Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Psychotherapy last?

The therapy may be open ended or time limited. The number of sessions will largely depend on the reasons why people seeks support. Some people see a psychotherapist wanting to deal with very specific issues whilst other do so with a more general sense of unease and dissatisfaction. Psychodynamic psychotherapy usually lasts from between a few months (short-term psychotherapy) to a few years (long-term psychotherapy). This depends on the individual’s needs and strength, both emotional and financial. It is, however, sometimes possible that even a short number of sessions proves especially useful.

Short-term psychotherapy

Short-term psychotherapy can last from between 16 to 24 sessions, usually once a week, and it focuses on particular issues that client and therapist decide together to work on during the first few sessions. However, it will not be possible cover all of the issues that the client wishes to address nor all of the various ones that undoubtedly will come up during the therapy.

Long-term psychotherapy

Though this type of therapy will focus on particular issues that client brings, it is and feels richer as it allows to look at, and discuss, other issues that will surface along the therapeutic journey. It also gives the the clients the opportunity to explore and discover their inner world without experiencing the anxiety of the upcoming end of therapy.

How long does is a typical session?

The sessions always lasts 50 minutes and sessions start and end at the agreed upon time. The initial online therapy consultation may last an extra 10 minutes or so. As the session may not start later than agreed, late arrival means the loss of part of the session, so it’s important to always be on time.

A day or so before our initial online therapy consultation, we will have exchanged our Skype names and already be connected, so that we can get on with the first session without spending time in getting our profiles connected.

How Frequent are Therapy sessions?

Weekly psychotherapy sessions can be very useful. However, whether the frequency will be once a week or more will depend on the individuals' needs and their capacity to cope with the issues. Greater frequency not only provides a better sense of continuity, but it can also make it easier for some people to remember what was discussed in the previous session and to keep mental and emotional closeness with the issues that are being explored. Shorter intervals between sessions can also allow arriving at issues' root cause in a shorter period of time.

How do I pay?

Fees are payable by cash at the end of each face-to-face session. For online therapy, payment need to be made in advance via electronic bank transfer or any other means as agreed between us.

Are sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is of paramount importance in the client-therapist relationship. It is important that people feel able to talk openly in order to gain maximum benefit from the sessions.

I work in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of ethics and all discussions are held in confidence unless I have reason to believe that you or someone else are at risk of serious harm or I am compelled by a Court of Law. I have a professional duty to promote people's safety and wellbeing and I would always try to talk to you beforehand should any of these limits apply.

I will discuss confidentiality with you at our initial consultation so that you fully understand these limits.

All client information that I hold is in compliance with the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice and The Data Protection Act. I do not keep any electronic records and I am bound by the BACP complaints procedure.