How do I know I need counselling/Psychotherapy?
There may be many reasons why you wish to embark on a series of counselling/ therapy sessions: to gain clarity on an issue, change old patterns, and untangle complex personal issues or for self-development. People may also seek counselling as a result of a crisis, or may be encouraged to seek counselling/ therapy by family members, friends or colleagues.
What usually happens within a therapy sessions?
All sessions differ. It is a time for you to talk, what you choose to talk about will vary according to your needs. You are free to discuss what you wish, from everyday events, dilemmas, feelings, thoughts, regrets, aspirations, memories and dreams. All sessions will be conducted in a safe environment in which to explore your issues and work towards your self-improvement. If you prefer to approach your issues in a more practical way, then cognitive behavioural therapy may be a good choice.
Do I have to talk about painful or embarrassing experiences?
Yes, when you are ready. The pace in which your therapy is conducted can be dictated by you, only tell me things when you want to. If it something that you have not told anyone else people often report feeling a sense of relief once they have begun to tell someone else. And, it is fine to take as long as you need.
What if I don't know exactly what I want?
Many people come to counselling without a clear idea of what they want and that is fine too. It is quite normal to need to take time to explore why you are here and what you want from the process
What issues can counselling/Psychotherapy help deal with?
People often present with a wide range of problems which can include anxiety (panic attacks, agoraphobia, generalised anxiety problems, social anxiety, claustrophobia), stress in the workplace, work-life imbalances, relationship issues (break-up, divorce, affairs, choosing inappropriate partners, loneliness, life adjustments, marital problems, arguments, jealousy, wedding & premarital issues), sexual problems (impotence, internet/pornography/sex addiction, loss of desire), infertility, trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder from accidents, rape and other attacks/incidents), obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating problems (including bulimia, binge-eating, negative body image), depression (including suicidal thoughts, low mood, social withdrawal), phobias & fears, addiction, low-self esteem& confidence, addiction & substance misuse, abuse (including verbal and sexual abuse), and bereavement/grief/loss. It is thought that the most common reasons for searching for a counsellor are stress, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties.
What kinds of people seek counselling/Psychotherapy?
There is no specific type of person that seeks therapy, but many can and do benefit from counselling. Our client group spans across cultures, gender, religion, employment status and sexual orientation.
Do I need to attend weekly sessions?
In order for therapy to have work it is important that you engage in regular weekly sessions. The weekly sessions help you make gradual and steady progress.
Will my sessions be confidential?
All therapy sessions will remain confidential with the exception that if any information given within a session may pose a danger to yourself or others, in cases such as these relevant parties will be notified.
How long should I expect to have to continue counselling?
The length of time counselling takes depends on you as an individual and your presenting issues. If agreed an initial six sessions will take place and then reviewed after that.
Why do I pay for missed or cancelled appointments?
If you proceed and engage in regular therapy sessions the therapist reserves a specific time slot for you each week. Therefore, any missed appointments or cancellations will be charged the full fee. This is to ensure the same time slot is allocated for you each week.
How can I pay for a therapy session?
The therapist will take cash at the end of each session. You will be invoiced for any missed or cancelled sessions. Unpaid bills may be forwarded to a debt collection agency.
Is my counsellor/Therapist qualified?
Yes, all the therapists at Hart Psychotherapy are qualified to a high standard.
Do you offer concessions, discounts or low-cost therapy?
We do offer concessions for clients who are from low-income families and discounts for to clients who make block bookings. We also offer a free over the phone consultation.
Will my counsellor be available for me in a crisis?
We operate during our office hours stated on the home page, however, shouldyou need to talk to a therapist outside of office hours then we have an answer phone service where we will call you back as soon as possible. There are alternative general helplines also available should you need them such as:
- Dial 111 for the NHS.
- You can dial 08457 90 90 90anytime for The Samaritans.
- Try SANEline, a specialist mental health helpline dial 0845 767 8000 between 6pm and 11pm every evening.
- If you feel suicidal then go to your local Accident and Emergency departmentor if you have self-harmed and are concerned about it.
- Try contacting a family member or friend.
- If you are under the care of your local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) or in contact with them, then contact your crisis team if they have one.
- Contact you GP.
Can I speak to counsellor before my appointment?
We offer a free over the phone consultation before you start therapy, this will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you need to. It is possible to talk to your therapist between sessions, if you leave a message they will get back to you. If you feel you need more support we also offer over the telephone therapy as well.
