Some Frequently Asked Questions

What is involved and how will it help me?

Counselling and psychotherapy involve confidential professional meetings, usually on a weekly basis at a mutually agreed time, to address the emotional and practical issues which can interrupt and overwhelm daily life. Therapy gives you space and time to think, talk and explore problematic thoughts and behaviour patterns and to gain perspective in troubling situations. Your therapist will listen carefully and help you in a non-judgmental way to identify and understand more clearly what is causing difficulty in your life. By connecting with your feelings and getting to know yourself, you will be better equipped to avoid destructive behaviours and relationships and develop a more satisfying lifestyle.

What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling is shorter-term work with a specific focus, where difficulties are discussed and worked through collaboratively to arrive at solutions using strategies that suit each individual.

Psychotherapy tends to be longer-term work, addressing deeper issues, examining the underlying (and often unconscious) reasons for current and past relationship and behavioural difficulties. The most appropriate form and length of intervention will be discussed during your first session and assessment and can be reviewed at any time during our work together.

How long is a session and how many can I have?

We usually meet on a weekly basis on the same day and at the same time; each session lasts 50 minutes.  Our contractual arrangement with your firm will allow for a specific number of sessions.  Upon coming to the end of your allocation of sessions, if your therapist feels that additional support would be in your best clinical interests, then they may put forward a case for additional sessions, or, if appropriate, recommend and refer you to appropriate services outside PCP.

What happens if I miss a session?

At the beginning we will discuss any holiday dates you may have and honour them.  After the first assessment session, if you decide to continue with counselling, a mutually agreed day and time will be assigned to you and be available only to you.  A cancellation policy will be provided, but generally sessions will be counted as taken whether you attend or not.  If your therapist is away, then these sessions will not be deducted from your allowance.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

The first session is an assessment with an introduction to see if therapy is the right course of action for you and you feel comfortable with it.  You can decide then if you would like to continue or not and your therapist can answer any questions you may have. For many people therapy and a ‘talking space’ can be a powerful and life-changing experience.