Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING?
Both are a form of talking therapy and there is a certain amount of overlap between the theories, methods and techniques used by psychotherapists and counsellors. However, fundamental differences exist between the two, as psychotherapy is evidence-based and takes a more in-depth look at the root causes of the problem as well as the current behaviour it's creating.
As a result, psychotherapists tend to undergo more extensive training than those only offering counselling. However, some therapists, like myself, combine both approaches for optimum results.WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY?
In psychotherapy, there are many different ways to think about or understand an issue or problem; sometimes these are referred to as different schools of thought. Psychotherapists undergo extensive training in all of these approaches and an integrative psychotherapist combines the different tools and techniques in their practice. This offers an approach that is flexible and can be truly tailored to the person's needs and personality.
WHERE IS YOUR PRACTICE BASED?
My practice is in Marden, Kent. See Contact for more details.
CAN YOU HELP ME VIA ZOOM?
Absolutely. Zoom is a very convenient way for me to help you if you live too far away or are unable to travel to my practice.
I CAN'T SEE THE ISSUE I HAVE LISTED ON YOUR WEBSITE, CAN YOU STILL HELP ME?
Absolutely. My website lists the most frequent issues I am asked to help with, but it's certainly not an exhaustive one. Whatever the problem, if it's affecting yours or your child?s day to day mental wellbeing, please get in touch. I offer a free 20-minute telephone conversation during which we can chat about what you are looking for and how I might be able to help. Go to my homepage and click on 'Book Now'
HOW DO I DECIDE IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME?
Good question! Finding the right therapist for you is indeed extremely important to a successful therapeutic outcome. That's why I offer a free, no obligation, 20-minute telephone consultation so we can chat and discover more about each other. This will give you a good idea of what I'm like, how we might work together and ask any questions you have. Of course, I'd also recommend you read through my website and take a look at some of my recent clients' feedback.
DO YOU OFFER CONCESSIONARY RATES FOR THE UNEMPLOYED OR THOSE ON A LOWER INCOME?
I believe therapy should be open to all. Therefore, please contact me to discuss your situation and I will be happy to consider a concessionary rate where there is a genuine need. Please note, however, concessionary rates are offered on a limited basis and I cannot guarantee will always be available.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT?
I understand that sometimes things crop up which makes keeping an appointment difficult. However, to provide my clients with the best possible service, a considerable amount of time goes into preparing for each appointment. Therefore, unless it's a real emergency, appointments cancelled with less than 24-hours' notice will be charged at the full session fee. See Fees for more information.
WHEN AND HOW DO I END THERAPY?
Many people worry about telling their therapist they feel ready to bring therapy sessions to a close. But, they really shouldn't as hopefully this is because we've completed our work together successfully! Whatever your reasons for stopping therapy, the first step is a discussion of progress made and a review of the therapeutic goals agreed at the start of the process. From there we make a joint decision about the timing of ending therapy which will vary from one person to another.
I'M WORRIED ABOUT MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. CAN YOU HELP RIGHT NOW?
I work on a booked appointment basis only. If you are looking for immediate help, please contact one of the organisations or services below:
- Police - Call 101 (Non-Emergency) or 999 (Emergency)
- Samaritans - (24hr) Call 116 123 or email [email protected] https://www.samaritans.org/
- NSPCC - (24hr Helpline) 0800 800 5000 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
- Childline - (24hr Helpline) 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/
- Victim Support - 0845 303 0900 https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
- Rape Crisis - www.rapecrisis.org.uk
- Papyrus HOPEline UK - 0800 068 41 41, www.papyrus-uk.org(Support for teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 years dealing with emotional distress, depression and suicide)
- Depression Alliance - Mon-Fri 1pm-5pm 0845 123 23 20, www.depressionalliance.org
- Cruse Bereavement Care - 0844 477 9400, www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
- Sussex Mental Healthline - 0300 5000 101 5pm-9am Monday - Friday. Weekends and bank holidays 24 hours https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/sussex-mental-healthline
- Kent Mental Healthline - 0800 107 0160 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free from landlines
- CALM helpline (5pm-midnight) 0800 58 58 58, webchat service also available (support for men who are feeling down, have hit a wall or are at risk of suicide) http://thecalmzone.net
WHAT TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have a First-Class Honors Degree in Psychology and Counselling from The University of Greenwich, and have untaken further training on suicidal ideation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Mental Capacity Act & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Positive Behaviour Support, Restorative Justice, Mindfulness Practice, Developing Resilience, Neuropsychological Rehabilitation & Neurodegenerative Conditions as part of my continuing professional development (CPD).
I am a member of British Psychological Society (BPS) and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and operate under their ethical guidelines. See About Me for more information.
I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION NOT LISTED HERE
No problem. Please get in touch and I will get back to you as soon as I can.