Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I choose a therapist?
A1. This is a very important question. Finding the right therapist is crucial to the therapeutic process. Check to see their qualifications, and if they have had a rigorous academic training. Also check to see if your therapist has been in therapy, which is part of the training process. Anyone can call themselves a Counsellor or Psychotherapist. Check if they are registered with the BACP,or UKRC, (Registering bodies for Counsellors) and/or UKCP (Registering body for Psychotherapists). However, most importantly, get a feel if the therapist is open to your experience and listens to you respectfully, with kindness and compassion. This however, does not mean that the therapist has to agree with everything you say. A good therapist will be both respectful, but at appropriate times will also be able to challenge you. See if you begin to experience some change within a month of starting therapy.
Q2. How often do I need to come for therapy?
A2. Some therapeuitic orientations like Psychoanalysis will require a commitment to therapy four to five times a week. However, once a week seems to work well with most clients. If a higher frequency is required, or a more flexible arrangement is needed, that is something which can be discussed with your therapist.
Q3. Will I become dependent on the therapist?
A3. If you are feeling helped, it may feel that 'I need my therapist', and at first it may feel like you are feeling attached to your therapist, or dependent on your therapist. That is a normal process. However, the aim of good therapy is to give you an experience of therapeutic attachment which empowers you to make your own choices, take responsibility for your own life, give direction to your life, and finally to be able to say goodbye to your therapist.
Q4. What can I expect from therapy?
A4. To start with, a safe and confidential space, and a trusting and respectful relationship in which you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, wishes, desires, and whatever you choose. I dont give advice, but I actively engage with and explore with you on all your issues. Such an enquiry will usually bring a relational change in the way you begin to relate to yourself and others.
A1. This is a very important question. Finding the right therapist is crucial to the therapeutic process. Check to see their qualifications, and if they have had a rigorous academic training. Also check to see if your therapist has been in therapy, which is part of the training process. Anyone can call themselves a Counsellor or Psychotherapist. Check if they are registered with the BACP,or UKRC, (Registering bodies for Counsellors) and/or UKCP (Registering body for Psychotherapists). However, most importantly, get a feel if the therapist is open to your experience and listens to you respectfully, with kindness and compassion. This however, does not mean that the therapist has to agree with everything you say. A good therapist will be both respectful, but at appropriate times will also be able to challenge you. See if you begin to experience some change within a month of starting therapy.
Q2. How often do I need to come for therapy?
A2. Some therapeuitic orientations like Psychoanalysis will require a commitment to therapy four to five times a week. However, once a week seems to work well with most clients. If a higher frequency is required, or a more flexible arrangement is needed, that is something which can be discussed with your therapist.
Q3. Will I become dependent on the therapist?
A3. If you are feeling helped, it may feel that 'I need my therapist', and at first it may feel like you are feeling attached to your therapist, or dependent on your therapist. That is a normal process. However, the aim of good therapy is to give you an experience of therapeutic attachment which empowers you to make your own choices, take responsibility for your own life, give direction to your life, and finally to be able to say goodbye to your therapist.
Q4. What can I expect from therapy?
A4. To start with, a safe and confidential space, and a trusting and respectful relationship in which you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, wishes, desires, and whatever you choose. I dont give advice, but I actively engage with and explore with you on all your issues. Such an enquiry will usually bring a relational change in the way you begin to relate to yourself and others.
