Confidentiality?

Anything shared in a session is confidential. The only time this may be compromised is if a therapist has concerns you may be a risk to yourself or others. There would be an open conversation and you would be encouraged to seek further support.

To ensure continued professional development and accreditation, I have to receive regular supervision with another therapist to reflect on my practice. Confidentiality is maintained by anonymising the people we are discussing.

How many sessions will I need??

Numbers of sessions varies but usually anything between 6 to 20 with 10 to 16 being the average. The number of sessions you will need depends on your specific difficulties. Often you will be required to work on tasks between sessions and these tasks will be agreed between you and your therapist at a pace you are comfortable with. Booster sessions can sometimes be helpful 3 months after therapy has ended.

How often?

Weekly sessions are important during the early phase of therapy  in order to develop the therapeutic relationship and ensure key concepts are remembered.  Later they  may be fortnightly and towards the end sessions may be scheduled monthly. Some people also like to have booster sessions with longer intervals.

Where are sessions held?

Currently all sessions are remote. I am able to do Microsoft Teams (MT) or Zoom. I am also able to do sessions via telephone, although visual interaction has been shown to be more effective in developing the therapeutic relationship. Using MT/Zoom also allows the sharing of screens and as such, all important worksheets and any home practice work.

I’m not sure what the problem is or if CBT is the best approach?

While CBT can be effective, it isn’t the therapy for everyone. If you are unsure about whether it’s for you, I am happy to provide more information. Please give me ring or send an email found in the contact option above (click here). Outline your specific difficulties and I will be able to advise or suggest alternatives approaches.

Do I need to have a psychological assessment?

An assessment will help determine if CBT is the best option for you and will give us a better idea of the best treatment plan for you. An assessment is often a telephone conversation, giving you the opportunity to briefly outline the reason for reaching out, your main difficulties. An assessment will also highlight any risk. Assessments are usually shorter than a full CBT session and do not incur any costs. You also do not need to commit to any therapy following the assessment.

What if I’m in crises between sessions?

The Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) can provide urgent support and advice on tel. 116 123 or by email jo@samaritans.org. The duty GP at your local practice is available for urgent consultations during surgery opening hours. The NHS 111 telephone service is available to access urgent help out of hours.

Fees?

Fees are £85 per 50 minute session. A free telephone assessment (consultation) is available to enable you to decide if CBT could be a helpful approach for you.

Payment?

Payment is by bank transfer before the session.

Cancelling a session?

48 hours notice of cancellation is required. Sessions cancelled within 48 hours will be charged at half the normal hourly rate. Sessions cancelled within 24 hours will be charged at the normal hourly rate.