Some therapists tend to view counselling as ‘short-term’ work; when someone has a problem that can be looked at and discussed in a clearly resolvable way. This work often requires undertaking sessions for a certain number of weeks, to explore, discover and clarify a way forward. Psychotherapy is a word often used to describe ‘long-term’ work; discussion that tends towards substantial issues and things that might be life-changing on a deeper level. Whether counselling or psychotherapy work best as a short- or long-term option depends on the client though, and the difficulties they are facing. In some cases, counselling can prove helpful as a continuing, longer-term option, or psychotherapy can help resolve an issue in just a few sessions.

There’s no fixed or ideal length of time for the therapy process; it varies from person to person and will often depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. While I can work on an open-ended basis with clients, I find it is helpful for us to both agree before we start on undertaking a certain number of sessions and reviewing where we are at once we reach that point. You can decide how long your therapy will last, and in return my aim is to make sure therapy continues for only as long as it is of benefit to you. This depends on what your needs are. Some people find that after only a few sessions they have some clarity and focus and are ready to end the therapy. Other people value the ongoing support and relationship with me and will continue to attend for weeks, months, or even years. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to therapy, and I offer a flexible approach.

My aim is to offer you a first appointment within 1-2 weeks. However, waiting times will vary according to availability.

Confidentiality is one of the main ways in which therapy differs from many other forms of helping – for example, talking to friends or family can rarely offer the same degree of confidentiality as talking to a therapist. Because of this confidentiality, you will find that – as you get used to coming for therapy – you are freer to talk about whatever you wish to. No counsellor can offer 100% confidentiality: there are some situations where the law requires disclosure of risk (e.g., certain child protection issues) and in common with most other therapists, there are some situations where I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. In particular, if someone tells me that they are thinking of harming themselves in a way that I believe puts them at serious risk, or if someone tells me that they are doing something that could put others at risk, I may not be able to keep such information confidential. However, breaking confidentiality is rare, and only happens after talking to the person concerned.

When you come for therapy it’s important that you feel free to talk about whatever is important to you. Having a friend or family member with you is not usually helpful because of the personal relationship you have. Even if they are supportive, or want you to ‘get better’, this can prevent us from exploring issues. Sometimes, family/friends can even be part of an underlying issue which needs to be aired and discussed. Usually, people who ask this question are nervous about coming for a session alone, or they are anxious for the person who is thinking about arranging sessions. This anxiety is quite normal, and you will not be forced to talk about anything you feel uncomfortable about – but you do need to be able to talk about whatever is important. For this reason, I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.