FAQs

Research (Shedler, 2010, Tavistock Adult Depression Study, 2016) has shown that psychodynamic therapy often leads to more definite and longer lasting change with a lower likelihood of relapse. It is for this reason that psychodynamic therapy is often recommended as an effective treatment for a range of emotional and psychological problems.
There are many different types of therapy available (usually depending on the training of the therapist) and although the emphasis may be different, there is equally a lot of common ground. Many of these different therapies derive from the original psychoanalytic or psychodynamic approach. If I think that you may benefit more from seeing another therapist I will inform you of this at the Initial Consultation and let you know how to go about this. In my experience, the most important factor is the relationship between you and your therapist, irrespective of their theoretical orientation. Knowing that you have someone impartial to talk to regularly, in confidence, who is able to listen to you with respect, empathy and insight is often enough to help you to begin feeling better. As the paying client, you need to feel that the therapy is working for you.

Unfortunately, anybody can set up in practice as a counsellor or psychotherapist as these terms are currently not legally regulated.  This will hopefully change in the future but in the meantime here are a few things to look out for if you are looking for a counsellor or therapist to work with:

  • a reputable therapist will be registered with one of our professional associations; the main ones being BACP, UKCP, BPC, FPC or BABCP for CBT Therapists.  This means that they are committed to working to a strict code of ethical standards , including requirements for clinical supervision with a senior, more experienced colleague and ongoing CPD.  They will also be subject to random audit by their professional association who will also investigate any complaints on behalf of clients.
  • most reputable therapists will have undertaken a professional training of a minimum of four years duration and this training will have required them to see clients in a clinical setting and to undertake at least two years personal therapy themselves, as part of their training.
No. Whilst it’s true that counsellors and psychotherapists deal with a wide range of issues, including more serious problems, we generally work with anything that is troubling you or preventing you from feeling more satisfied with your life. Psychotherapy can also assist with personal development and increasing self-awareness to help you to achieve your potential in whatever direction that may be. Think of it as personal consultancy.
At the Initial Consultation we will discuss your situation and experiences in more depth. This will enable me to make a more accurate assessment of your needs and make a recommendation on the best way to help you. In practice, I use whatever approach I think will be most helpful to you at that particular time.
This depends on many different factors and each individual case is unique. You may notice improvements early on or it may take a little longer. You can continue with therapy for as long as you find it helpful. You are the paying client; you are in charge
No, the aim is not to give advice but rather to help you to make up your own mind about what is right for you and those around you.
Yes, whatever you tell me remains confidential between us. There are specific and very rare occasions when I would be legally compelled to inform somebody else; for example, if what you had told me led me to believe that you or somebody else was at risk of serious harm or where the safeguarding and wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult was at risk.

No, however, in order to work together I will need your GP details, just in case I have any concerns about you that I felt your GP should know, or if I felt that your GP could provide valuable help to you. In either case, I would not contact your GP without speaking to you first.

Any notes that I take do not form part of your official medical record.

We spend a lot of time at work, interacting with others and often under stress, so it is perhaps unsurprising that work is where many of our psychological defences and unconscious conflicts are acted out. Through psychotherapy, we can identify unhelpful patterns of behaviour that may be adversely impacting your working relationships and performance and help you to change. Over time, psychotherapy will also help to develop your ‘emotional intelligence’ (EQ), helping you to manage yourself in a more positive way, attune more sensitively with others and develop authentic leadership potential. It is for this reason that several of the world’s leading business schools include some element of psychotherapy intervention in their MBA and Executive Development programmes. With my particular blend of skills, I am able to offer unique and powerful insights within a psychodynamic context to help you in your career development and enhance your personal effectiveness at work.
Research undertaken by Coutu & Kauffman (Harvard Business Review, 2009/01) found that whilst only 3% of Executive Coaches in their survey group had been sought to help with personal issues, 76% of Coaches reported getting into personal issues with their clients. This is unsurprising as often whatever is holding you back at work is likely to be deep-rooted in longstanding personal issues and psychological or emotional limitations. However, this would go far beyond the training and competence of the vast majority of Executive Coaches. With my training and experience as a psychotherapist I can work with you to free yourself from past limitations and using coaching techniques, start to achieve your full potential going forward.
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