for therapy, there's no pressure to disclose anything you don't feel ready to talk about. The call is also a chance for you to ask any questions about me or about therapy in general.

I've had a bad experience when seeking help, how do I know if this will be different?

If you have had difficult experiences in the past where you have not felt heard, understood or accepted then it is very natural to have concerns about this happening again. You should be able to bring your whole self to therapy without fear of judgement. During an enquiry call you can let me know about your past experiences and your specific concerns - it may be that they relate to a particular aspect of your identity, or you may have concerns about confidentiality. We can discuss how we can address your concerns, and how I could make you feel safe.

What happens if I tell you I'm feeling suicidal?

Thoughts of self harm can feel shameful, with people often thinking that they are ‘too suicidal’ for therapy, or even ‘not suicidal enough’.

If you are feeling suicidal it’s important to have somewhere you can voice those thoughts without causing panic, where you’ll be heard without judgement. I’ll explore these thoughts with you and we will acknowledge and understand the pain that is motivating the suicidal thoughts.