FAQ
Q: What is a Psychodynamic Counselling session like?
A: There's no rigid agenda. You can start with whatever's been on your mind. This could be a stressful moment at work, a lingering feeling or a memory that keeps popping up. Together, we'll gently look for patterns in your life. This might be the way you react to stress, overwhelm or relationships today that are tied to past experiences or coping strategies you've picked up along the way. Together, we will work to untangle things and connect the dots. Bringing these unconscious patterns from the unconscious into conscious thought, helps them loose their power over you and aids you to make different and healthier choices moving forward. We always move at your pace. There's no rush or judgement and we take one step at a time to give you room to process hidden emotions safely.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: This really depends. If want to work on something specific such as making a decision about whether to stay in a relationship, clarifying values or goals, identifying negative self talk etc, we can set a number of sessions and keep our work focused. Counselling often brings up more hidden material and the number of sessions can always be extended.
Most of my clients come for open ended therapy and leave when they feel it is time. It takes time to build a relationship between therapist and client and those first few sessions can be daunting! You might wonder what to talk about, what you're 'allowed' to talk about (hint- it's actually whatever is on your mind! Everything is information and a peak into the unconscious) My job is help you feel comfortable and be curious about what's going on.
As a therapist in private practice, there are no set number of sessions. You can leave whenever you like but I always suggest we have a final session together to examine any defences at work and to have an ending. Many clients work with me for a while, leave and then come back as life presents new issues. I welcome this and do so myself with my own therapist.
Q: What if I decide I don't feel you are the right therapist for me?
A: This is perfectly fine! The right fit between client and therapist has been proven to be the most important indicator of a good outcome. If we don't fit, that's okay! We therapists are used to this and want you to do well, even if that means a different therapist.
Q: Do you offer face to face sessions or online?
A: I offer face to face sessions at my office near to Leicester's New Walk and Museum and my home consulting room in a pleasant and private space, separate to my house in Melton Mowbray.
I also see clients online and work with clients across the UK this way.
Q: What area's do you cover for face to face therapy?
A: People travel to my Leicester City Centre office from Oadby, Syston, Braunston, Wigston, Ayleston, Humberston, Beaumont Leys and all parts of Leicester, Loughborough. For my Melton Mowbray office, Asfordby, Oakham and beyond.
Q: How much so sessions cost and what is the cancellation policy?
A: Session's are currently £50 a session. Clients can see me at the same time and day every week or every other week. My cancellation policy is 24 hours notice prior to the session, otherwise the full fee is charged. I use a client information system called Konfidens that sends out appointment confirmation and a reminder the day before via e-mail. Konfidens is a fully GDPR compliant client information system used specifically by therapists.
Q: Is what we discuss in counselling confidential?
A: Yes. Your privacy is protected under GDPR and professional ethical frameworks. Everything shared stays between us, with a few clear boundaries that we can discuss in our first session.