What is Psychotherapy?

“Men need to confirm one another in their individual being by means of genuine meetings: but beyond this they need to see the truth, which the soul gains by its’ struggle” .... Buber

The opportunity to explore feelings in a supportive, confidential environment….

hand in sky

Psychotherapy is a professional relationship between therapist and client in which the client is supported to explore difficulties, experiences and feelings.

Therapy is an opportunity to talk openly and frankly with a professional who is trained to listen in a supportive and responsive way. This is essentially what makes it different from talking to a family member or friend, who might reassure you when you need challenge or might dismiss you when you really need to be heard. The role of the therapist is to walk alongside you through your ‘struggle’.

The aim of psychotherapy is to develop an awareness of why you feel the way you feel about yourself and others, and how you respond to life and those around you. This awareness may result in soothing and/or challenge as you become faced with new choices.

What will happen?

Initially, after discussing your requirements on the telephone or via email, we will agree on a time to meet for an assessment appointment. This will usually happen within 1 week of contact. The assessment, and any subsequent therapy sessions, will happen on my premises, where I have a room in my home which is specifically dedicated to my work with clients.

The assessment process will take one hour. During this time you will have the opportunity to describe your difficulties and explore your needs. I will also ask questions which will help me to develop a fuller understanding of your needs. At the end of the assessment we will decide together whether your requirements can be met in therapy and whether this is work we can undertake together. We will then decide on how many times we will meet and what your aims will be. Alternatively we may decide that a further assessment session is necessary before committing to embark on therapy.

Should you decide to commence therapy there will be an ongoing assessment of how our relationship is developing and whether your expectations and therapeutic needs are being met.