Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the session and how often do they occur?
The initial consultation will last 1 hour and twenty minutes. The reason that it is longer than the normal session is to try and establish whether psychotherapy is suitable for you. In addition there is a lot of ground to cover so that I am able to begin to get to know you and your history. It also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about me and psychotherapy as a whole.
The continuing sessions will last fifty minutes and will be once per week.
How long will I be coming to therapy?
The length of therapy varies hugely depending on the presenting problem, the length of time it has been occurring and the severity of the situation. In short, it is very hard to tell how long treatment will last. We can discuss the length of the work as the sessions progress and it is best to just ask if you are unsure.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and psychotherapist?
A psychiatrist is trained as a medical doctor and then specializes in Psychiatry. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication depending on the nature of the client’s problems. A psychotherapist is not a medical doctor and uses ‘talking therapy’ rather than medication. Most psychotherapists train for an extended period of time in a psychological methods rather than medical.
How do I know if a therapist is qualified to work with me?
Therapists are usually members of psychotherapy organisations that uphold standards of practice and training. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and work to their high standards and ethical guidelines.
I am also a member of FPC (The Foundation of Psychotherapy and Counselling) which is the home for Counsellors, Psychodynamic Psychotherapists, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists and Group-Analytic therapists who completed their training at WPF Therapy, one of the largest and most respected training institutions in the UK.
In terms of training, I trained for 5 years at Westminster Pastoral Foundation in London Bridge and obtained a Postgraduate Diploma from there. In addition to this I have a BSc in Psychology.
