Frequently asked questions

Counselling is usually for a very specific concern and can be short term – usually 12 sessions – though it can also be for a longer period of time. For example counselling might be helpful for bereavement or even a separation from a relationship.

CBT or cognitive-behavioural therapy is an evidenced-based method for bringing about change. It can be helpful to focus on a very particular problem such as anxiety or depression and works by challenging usual thought processes. For long-term effectiveness it requires making behavioural changes.

Psychotherapy is usually for a longer period of time and can be useful to make explicit links between early childhood experiences and current day concerns. It can be a very reflective process which aims to help you make better sense of long term patterns in how you relate to people and which can impact on day-to-day functioning.

Mindfulness practices include breathing and visualisation exercises to help you relax and focus more on the present.

Deciding which approach is appropriate for you will depend on your situation. It is something that we can discuss in our initial one-off assessment and/or a first session.

I work with many different issues including addiction(s), anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, gambling, internet addiction, sex addiction, drug abuse, anger management, affairs and betrayals, bereavement, couples issues, depression, relationship concerns, family issues, low self-confidence, separation and divorce, panic disorder and phobias.

Generally counselling and CBT therapy sessions are weekly, but they can be fortnightly if we deem this to be appropriate. Psychotherapy is usually weekly, twice weekly or fortnightly.

All sessions are 50 minutes long.

Counselling & CBT usually works with a specific problem over an agreed period of time – I usually ask that people commit for a minimum of 10 sessions.

Acupuncture works through the stimulation of specific combinations of points on the body’s energy pathways known as meridians. Meridians are fine lines that transverse the body. Most people do not feel the needles when they are inserted just below the surface of the skin.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a fairly new therapy. It can be helpful for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can be the result of a range of events including military combat, physical assault, rape, or car accidents.

Much of the research into EMDR has examined its use in people with PTSD. However, EMDR can be helpful with all sorts of trauma. It is sometimes used for psychological problems such as Panic attacks, Eating Disorders, Addictions and Anxiety associated with public speaking.