FAQ's

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What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

Both involve being able to explore current difficulties in a safe, supportive way with a trained professional who has experience of helping. Counselling tends to be suitable for more ‘here and now’ difficulties, that may be related to problematic circumstances and stress, and tends to be short term i.e over a matter of weeks rather than months. Psychotherapy tends to be useful for longer standing or recurring interpersonal difficulties and will usually be explored in the context of early informative relationships in childhood and within the family. It tends to be longer term, over months rather than weeks. I offer both short term counselling, as well as psychotherapy (Cognitive Analytic Therapy).

How Can Psychotherapy and Counselling Help?

Psychotherapy gives the opportunity to talk through difficulties which may be longstanding or recurring and may be to do with how you feel in yourself, or to do with your relationships with others. It can help you make sense of what may be confusing or worrying feelings or behaviours, to perhaps gain a different perspective on things, and to gain insight or awareness. There are many different approaches to psychotherapy, and a trained therapist can point you in the right direction of what might be most helpful for you.

Can I have therapy in my own home?

Therapy of this kind is not done at home. Some, more behaviourally based therapies may be in part conducted from home. Ask your therapist more if you want to find out about this.

Can I contact my therapist inbetween the weekly sessions?

Contact between sessions is limited to brief communication for example about non- attendances or late cancellations. If you feel in need of someone to talk to in a crisis situation, the Samaritans provide a 24 hour service and can be reached on the telephone or by email. The link to the website is provided.

Will what I talk about in confidence be shared with anyone else?

Confidentiality is obviously very important, and the sense of therapy being a safe place to talk openly is vital. In some circumstances it is necessary to share information to make sure that your safety is taken seriously, if for example, there is concern about your physical safety or that of others. I’ll explain more about this when we speak, so that you can understand when and why strict confidentiality might not always be the best thing.

How do I know if my therapist is genuine and properly qualified?

Make sure you ask about their qualifications and experience and check out what professional bodies they are affiliated to; for example, those registered with the United Kingdon Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) will have to have met stringent checks regarding their training and professional ability to practice. The British Psychological Society (BPS) is another such body. Therapists also have to abide by Codes of Practice.

Why Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)?

It is used in the NHS and is popular with referrers, GPs and clients because it has a clear, time limited way of addressing difficulties which makes sense. What can CAT help with? It can help with a wide range of issues, ranging from common to complex including; Mood swings – which may be abrupt or feel unmanageable Personal or relationship problems – making or maintaining relationships Anxiety Low self-esteem Lack of confidence Depression Problems with self-image, diet or weight issues Self-care issues, self-neglect/self-abuse/self-harm

What happens if I make an enquiry?

I will try to respond with 2 working days, usually by email in the first instance. I will arrange a time to call you for an initial brief conversation before booking an initial consultation. The initial consultation can be arranged within a week or two where possible. The first meeting is 90 minutes to identify and begin to explore the issues for therapy. You will have a chance to ask any questions and to gain a sense of how I work. At the end of this I can discuss the options with you, consideration of the type of therapy or help and the length/number of sessions. This might involve suggesting weekly sessions of CAT. Arrangements about a start date will be discussed. There may be a short wait for therapy to begin as occasionally a waiting list operates to manage demand. Usually though I am able to see you to begin treatment within a month of your enquiry. Issues to do with confidentiality will be explained. If other sources of help seem more suitable I will discuss this with you.

Where do the session take place?

They are held at the Solihull Wellbeing Clinic www.solihullwellbeingclinic.com Therapy requires a commitment to be able to attend weekly sessions over an agreed period of time. Some allowance is made for planned breaks/holidays and planning for this should be done in advance. This will be discussed with you at the first meeting. Sessions start and end on time. Contact is limited in between sessions to any necessary text/email to inform of cancellation. Please note that for crisis help, there are helpful organisations listed below.

When do the sessions take place?

I am usually available for appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings. I may have limited evening slots available, please enquire for availability. In person sessions take place at the Solihull Wellbeing Clinic www.solihullwellbiengclinic.com in Hall Green, B28 0EL.