Frequently Asked Questions:

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What is psychotherapy and how can it help me?

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Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a collaborative process between you and an accredited & qualified trained therapist. It aims to explore and address emotional and psychological issues you may be facing. Psychotherapy can help you gain insight into your thoughts and behaviours, develop coping strategies and work towards positive changes in your life. Unlike psychologists it is not our role to diagnose and unlike psychiatrists, it is not our role to provide medication. As a psychotherapist I can use a range of therapeutic techniques, modalities and theories and we are not limited to a set number of sessions. 

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How do I know if I need psychotherapy?

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You might consider psychotherapy if you're experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues or life transitions that are impacting your well-being. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your concerns with me so that I can provide guidance based on your unique situation.

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What can I expect in a therapy session?

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During a therapy session, you can expect a safe and confidential space to express your thoughts and feelings. I will listen actively, ask questions and provide gently hold the mirror up to you once safety and trust has been fully established.. Together, you and I will explore your concerns, set goals and work towards solutions. Sessions typically last 50 minutes (longer sessions can be requested) and occur on a usually weekly or bi-weekly basis.

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How long does therapy take?

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The duration of therapy varies depending on your specific goals and needs. Some individuals may benefit from short-term therapy (a few months) to address specific issues, while others may engage in longer-term therapy to explore deeper concerns and personal growth. Everyone is different - some clients will come for 10 sessions over several months, others I have worked with for years. Quick fix expectations usually result in clients coming back several months/years later. 

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Is therapy confidential?

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Yes, therapy is confidential. I am bound by strict ethical guidelines to maintain confidentiality. However, there are legal and ethical exceptions, such as situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others. I will explain confidentiality in detail during your initial session.

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What might the therapeutic journey look like?

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The Initial Consultation:

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Your journey in psychotherapy typically begins with an initial consultation. This is an opportunity for you to meet me, discuss your concerns and determine if we feel comfortable working together. You can ask questions, share your goals, get a sense of what the therapeutic process will entail and pick up on my style/energy. Your first session (and some subsequent sessions) will be information sharing/gathering and we will only begin to scratch the surface - you need to tell me your story that we can begin to get in touch with the feelings associated with your thoughts and behaviours.

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Collaborative Goal-Setting:

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During your therapy sessions, we will collaborate to set specific goals and objectives. These goals will guide our work together and help track your progress over time. It's important to communicate your preferences and priorities during this process.

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Active Participation:

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Therapy is most effective when you actively engage in the process. Be open and honest about your thoughts and feelings. I will provide support, insight, and guidance (not advice), but your active participation is key to achieving meaningful change. I recommend journalling before and after sessions and give yourself time after a session to reflect on what has come up for you in session.

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Progress and Reflection:

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As you progress through therapy, you'll have opportunities to reflect on your experiences and monitor your growth. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small and address any challenges that arise along the way. Life throws us all curveballs at times and you may find we go down a completely different route in some sessions and you talk about something big that's going on for you in the present as well as delving into areas that you did not even realise were issues... this is the beauty of therapy and part of doing "the work."

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Closure:

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Therapy typically concludes with a termination process where we review your goals, assess your progress and discuss future steps. This closure is an important part of the therapeutic journey.

Remember that each person's experience in therapy is unique and I will tailor my approach to meet your individual needs and preferences.

If you have more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to support you on your path to emotional well-being and personal growth.