Why do people see a therapist?
People come to therapy for a wide variety of reasons: anxiety, depression, low-self esteem, loss of meaning, relationship issues, bereavement, addictions, sexual identity issues, stress, self-harm behaviour, trauma, to name but a few. Sometimes it’s not easy to pinpoint what the issue is; it could be a general sense of dissatisfaction or lack of purpose.
Sometimes people just need a safe and confidential place to explore what’s going on for them. Therapy is often very useful in these circumstances.
Will psychotherapy be right for me?
Seeing a therapist for the first time can feel like a big deal. The relationship between you and your therapist is at the heart of therapy and it’s important you feel comfortable working together.
As a therapist I appreciate that different therapeutic approaches work better for some people than they do for others.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an assessment and an opportunity for us to meet face-to-face so we can decide if we feel happy working together. I will invite you to talk about your reasons for seeking therapy and to ask any questions you may have about the therapeutic process.
There are some practical details to talk through such as appointment times and confidentiality. It’s your chance to ask questions and to share what you hope to achieve through therapy.
How long will I be in therapy?
Ultimately, this is up to you. I see clients for both short-term and long-term therapy. This will be talked about at the first session and we will agree frequency of sessions and the timeframe for therapy.
Some people, who have a specific area they want to explore, choose short-term therapy, perhaps as few as six sessions. However, for those who are looking for a more considered, wider reflection on their lives, longer-term therapy is often the better option.
All individual sessions last for fifty minutes and usually take place on the same day each week at a regular time.
Where and when do you see clients?
Daytime and evening appointments are available. I practice in Newcastle upon Tyne in both the city centre and Gosforth.
How much does therapy cost?
Each individual fifty-minute session costs £50
Each group therapy session costs £35.
I also offer a limited number of places at concessionary rates for psychotherapy and counselling trainees.
What is the cancellation policy?
To ensure the smooth running of the practice, fourteen days’ notice is required if you can’t make a session. This avoids having to charge you the full fee.
Is the therapist professionally trained?
Yes. I am a fully registered psychotherapist with UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and a full member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As an existential analyst, I am also a member the Society for Existential Analysis.