This page describes counselling and psychotherapy, which I generically refer to as therapy, to help you decide whether this what you are looking for to help you. As a therapist, I use the associated skills interchangeably to achieve the changes and outcomes you desire.
Counselling is an opportunity to work through your problems and issues with someone who is professionally trained and who is impartial to the situation you find yourself in. A qualified counsellor is trained in active listening and in creating a safe and supportive environment. This space can help you to clarify, understand, process and resolve problems and issues which are troubling you.
Psychotherapy is all of the above but tends to work at a deeper emotional or relational level. It works to heal inner unresolved conflicts or deeper emotional or psychological issues within yourself.
Why do people go for therapy?
People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons, and I know making that first contact can be difficult. Here are some of the subjects for which someone may seek therapy with me.
- sexual abuse, incest or trauma
- self-destructive behaviours
- depression, anxiety and stress
- sexuality and sexual orientation
- cis-, trans- and non-binary gender identity and roles
- identity and body image
- life transitions and crisis
- loss and bereavement
- relationship and marriage difficulties
The purpose of therapy is not to give you advice, but rather to bring greater awareness to understand your internal and external experience. This can help you feel more empowered, more aware of yourself and your available choices.
What happens in a therapy session?
Each session is different and will depend on what you would like to talk about. The first session is an opportunity for us to meet each other, to discuss your requirements and desires, and to see if we can work with each other. If we feel we both can work together, then we can decide upon an initial working agreement. Throughout the sessions, I will regularly check progress with you to ensure we are meeting your needs.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions really does depend on what you prefer. Some issues and problems can be resolved in one or two sessions. Others are more deep-rooted and may take longer-term work, whether this is weeks, months or years.
How often are the sessions?
This is also your choice. For most people, weekly is the best option. For couples, fortnightly is usually sufficient for what you are working through. Sometimes a single session is enough. This is also something we can talk about in our first session together. Also, once our work together starts, we can re-negotiate our working agreement, changing the frequency to meet your needs.
Why go private?
Going private for therapy provides you with a number of advantages. These include:-
- generally shorter waiting lists
- more flexible appointment times
- choice of frequency and length of therapy
- the option for longer term work (which is not easily available on NHS)
- more confidential and discreet (being in therapy with me will not appear on your medical notes)
My city centre location in Leicester, which is near to De Montfort Hall, Leicester University, and Leicester railway station creates for you the flexibility to fix therapy into your busy schedule. My therapy room on New Walk is a place of peace away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Where can I find additional information?
The BACP has information on their website. You might find the following link useful.
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/we-can-help/