Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Q. I have had CBT in the past and didn't find it helpful.
A. Sometimes, when people are referred for CBT, it can be very time-limited. My approach is very different as I have time to work with you. We can take the time we need, and feels workable for you, to explore your difficulties. I very much see you as individual, with your own unique needs and I embrace this in our time together. Above all, I use genuine empathy and compassion to build a warm therapeutic relationship
Q. I have heard CBT is all about looking for the positives in life.
A. I am a firm believer in looking for the evidence to support the way we think and feel. It's so easy to buy into thoughts and emotions. My aim is to help you gain perspective and balance in life.
Q. Do I have to do lots of worksheets in-between sessions?
A. When we introduce tools that we both feel will benefit you in session, it's helpful to reinforce this learning in-between session as the more you practice what helps you, the quicker your progress will be. EVERYTHING we do together, is agreed together first. You will never be asked to do anything you don't want to do or feel will be helpful to you.
Q. My experience of therapy has been the counsellor has sat in silence and stared at me.
A. My approach is very much so one where we work together. Whilst silence in the room can be very therapeutically important, most of the time, we will be engaging in a conversation between two people, where you will be compassionately supported and guided in a journey of exploration (at your pace). We will work together and I will ask you questions to help you to discover more about yourself and to enable you to decide if you feel change would be helpful and if so, what type of change.
Q. I have heard I need to engage in therapy for years for it to make a difference.
A. CBT is a shorter-term therapy. Session numbers typically range from 6-20 sessions (though, this can be adjusted if we feel this would be helpful). CBT is an evidence based therapy and evidence shows that for some people, they can start to feel better after as little as 6 sessions. Everyone is different but CBT is not intended to be a long-term therapy therefore it need not be an expensive process.
Q. Why online/telephone therapy?
A. As I work with highly anxious clients, the feedback I have received is that meeting in-person can feel a little 'too much'. Offering remote therapy ensures everyone can access therapy and it also allows me to offer more availability for appointments.
Q. I feel I want to start sessions but it feels a bit daunting.
Q. Do you diagnose?
A. No, I do not diagnose. I am not a medical doctor but instead, an experienced, qualified CBT Therapist who works with people experiencing distress. Together, we will gently explore your symptoms, work on a thorough assessment and then decide what your symptoms indicate and use this to guide us in choosing the most appropriate evidence-based treatment plan to help reduce and manage your symptoms.
A. Nothing is scarier than staying stuck. How will you know unless you give it a go? We take everything at your own pace and I will be led by you. You are here reading this which is the first step, the second one is making contact and asking any questions to help get a feel for what your next steps may be.
