FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I have a session?
Therapy is most effective when sessions take place weekly, however some flexibility is possible where appropriate.
How long will I be in therapy?
How long is a piece of string? You might come to see me for counselling for one issue that is resolved in a short time (6 weeks to three months). Alternatively, open ended therapy can give you the opportunity to explore yourself at depth, and tend to issues that might have been building for a long time.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling usually refers to short term work (less than 6 months), with a focus on the issues you are facing in your present life. Some clients have a good sense of wellbeing but have one or two current problems that would benefit from some extra support.
Psychotherapy tends to be longer term, with the work often going deep into exploring your early childhood and primary relationships to discover the root of the issues you have in the present. Frequently clients will come with current issues that may have been building up for years and discover patterns that are not recent but originate in childhood, so work that starts off as counselling can seamlessly develop into psychotherapy.
Is it confidential?
Counselling and psychotherapy is strictly confidential. However there are limits to confidentiality. If I believe that you or anyone else is in danger of harm, or involved with serious criminal activities I am legally obliged to pass this information on. I am also legally obliged to provide any notes I make about our sessions if asked to do so by a court. I will of course inform you if this is ever the case. All psychotherapists are required to see a clinical supervisor, to ensure we are working ethically and effectively, and my supervisor is bound by confidentiality.
Where do sessions take place?
I see clients in a Covid secure therapy centre in Finchley or at the Mill Hill Therapy Hub, as well as online via Zoom. Free parking is available 5 minutes away or pay and display outside at the Finchley centre or for free at the Mill Hill Therapy Hub.
What sort of therapy do you do?
I am an integrative therapist which means I do not believe that any single model or theory of counselling/psychotherapy has a monopoly on healing, so I draw on different approaches to suit each client.
My training was transpersonal which builds upon the spiritual aspects of life and allows creativity in the therapy room to be limitless. My way of working has its roots in Carl Rogers' person centered approach, which views the client as the expert on their own experience, and seeks to build a productive working partnership through empathy and trust. I also work with psychodynamic theory, transactional analysis and cognitive behavioural techniques where appropriate.
Whatever issues you bring to therapy, I will work with you to develop a genuinely supportive relationship, which research has shown is the most important factor in bringing about therapeutic change.
What are your qualifications?
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Certificate in the Foundations of Counselling Psychotherapy from the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education.
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Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education.
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UKCP Accredited.
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Pregnancy and Infant Loss Accredited Practitioner
